What happens to my Memories when I delete Snapchat?

All Memories (saved Snaps and Stories) are permanently deleted when your account is deleted. This includes everything backed up to Memories on Snapchat's servers. Make sure to download your data before deletion if you want to keep any photos or videos.

Will my Snapstreaks be lost if I delete my account?

Yes. All Snapstreaks, regardless of how long you've maintained them, are immediately lost when you delete your account. They cannot be recovered or transferred to a new account. If you reactivate within 30 days, your streaks may be restored if they haven't expired.

Can I keep my username if I delete and come back later?

No. Once your account is permanently deleted (after the 30-day period), your username is released and becomes available for anyone to claim. If you create a new Snapchat account in the future, you'll need to choose a new username if yours has been taken.

What happens to my Bitmoji when I delete Snapchat?

If you created your Bitmoji through Snapchat, it may be affected by deletion. If you have a separate Bitmoji account, it will remain active but disconnected from Snapchat. To preserve your Bitmoji, unlink it from Snapchat before deletion or ensure you have standalone Bitmoji app access.

How long does Snapchat actually keep my data after deletion?

Snapchat states that account data is deleted from their servers within 30 days after the grace period ends. However, some information may be retained longer for legal or operational reasons. Unopened Snaps are deleted after 30 days, while opened Snaps are typically deleted immediately from servers.

Can I delete Snapchat but keep my phone number for a new account?

Yes. After your account is permanently deleted, you can use the same phone number or email address to create a new Snapchat account. However, you cannot use the same username if it has been claimed by someone else.

What happens to Snaps I sent to others when I delete my account?

Snaps you sent that haven't been opened yet will be deleted when your account is deleted. Already-opened Snaps follow Snapchat's normal deletion policy (deleted from servers after opening). Your messages in chat may remain visible to recipients until they're manually cleared.

How to Delete Your Snapchat Account - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written & Verified By

Delete.Directory Content Team

Our team of privacy advocates and former social media employees verify every deletion process through hands-on testing.

This guide helps you permanently delete your Snapchat account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.

How We Verified This Guide

Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts

Quick Information

Time Required

3 minutes

Difficulty

easy

Steps

5 steps

Official Resources

Snapchat Support - Delete Your Account

Official deletion guide from Snapchat

Additional Resources

[1]

Download Your Snapchat Data

Official guide for downloading your Snapchat data before deletion

[2]

Snapchat Privacy Center

Understanding how Snapchat handles your data and privacy

[3]

About Account Deactivation

Learn about the 30-day grace period and reactivation process

Step-by-Step Guide

Visit Snapchat Accounts Portal

Go to accounts.snapchat.com in your web browser. You can also access this through the Snapchat mobile app by going to Settings > Account Actions > Delete Account.

Tips

•The website method is often faster and clearer
•Make sure you're using a web browser, not the main Snapchat app camera screen

Log Into Your Account

Enter your Snapchat username (or email) and password to log in. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you'll need to complete that verification step.

Tips

•Use your Snapchat username, not your display name
•If you've forgotten your password, reset it before attempting deletion

Navigate to Delete Account Page

Once logged in to the accounts portal, you'll see various account management options. Click or tap on 'Delete Account' option. Snapchat will display information about what happens when you delete your account.

Warnings

•Make sure you're selecting 'Delete' not just logging out
•Consider downloading your Memories if you want to keep any saved Snaps

Review and Confirm Deletion

Read through Snapchat's information about the 30-day grace period and what data will be deleted. Enter your password again to verify this action, then click 'Continue' to proceed with deletion.

Tips

•You have 30 days to change your mind
•Your username will be released and available for others after deletion

Account Deactivated

Your account is now deactivated and hidden from other users. If you don't log in for 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted. To reactivate during the grace period, simply log in again.

Warnings

•Logging in at any point during 30 days will cancel the deletion
•After 30 days, all data is permanently deleted and unrecoverable

Important Warnings

30-Day Grace Period Before Permanent Deletion

Your Snapchat account is immediately deactivated when you request deletion, but it's not permanently deleted right away. Snapchat keeps your account for 30 days in case you change your mind. If you log in during this period, your account is automatically reactivated. After 30 days without logging in, your account and all data are permanently deleted.

All Memories Permanently Deleted

When your account is permanently deleted, all your saved Memories (Snaps and Stories you've saved) are permanently deleted from Snapchat's servers. This includes photos and videos backed up to Memories. Make sure to download any content you want to keep before deletion.

