How to Deactivate or Delete Snapchat: Full Guide

This guide walks you through deactivating (temporarily disabling) or permanently deleting your Snapchat account. You’ll learn the exact steps for both options, what happens to your data in each case, and how to handle common issues like forgotten passwords or verification problems. Before you start, make sure you know your Snapchat password and have access to the phone number or email linked to your account.

What You’ll Need

• Your Snapchat username and password
• Access to the email address or phone number linked to your account (for verification)
• Your device’s web browser (deletion cannot be done in the app)
• If you have Snapchat+ subscription, cancel it first to avoid being charged

Step-by-Step

Option 1: Deactivate Your Account (Temporary)

1. Open the Snapchat app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile icon (Bitmoji) in the top-left corner.
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll down to the “Account Actions” section.
5. Tap “Delete Account”. Note: Snapchat uses this same menu for both deactivation and permanent deletion.
6. You’ll see a screen explaining that deleting your account is permanent. To deactivate temporarily instead, you must NOT proceed here. Instead, go to the web portal (see Option 2). The in-app option only leads to permanent deletion.
7. If you want to deactivate, close the app and go to accounts.snapchat.com on your computer or phone browser.
8. Log in with your username and password.
9. Click “Delete Account” in the menu.
10. You’ll see a warning about permanent deletion. Click “Continue”.
11. Enter your password again when prompted.
12. Click “Delete My Account”. Your account is now deactivated for 30 days. If you log in during that period, the deactivation is cancelled.

Option 2: Permanently Delete Your Account

1. Go to accounts.snapchat.com in a web browser.
2. Enter your username and password, then click “Log In”.
3. Click “Delete Account” in the menu on the left.
4. Read the warning carefully. It explains that deletion is permanent and you’ll lose all your Snaps, Chats, Stories, and Friends.
5. Click “Continue”.
6. Enter your password to confirm you are the account owner.
7. Click “Delete My Account”.
8. You’ll see a confirmation message. Your account enters a 30-day deactivation period.
9. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted. You cannot undo this.

Common Mistakes

• Thinking deactivation is deletion: Deactivation hides your account for 30 days. If you log in during that time, it’s restored. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be reversed.
• Using the app to delete: The Snapchat app only offers permanent deletion. Deactivation must be done through the web portal. Many users get confused and permanently delete when they only wanted a break.
• Forgetting to cancel Snapchat+: If you have a paid Snapchat+ subscription, deleting your account does not automatically cancel it. You must cancel it separately in the app or via your app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) to avoid being charged.
• Logging in during the 30-day window: If you log in to Snapchat after starting the deletion process, the deletion is cancelled and your account becomes active again. You’ll need to start over if you still want to delete.
• Not saving your data: Once deleted, your Memories (saved Snaps and Chats) are gone forever. There is no way to recover them after the 30-day period ends.

Tips

• Download your data first: Snapchat allows you to request a copy of your data before deleting. Go to the web portal, click “My Data”, and request a download. It can take up to 24 hours to receive the link.
• Use a strong password for the web portal: If you don’t remember your password, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. You’ll receive a reset link via email or SMS.
• Clear your device’s cache: After deletion, the app may still show your account. Uninstall and reinstall the app to clear all local data.
• Tell your friends: If you delete your account, your friends will no longer see you in their chat lists. Let them know beforehand if you want to stay in touch through other means.
• Consider a temporary break instead: If you just need a break, you can log out of the app and disable notifications. This keeps your account intact without the 30-day countdown.

Troubleshooting

I forgot my password. Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Snapchat will send a reset link to your linked email or phone. If you no longer have access to those, you cannot recover the account. Snapchat’s support cannot verify your identity without them.

I get an error saying “Account could not be deleted”. This usually means you have an active Snapchat+ subscription. Cancel it first, wait a few minutes, and try again. Also ensure you’re using the latest version of your browser and have a stable internet connection.

I logged in during the 30-day period by accident. Your deletion is cancelled. You’ll need to repeat the entire process from the web portal if you still want to delete.

The web portal won’t load. Try a different browser or clear your cookies. If you’re using a VPN, disable it temporarily. Snapchat’s servers can be slow during peak times, so wait a few minutes and refresh.

I deleted my account but the app still shows it. The app caches your data locally. Uninstall the app completely, then reinstall it. You should see the login screen. If you still see your account, your deletion was likely cancelled by a login attempt. Check your email for a confirmation from Snapchat.

I want to reactivate after 30 days. This is not possible. Once the 30-day period passes, your account is permanently deleted. You cannot recover any data. You must create a new account from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deactivating my account delete my friends’ chats with me? No. Your friends will still see your chat history on their end, but they won’t be able to send you new messages. Your account will appear as “deactivated” to them.

Can I delete my account from the Snapchat app? No, the app only leads you to the web portal. You must use a web browser at accounts.snapchat.com to complete the deletion process.

How long does it take for my account to be permanently deleted? After you request deletion, your account is deactivated for 30 days. If you don’t log in during that time, it’s permanently deleted at the end of the 30 days.

Will my username become available again after deletion? No. Snapchat does not release usernames of deleted accounts. You cannot reuse the same username for a new account.

What happens to my Snapchat+ subscription if I delete my account? Your subscription is not automatically cancelled. You must cancel it separately through the app store where you purchased it (Apple App Store or Google Play) to avoid future charges.

Can I recover my Memories after deleting my account? No. Once the 30-day period ends, all data including Memories is permanently erased from Snapchat’s servers. There is no backup or recovery option.

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