How to delete Snapchat account permanently
Whether you’re new to Snapchat and uncertain about its allure or a seasoned user feeling overwhelmed and considering permanently deleting your account, we’ve got you covered. This guide will take you through the steps to permanently delete your Snapchat account using either a smartphone or a PC/laptop. Additionally, it provides steps to restore your account in case of a change of heart. Take a look!
Contents
How to delete a Snapchat account permanently
on Android mobile phone and laptop/ PC
- Open your web browser on the Android device and search for accounts.snapchat.com.
- Enter your Snapchat username and tap “Next.”
- Enter your Snapchat password and tap “Next.”
- Select “Delete My Account” from the options.
- Re-enter your username and password for confirmation. Snapchat clarifies that account deletion isn’t immediate—it takes 30 days to permanently delete your account. If you want to download your Snapchat data, do so before requesting deletion, as Snapchat won’t be able to assist within that 30-day window once the deletion process starts.
- Tap “Continue” at the bottom.
Following these steps will result in the deletion of your Snapchat account.
on iPhone
The process to delete Snapchat on an iPhone or iPad differs slightly from the Android method.
- Open the Snapchat app on your iPhone.
- Tap the profile icon (often displaying your Bitmoji) located at the top-left corner of the main screen.
- Then, tap the gear icon positioned in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and select “Delete Account” within the Account Actions section.
This action redirects you to the Snapchat Accounts website, where the remaining steps mirror those outlined in the Android guide. Additionally, these steps apply when deleting Snapchat on iPadOS.
How to restore the Snapchat account
During the 30-day period following its scheduled deletion, a Snapchat account can be reactivated using these steps:
- Open Snapchat using your preferred platform (Android, iOS, PC, or Mac).
- Log in by entering your Snapchat username and password.
- When prompted about reactivating your account, select “Yes.”
- Wait for a few moments as instructed. Click “OK.”
- After a few minutes, attempt to log in again. You should now be able to access your account.
How to download and backup Snapchat data before deleting the account
- Open the Snapchat Accounts page on a web browser or access Snapchat settings on your phone under “My Data.” Log in using your Snapchat username and password if you’re not already logged in.
- Select the type of data you wish to download from the provided list, such as login history, account information, snap history, saved chats, memories, friends, search history, Bitmoji, purchase history, Snapchat support, and location.
- Choose the specific date range for the data you wish to download. If you want all data, disable this option.
- Enter the email address where you’d like to receive the download link.
- Click on “Submit.”
- Allow some time for the data to be processed. Once completed, you’ll receive a compressed zip file containing your Snapchat data via email. Download and unzip the file to access your data.
Additionally, to review past data download requests, navigate to “See exports.” Click on “Download” to access previously requested data.
FAQs
How much time do I get to restore the deleted Snapchat account?
You have the option to recover your deleted Snapchat account within a 30-day period from the day you initiated the deletion process.
Can I disable Snapchat temporarily?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct way to temporarily disable your Snapchat account. The only option is to delete it, but make sure to restore it within the 30-day window; otherwise, you’ll lose your account permanently. The steps for temporarily disabling Snapchat on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac are identical. Another approach could be uninstalling the app or using Digital Wellbeing/Screen Time App Locks to limit access and prevent its use.
Can you reactivate the Snapchat account using the registered email ID?
Unfortunately, you can’t reactivate or restore an account within the 30-day window using the registered email ID. You’ll need to use the Snapchat username and password. If you’ve forgotten the username, you can select the “Forgot Password” option, and the company will email you the username to your registered email ID.