How to delete your Snapchat account permanently

Deleting your Snapchat account is as easy as pie, if you follow the right steps. Learn the best way to delete your Snapchat account on the Android app, the iOS app, or from your browser.

If you haven’t made up your mind about deleting your account, we’ll help you understand more about how Snapchat handles your data and privacy.

Jump to…
How to delete your Snapchat account on iOS
How to delete your Snapchat account on Android
How to delete your Snapchat account from your browser
What is deleted when you delete your Snapchat account?
How to temporarily deactivate your Snapchat account
Can you recover a deleted Snapchat account?
When will your Snapchat account be deleted?
What is Snapchat’s privacy policy?
How does Snapchat use your information?
Is Snapchat safe?
FAQ: About deleting your Snapchat account

How to delete your Snapchat account on iOS

The Snapchat app for iOS lets you easily delete your account from within the app. Whether you’re using iPhone or iPad, here’s how to delete your Snapchat account:

1. In the Snapchat app, tap your avatar on the top-left.
2. On the top-right, tap the Settings icon.
3. Under ACCOUNT ACTIONS, tap Delete Account.
4. Sign in to your Snapchat account.
5. Enter your password, then tap CONTINUE.
6. You’ll see a screen that says “Account Deactivated.”

Snapchat will first deactivate your account for 30 days. During this period, if you change your mind, you can reactivate your account by logging in again. After 30 days, the deletion process will start, taking an additional 30 days to complete. Your account will be deleted permanently after 60 days.

How to delete your Snapchat account on Android

Deleting your Snapchat account on the Android app involves a few more steps than the iOS app. The deletion process is essentially the same on Android and on the browser version. You’ll have to tap a few more buttons to get to the deletion page (which is also accessible on the web).

1. In the Snapchat app, tap your avatar on the top-left.
2. On the top-right, tap the Settings icon.
3. Under SUPPORT, tap I Need Help.
   
4. Tap Managing My Account.
5. Tap Delete or Reactivate My Account.
   
6. Tap How do I delete my Snapchat account?.
7. Scroll down to the section that says “To delete your account if you’re on Android or on the web.”
8. Tap accounts portal.
   
9. Enter your password, then tap CONTINUE.
10. You’ll see a screen that says “Account Deactivated.”

Snapchat will first deactivate your account for 30 days. During this period, if you change your mind, you can reactivate your account by logging in again. After 30 days, the deletion process will start, taking an additional 30 days to complete. Your account will be deleted permanently after 60 days.

How to delete your Snapchat account from your browser

Snapchat also lets you delete your account through the browser version on your computer or mobile device. This can be particularly useful if you’ve already removed the Snapchat app from your iOS or Android.

1. In a web browser, go to Snapchat’s account deletion page.
2. Enter your username or email address, then click or tap Next.
   
3. Enter your password, then click or tap CONTINUE.
4. You’ll see a screen that says “Account Deactivated.”

Snapchat will first deactivate your account for 30 days. During this period, if you change your mind, you can reactivate your account by logging in again. After 30 days, the deletion process will start, taking an additional 30 days to complete. Your account will be deleted permanently after 60 days.

What is deleted when you delete your Snapchat account?

When you delete your Snapchat account, several things will also be deleted. According to Snapchat, these include your account settings, friends, Snaps, Chats, Story, device data, and location data.

However, Snapchat states that it may retain some personal data for certain legal, security, and business needs. This includes any purchases you may have made through Snapchat and the date you accepted Snapchat’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

After deleting your Snapchat account, it’s a good idea to delete the Snapchat app from your phone to free up space. Make sure to unlink any accounts associated with the app you’re deleting.

How to temporarily deactivate your Snapchat account

Do you just need a break? Snapchat doesn’t officially offer an option to deactivate your account temporarily, but there’s a workaround. Submit a request to delete your account by following the same steps as above. Snapchat won’t delete your account right away, but deactivate it for 30 days.

Just remember to reactivate your account before the 30 days are up by logging in again. Otherwise, your account won’t be recoverable.

Can you recover a deleted Snapchat account?

This depends on how long it’s been since you deleted your Snapchat account.

• Within 30 days: You can recover your account simply by signing in to your account.
• After 30 days: You cannot recover your account, as Snapchat has already started the deletion process.

When will my Snapchat account be deleted?

Your Snapchat account will be permanently deleted 60 days after you submit the deletion request. Snapchat will first deactivate your account for 30 days, then take another 30 days to delete your account. I hear you! If only deleting your account was as fast as snapping your friends.

What is Snapchat’s privacy policy?

Having second thoughts about deleting your Snapchat account? It might be a good idea to revisit what information the app collects from you, in case you want to keep using it.

According to Snapchat’s Privacy Policy, the app gathers three types of information:

• Information you give to Snapchat. For example: the personal details you submit when creating an account, like your name, email address, and birthday.
• Information that is collected when you use Snapchat. For example: your device information (e.g., your unique device identifiers) and the content you share (e.g., snaps that you send to your friends).
• Information about you from third parties. Since Snap Inc. owns and works with other companies, any information gathered by it or these third parties may be exchanged to gather more data from you.

How does Snapchat use your information?

The data Snapchat collects from you seems to be fairly standard, but how is this data used?

Here’s how Snapchat uses your data, according to its Privacy and Safety Hub page.

Showing you targeted ads

Snapchat personalizes the ads you see based on your personal information, your activity, and more. For example, if you’re been browsing clothing websites, you may see more fashion-related ads on the Snapchat app.

Improving and developing features

For example, Snapchat looks at the mostly used Filters and Lenses by users and decides what to create next.

Operating the app

For instance, Snapchat uses your location data to help you explore the Map and share your location with friends.

Personalizing your user experience

If you show interest in a particular topic, Snapchat will show relevant content in your Discover and Spotlight content.

Is Snapchat safe?

Snapchat is no safer than any other messaging app. In May 2019, it was involved in a data-tracking scandal. Its employees had access to an internal tool called SnapLion that allowed them to gather user data in response to law enforcement requests. However, some of them exploited the tool and tracked different things about users, including location information, saved Snaps, phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal details.

In 2020, an American woman sued Snapchat for encouraging the circulation of videos of her sexual assault. Several men took videos of the assault and uploaded them to Snapchat. Snapchat makes content disappear from the chat after it’s been viewed by the recipient, making it hard for law enforcement to gather potential evidence and investigate the assault.

Looking for privacy-focused alternatives to Snapchat? We’ve compiled a list of the best messaging apps for privacy and security.

Read more: How to delete your Facebook account, Google search history, and more