Leaving Snapchat? Here's How to Take Your Memories With You

Why People Leave Snapchat

Every day, users decide to leave Snapchat for various reasons:

• Privacy concerns: Uncomfortable with data collection practices
• Storage costs: The new 5GB limit and paid tiers
• Platform fatigue: Too many apps, not enough time
• Moving on: Interests and social circles change
• Simplifying: Digital minimalism and reducing screen time

Whatever your reason, your memories shouldn't be collateral damage.

What Happens When You Delete Your Account

When you delete your Snapchat account:

1. Immediate: Account enters 30-day deactivation period
2. After 30 days: Account is permanently deleted
3. Your memories: Gone forever with no recovery option
4. Saved snaps others sent you: Also gone
5. Bitmoji: Disconnected from other apps

Complete Exit Checklist

Phase 1: Before You Export

1. Open Memories
2. Scroll to see roughly how many memories you have
3. Consider: hundreds or thousands?

• Do you have memories in My Eyes Only?
• Do you remember the passcode?
• My Eyes Only memories need the passcode to export

• Under 500 memories: Manual in-app export works
• 500-2000: Consider automation
• 2000+: Automation strongly recommended

Phase 2: Export Your Memories

1. Open Memories
2. Select up to 100 items
3. Tap Export then Download
4. Repeat until complete
5. Verify all files saved to camera roll

1. Go to accounts.snapchat.com
2. Navigate to My Data
3. Enable Memory export
4. Submit request
5. Wait for email (1-7 days)
6. Download within 24-48 hours
7. Complete all file downloads before links expire

1. Request data export
2. Upload ZIP to tool like LeaveSnap
3. Wait for processing
4. Download organized archive

Phase 3: Verify Your Export

Before deleting anything, confirm:

• File count matches memory count
• Files actually open and aren't corrupted
• Both photos AND videos exported
• Date range covers your entire history
• My Eyes Only items included (if applicable)

Phase 4: Create Backups

Don't rely on a single copy:

1. Primary: Upload to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud)
2. Secondary: Copy to external hard drive
3. Tertiary: Consider a second cloud service

Having three copies in different locations protects against:

• Cloud service failures
• Hard drive failures
• Accidental deletion

Phase 5: Organize (Optional but Recommended)

While memories are fresh, consider organizing:

• By year: Create folders for each year
• By event: Group significant occasions
• By person: If face recognition is available
• Delete duplicates: Clean up the archive

This is easier to do now than years from now.

Phase 6: Delete Your Account

Only after confirming backup success:

1. Go to accounts.snapchat.com
2. Navigate to Delete My Account
3. Enter password to confirm
4. Account enters 30-day deactivation
5. After 30 days, deletion is permanent

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deleting before exporting

Some users delete their account impulsively, then realize they wanted their memories. There's no undo button.

Exporting but not downloading

Getting the ZIP file isn't enough. You must actually download every memory file before links expire.

Only one backup

A single copy isn't a backup. Hard drives fail. Cloud services have outages. Keep multiple copies.

Forgetting My Eyes Only

These memories are hidden by default. Check if you have any and export them separately if needed.

Rushing the process

Take your time. Verify everything. The 30-day deactivation period exists so you can change your mind.

Where to Store Memories Long-Term

Cloud Storage Options

• 15GB free (shared with Gmail/Drive)
• Excellent search and organization
• Works on all devices

• 5GB free
• Seamlessly integrated with Apple devices
• Good for iPhone users

• Unlimited photos for Prime members
• Good option if you have Prime

Local Storage

• One-time cost
• No monthly fees
• Physical backup you control

• Advanced option
• Accessible from anywhere
• Can be configured for automatic backup

Life After Snapchat

Alternative Apps for Capturing Memories

• Native camera app: Photos stay on your device
• Google Photos: Automatic backup and organization
• Instagram: Similar ephemeral stories (if desired)
• Simple photo album apps: No social features

Building Better Habits

Consider why you're leaving and what you want instead:

• More privacy? Use apps that don't require accounts
• Less distraction? Schedule specific times for photos
• Simpler life? Fewer apps, more intentional capturing

Final Thoughts

Your memories represent moments from your life that can never be recreated. Social media platforms come and go, but these moments remain meaningful.

Taking the time to properly export, verify, and backup your memories before leaving Snapchat is an investment in preserving your personal history. Don't let convenience or impatience lead to permanent loss.

Whether you use manual methods or automation, the goal is the same: walk away with everything that matters to you, safely stored somewhere you control.