How to delete Snapchat | Crushable

The world of social media is fast-paced and can be fickle and bland. While last month you might have happily sent Snaps, posted Stories, and maintained Snapstreaks, this month the multimedia messaging service may seem a little outdated.

Simply deleting the Snapchat app from your smartphone will not close your account. If you want to deactivate, delete or deactivate your Snapchat, we’re here to tell you how.

(Editor’s note: If you want to delete your Snapchat because you are being cyberbullied, you can find out where to get advice and support online via The Cybersmile Foundation.)

The trick to deactivating Snapchat

Unlike other social media platforms, Snapchat does not allow you to temporarily deactivate your account. The only way to deactivate your Snapchat account is to go through the deletion process, which gives you 30 days to reactivate your Snapchat account.

If this is a route you want to take to see if you can live without the social media service, follow our tips on how to delete Snapchat below. You can then set a reminder a few days before the 30 day deadline to make your final decision on whether to deactivate or reactivate your account.

Before you decide to delete Snapchat…

Before deleting your Snapchat account, you may want to download your Snapchat data. This is well within your rights and relatively simple to do. In fact, you can choose to do this at any time, not just because you’re about to delete your account.

Please note that for security reasons you will need a verified email address to upload your data.

how to download your Snapchat data

What do you need

• iPhone

• Snapchat

• verified email address

Step 1: Log in to Snapchat at account.snapchat.com

You cannot download your Snapchat data through the app. If you do not log in to the website often, a “Suspicious Login” page may appear.

Credit: Snapchat

Step 2: Enter the code that the site will send to you via SMS or your registered email address.

Step 3: Click “My Data” on the account homepage.

Credit: Snapchat

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Submit Request”.

The screen explains for you what type of data Snapchat has recorded. You should receive a copy of your Snapchat data as a ZIP file to your verified email address, usually within 24 hours. Note that you must wait to receive this before deleting your account, otherwise the ZIP file will not be sent.

Credit: Snapchat

Deactivate and permanently delete your Snapchat account

As we’ve already explained, the Snapchat removal process gives you a 30-day cooling-off period, meaning you can change your mind during that time.

how to delete your Snapchat

What do you need

• iPhone

• Snapchat

• verified email address

Step 1: Log in to Snapchat at account.snapchat.com.

Step 2: Go to the Snapchat account management screen.

Step 3: Go to the page and select “Delete my account”.

Credit: Snapchat

Step 4: Enter your username and password. Select “Continue”.

The “Delete Account” page gives you an overview of the process.

Credit: Snapchat

And that’s all! Your Snapchat account no longer exists worldwide. Your Snapchat account is now officially deactivated, which means your friends will no longer be able to contact you on Snapchat. After 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted.

If you verified your email with Snapchat, you will receive a confirmation email when this finally happens.

You will see this when you have successfully deactivated your account.
Credit: Snapchat

Exercise the right to change your mind and reactivate your Snapchat account

If you change your mind during the 30-day deactivation period, you can reactivate your Snapchat account. To do this, simply log in to Snapchat using your username (not your email) and password.

It can sometimes take 24 hours before a deactivated account can be reactivated. If you attempt to do this within 24 hours, you may see a “Could not find user” error message. Wait, then try again.

Can I reactivate my Snapchat account after 30 days?

If you want to access your old account again, we’re sorry, but this is impossible. According to a Snapchat spokesperson, a permanently deleted account means that all account settings, friends, Snaps, Chats, Stories, device data and location data are deleted from the database main users.

If you want to get back into Snapchat in general, you can create a completely new account – but you won’t be able to use your old username, even if it hasn’t been recovered. According to the Snapchat spokesperson, new users cannot claim a previous username. And since all of that data has been deleted, you’ll have to manually add all of your friends back and recreate any content you might have had. So make sure Really I want to get out before I pull the plug!

Related video: how to permanently delete your social media

This article was originally published in January 2021 and updated in June 2024.