Snap Score and Streaks Lost Forever

Your Snap Score, all Snapstreaks with friends, Bitmoji, Spectacles data, and friend connections are permanently deleted. These cannot be recovered or transferred to a new account. If streaks are important to you, make sure you're certain about deletion.

Username Released and Cannot Be Recovered

After deletion, your Snapchat username is permanently released and can be claimed by anyone, including impersonators. You cannot reserve your username, and if you create a new account later, you'll need to choose a different username if yours has been taken.

Bitmoji Account May Be Affected

If you created your Bitmoji through Snapchat, deleting Snapchat may disconnect your Bitmoji. If you have a separate Bitmoji account, it will remain active, but you'll need to unlink it from Snapchat before deletion if you want to preserve access.

Spectacles and Connected Devices

If you own Snapchat Spectacles or other connected devices, they will be disconnected from your account upon deletion. You'll need to set them up with a new account if you want to continue using them. Spectacles content may be lost if not backed up.

Alternatives to Consider

Download Your Snapchat Data First

easy

Before deleting, request a copy of your Snapchat data including your account information, Snap history, and Memories. This process can take several days.

Pros

•Keep a backup of all your saved Memories
•See what data Snapchat has collected about you
•Download includes account info and activity history
•Free service provided by Snapchat
•You own the downloaded data permanently

Cons

•Can take up to 30 days to receive your data
•Large file sizes for users with many Memories
•Requires separate request before deletion
•Download link expires after 30 days

10 min

Remove the App and Disable Notifications

easy

Delete the Snapchat app from your phone and disable email notifications to take a break without fully deleting your account. Your account remains active but you won't be tempted to use it.

Pros

•Fully reversible - reinstall the app anytime
•Keep your username, friends, and Memories
•Maintain your Snap Score and Streaks (if friends continue)
•No risk of username being taken

Cons

•Your data remains on Snapchat's servers
•Friends can still send you Snaps
•Streaks will eventually expire without interaction
•Doesn't address privacy concerns

2 min

Use Ghost Mode and Restrict Who Can Contact You

medium

Enable Ghost Mode to hide your location and adjust privacy settings to limit who can see your Story, send you Snaps, and view your location. This gives you privacy without deletion.

Pros

•Stay on Snapchat with maximum privacy settings
•Keep your account and all saved content
•Control exactly who can interact with you
•Can still use app for messaging select friends

Cons

•Requires manual configuration of all settings
•Snapchat still collects usage data
•Friends may notice your reduced activity
•Doesn't fully address data collection concerns

10 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only within 30 days of requesting deletion. Simply log back into your account using your username and password during this grace period, and Snapchat will automatically cancel the deletion and restore your account with all data intact. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and accounts cannot be recovered.

References & Citations

[1]
Download Your Snapchat Data
Official guide for downloading your Snapchat data before deletion
https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/a/download-my-data
[2]
Snapchat Privacy Center
Understanding how Snapchat handles your data and privacy
https://values.snap.com/privacy/privacy-center
[3]
About Account Deactivation
Learn about the 30-day grace period and reactivation process
https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/article/delete-reactivate

All citations verified as of 11/8/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.

Found incorrect information?

We strive for accuracy. If something's outdated or wrong, let us know.

Report incorrect information

Quick Navigation

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Critical Warnings

30-Day Grace Period Before Permanent Deletion
Your Snapchat account is immediately deactivated when you request deletion, but it's not permanently...
All Memories Permanently Deleted
When your account is permanently deleted, all your saved Memories (Snaps and Stories you've saved) a...
Snap Score and Streaks Lost Forever
Your Snap Score, all Snapstreaks with friends, Bitmoji, Spectacles data, and friend connections are ...

Last Updated

November 8, 2025

Snapchat Account Deletion

How We Verified This Guide

Quick Information

Official Resources

Additional Resources

Step-by-Step Guide

Visit Snapchat Accounts Portal

Log Into Your Account

Navigate to Delete Account Page

Review and Confirm Deletion

Account Deactivated

Important Warnings

30-Day Grace Period Before Permanent Deletion

All Memories Permanently Deleted

Snap Score and Streaks Lost Forever

Username Released and Cannot Be Recovered

Bitmoji Account May Be Affected

Spectacles and Connected Devices

Alternatives to Consider

Download Your Snapchat Data First

Remove the App and Disable Notifications

Use Ghost Mode and Restrict Who Can Contact You

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Citations

Found incorrect information?

Quick Navigation

Related Guides

Critical Warnings

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