Here are the steps you have to take to delete your Snapchat account: Your account will now be deactivated for 30 days. All you need to do to permanently delete it is refrain from logging back in during these weeks. Do you want to save all your favorite photos and videos before they’re gone forever? Need a more intensive guide for getting rid of Snapchat? Read the full article below and we’ll answer all that and more. However, criticism of Snapchat has been growing rapidly in recent years. There are many concerns about the company’s privacy policy, as well as the amount of personal data that Snapchat stores and collects. On top of that, many people claim the app has negatively affected their mental health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you looking to take a break from Snapchat or even delete your account permanently? In this article, we’ve got a step-by-step guide for doing so. It will only take a couple of minutes!
Before You Start: Download and Back Up Your Snapchat Data
Though you might be ready to delete the Snapchat app, it can be nice to hold onto those old photos or videos that you’ve saved in Memories. After all, you may want to look back at your graduation day, or that summer beach trip if you don’t have the media stored elsewhere. In order to download and back up your Snapchat data, you need a verified email address to which your data can be sent.
How to download Snapchat data via PC
Downloading your Snapchat data to your laptop or PC is the easiest and fastest option. Just follow these steps: You should now be able to back up your data and save it wherever you want.
How to download Snapchat data on Android and iOS
If you want to download your Snapchat directly from the app onto your phone, these are the steps you should follow: If your mobile device has the storage and space needed to save the file, and the software to open ZIPs, you can download it there. Otherwise, you could still download it elsewhere.
How to Delete Your Snapchat Account Permanently
Unfortunately, there is no direct way to delete a Snapchat account without going through a 30-day deactivation period first. While there were ways around this in the past, nowadays you simply have to refrain from logging in and using Snapchat for that 30-day window before your data is wiped from their servers. You also won’t be able to permanently delete your account directly from the Snapchat app itself. Instead, you have to go through the browser portal. Depending on whether you use Android or iOS for the app, the deletion process is slightly different. But either way, it’s fast and easy. We’ll walk you through it.
How to delete Snapchat on Android or web
No matter what device you use the app with primarily, the easiest way to delete your Snapchat account is via web browser on a laptop or other PC. You can’t actually delete your account via the Android app. Keep in mind that Snapchat may use two-step verification for the login process. Here’s what you do: The 30-day deactivation period has now started. Just make sure you don’t log back into your account. A little over four weeks later, your account will be permanently deleted.
How to delete Snapchat on iOS
You can also permanently delete Snapchat from your iPhone or iPad via the app itself. These are the steps to follow: You are now in the 30-day waiting period. If you refrain from logging back into your account, your Snapchat will be permanently deleted after 30 days.
Will my Snapchat info really be gone forever?
Snapchat claims that they hold onto certain data, even after your account is permanently deleted. This includes information about the accepted terms of service and any in-app purchases you’ve made. This is done for legal reasons. All other data — your account settings, Snapchat friends, chats, stories, location — will be deleted permanently. If you want to make sure your information is removed permanently, we recommend sending an email to support@snapchat.com after you’ve deleted your account to request whatever data they still hold on you.
How to Deactivate Snapchat
Not everyone wants to delete their accounts entirely. Some social media networks let deactivate your account for as long as you want, whenever you want. That way you can take a break from the apps whenever you feel the need. This isn’t really an option for Snapchat users. While you can technically deactivate your Snapchat account whenever you like, you’re limited to 30-day deactivation intervals before it’s deleted permanently. To deactivate your account, just run through the steps we listed above. While your account is not active, your friends on Snapchat won’t be able to contact you or interact with you, and your profile will be completely invisible, so no one can search you out. But if you forget to log back in before the 30-day non-active period is up, your account is gone forever.
Reactivating your Snapchat account
All you need to do to reactivate your deactivated account is make sure you log back into Snapchat before the deactivation period is over. Use your username and password to do so. It’s not possible to reactivate your account with only your email address. Once logged in, you’ll regain access to all of your contacts, memories, and in-app purchases. Keep in mind that it can take up to 24 hours to reactivate your Snapchat account. Your account deactivation cannot be reversed after 30 days. You’ll have to sign up for a new account to use Snapchat, and your former username may no longer be available.
Why You Should Delete Snapchat
Snapchat allows users to share photos or videos with added filters or augmented reality (AR) lenses. One fun thing about Snapchat is that you can set a timer for each of the “snaps” you send, after which they automatically self-destruct and disappear. However, since the moment Snapchat entered the market, there have been concerns about whether photos and videos are actually removed or not. As it turns out, other users can screenshot or screen-record your snaps, even without your knowledge. It’s also possible to buy replays of snaps within the app. On top of that, Snapchat admitted in the past that “disappeared” content actually remained stored on backup servers for a certain period of time.
Snapchat and data collection
When it comes to data collection, in general, Snapchat keeps all sorts of tabs on you. This includes data from when you are using the app, such as your device data and location data, as well as any content you deliberately offer up. Moreover, Snapchat has access to all the contact lists you share with them, either via your phone or via other social media networks. This information is then freely exchanged between different advertisement companies and business partners. These are not the only privacy concerns. In 2019, it came to light that Snapchat employees were using a software tool called SnapLion to spy on users. Additionally, the app enables live location sharing for its SnapMap feature, through which users can find each other. This can put people, especially young users, in dangerous situations. You can always optimize your privacy settings for Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. But if you’re worried about the privacy risks associated with social media, we suggest using a VPN like NordVPN. A VPN can block trackers, hide your internet traffic and allow you to browse the web more anonymously.
Addiction, mental health concerns, and other criticisms
Finally, many critics have noted that using Snapchat can have serious consequences for people’s general and mental health. Here are some below:
The app is designed to be addictive and continuously tempts users to spend more time on their phones. Extended social media use can lead to all sorts of physical issues, including eye strain, headaches, and insomnia. Snapchat’s augmented reality features have been proven to lead to a distorted or negative self-image. This is especially harmful to teens and kids using the app. Snapchat and other social media overuse have been known to increase anxiety, stress, and loneliness.
All in all, Snapchat is not the safest or healthiest social media platform. While it’s a good start to optimize your Snapchat settings, you should consider deactivating or deleting your account if you want to increase your online privacy or improve your mental health.
Final Thoughts: Deleting Snapchat
With the amount of time spent looking at screens during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are now in need of a social media detox. By temporarily deactivating or permanently deleting your Instagram, Tinder, or Twitter account, chances are your mental health will improve. For Snapchat, there are also many security and privacy reasons to delete your account. Because it’s not possible to delete a Snapchat account right away, we recommend you start the process sooner than later. If you follow the steps outlined in this article, your account will be deactivated for 30 days before it will be permanently removed. If you’re looking for ways to improve your online privacy in the meantime, we recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data and limits opportunities for companies to mine your data. Check out our top 5 best VPNs, if you’re looking for ways to protect your social media accounts. Your account is now deactivated for 30 days. Refrain from logging in and your Snapchat will be permanently deleted after this period is over.
