How to deactivate or delete a Snapchat account

In this post, we will explain how users can delete Snapchat accounts. We've got you covered if you are in a social dilemma and want to get rid of your Snapchat account. Snapchat is another social media that threatens your privacy due to its data collection policies.

So if you consider closing your Snapchat account, here is our guide on how to deactivate and eventually how permanently delete your Snapchat account.

Snapchat explains, “While your account is deactivated, your friends will not be able to contact or interact with you on Snapchat. After 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted.

This means you will delete your account, account settings, friends, Snaps, Chats, Story, device data, and location data in our central user database.”

How to deactivate or delete your Snapchat account on your computer

You can delete your Snapchat account via the Accounts page:

1. Firstly, open your web browser.
2. Next, go to https://support.snapchat.com.
3. Then, click on My Account and Security in the left-hand side menu.
4. After that, click Account Security and then select Delete My Account.
5. Now press the blue hyperlink called Accounts Portal (This link will take you straight to the account deletion page once you log in).
6. Enter your account details to log in.
7. On the Delete Snapchat account screen, you'll be asked if you're sure about deleting your Snapchat account. Enter your username and password, then press Continue at the bottom of the page.

After you deactivate your Snapchat account, you still have 30 days to reactivate it. To do so, log back into the Snapchat app with your username and password within these 30 days. You must be patient, as it sometimes takes 24 hours to reactivate an account.

How to deactivate or delete a Snapchat account on iPhone or Android device

The method is the same for iPhones and Android smartphones, as you will do everything through the Snapchat app and Snapchat's website.

1. Open the Snapchat app.
2. Tap your avatar on the top left corner.
3. Tap the gear icon on the top right corner.
4. Scroll down to the Support heading and press I Need Help.
5. The link will take you to Snapchat's support page, just like in the desktop case. Use the hamburger button to open the menu, select “Account & Security,” then open the account information menu and select “Delete My Account” to initiate the delete Snapchat account process.
6. Tap the Accounts Portal link in the text and follow.
7. Now you're at the account deletion page. Type in your username and password; your account will be put into the 30-day recovery period. Just tap continue, and your account should be deleted a month later if you don't try to log in again.

How to permanently delete Snapchat

After taking steps to delete your Snapchat account, it will first be deactivated for 30 days. While your account is deactivated, your friends will not be able to contact or interact with you on Snapchat.

After 30 days, your Snapchat account will be permanently deleted. Your account settings, friends, Snaps, Chats, Story, device data, and location data in our central user database will be deleted. However, please note the following:

We may retain some personal data for certain legal, security, and business needs. For example, we'll retain information about any purchases you may have made through Snapchat and when you accepted our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Snapchat ToS

How to reactivate your Snapchat account

Want to reactivate your account? Just log into the Snapchat app with your username within 30 days of deactivating your account. While your account is inactive, you can only log in with your username and password. You can't log in with your email address, and you can't change your password.

Please Note: It can sometimes take 24 hours before you can reactivate a deactivated account.

FAQ

How to delete Snapchat from your phone?

On recent versions of Android, tap and hold the app icon to reveal the app's pop-up menu. The menu will feature an uninstall button at the bottom left, which you can press to delete Snapchat from your phone, as shown in the image below:

On iOS, touch and hold the app icon, the icon will start shaking, and you tap again to delete the app. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to find and delete Snapchat.

How to delete Snapchat conversations/How to clear Snapchat conversations

You can follow these steps to delete a Snapchat conversation:

1. Tap the cog button in your Profile screen to open Settings.
2. Scroll down and press ‘Clear Conversations. ‘
3. Tap the ‘X‘ next to a name to clear a conversation.

How to delete Snapchat messages

You can only delete a Snapchat message before the recipient opens it.

Here's how to do it on your iPhone or Android in the Snapchat mobile app: 

1. Open Snapchat.
2. Right swipe to open your chats.
3. Tap the conversation containing the message you want to delete.
4. Locate the message you want to delete, then tap and hold it to open a pop-up menu.
5. Choose Delete in the pop-up.