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Guide10 min read

How to Transfer Snapchat Memories to Google Photos or iCloud

Step-by-step guide to moving your Snapchat memories to Google Photos or iCloud for permanent, organized cloud backup.

Why Move Memories to Cloud Storage?

Keeping your memories only in Snapchat has several risks:

  • Storage limits: Snapchat now enforces a 5GB free limit
  • Platform dependency: If you lose access to your account, memories go with it
  • Limited organization: Snapchat's interface isn't designed for browsing years of photos
  • No external backup: Your memories exist only on Snapchat's servers

Moving to Google Photos or iCloud provides:

  • More storage options and often more free space
  • Better organization and search features
  • Integration with your photos from other sources
  • True ownership of your files

Method 1: In-App Export to Camera Roll, Then Sync

This is the simplest approach for small collections.

Step 1: Export from Snapchat to Camera Roll

  1. Open Snapchat and swipe up to access Memories
  2. Tap the checkmark icon to enter selection mode
  3. Select up to 100 photos/videos at a time
  4. Tap Export, then Download
  5. Files save to your camera roll
  6. Repeat until all memories are exported

Step 2: Sync to Google Photos

On Android: Google Photos usually backs up your camera roll automatically.

  1. Open Google Photos app
  2. Tap your profile picture, then Photos settings
  3. Ensure Backup is ON

On iPhone:

  1. Open Google Photos app
  2. Tap your profile picture, then Photos settings, then Backup
  3. Turn on backup
  4. The app will upload your camera roll

Backup the Snapchat folder specifically:

  1. In Google Photos, go to Library, then Photos on device
  2. Find the Snapchat folder
  3. Toggle backup ON for that folder

Step 2 (Alternative): Sync to iCloud

On iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings, then Your Name, then iCloud, then Photos
  2. Enable iCloud Photos
  3. Photos from your camera roll automatically upload

Note: iCloud syncs your entire camera roll, not individual folders. Your Snapchat exports will upload as part of your regular photos.

Method 2: Download My Data Then Upload

For larger collections, the web export is more efficient.

Step 1: Request Your Data

  1. Go to accounts.snapchat.com
  2. Log in and click My Data
  3. Toggle on Include your Memories History to ON
  4. Select your date range
  5. Submit and wait for the email

Step 2: Download the ZIP

  1. Click the download link in the email
  2. Download the ZIP file to your computer
  3. Extract the contents

Step 3: Download Individual Memory Files

Open the extracted folder and navigate to the HTML file for memories. In your browser, you'll need to click each download link to save the actual files. This is time-consuming for large collections.

Alternatively, use a tool like MemorEasy or LeaveSnap to automate this process.

Step 4: Upload to Google Photos

On Computer:

  1. Go to photos.google.com
  2. Click Upload, then Computer
  3. Select the folder containing your Snapchat memories
  4. Wait for upload to complete

On Phone:

  1. Transfer files to your phone
  2. Let Google Photos back them up automatically

Step 4 (Alternative): Upload to iCloud

On Mac:

  1. Open the Photos app
  2. Go to File, then Import
  3. Select your Snapchat memories folder
  4. Photos will sync to iCloud automatically

On Windows:

  1. Install iCloud for Windows
  2. Enable iCloud Photos
  3. Copy files to the iCloud Photos upload folder

Preserving Dates and Organization

One major issue: Snapchat exports often lose the original capture dates. Your 2019 memories may appear as if taken today.

Fixing Date Metadata

This Python tool embeds the correct dates from Snapchat's JSON metadata into your photo files.

Memories are automatically organized by actual capture date, not download date.

Some photo management software lets you edit the capture date field manually, but this is impractical for large collections.

Storage Considerations

Google Photos

  • 15GB free (shared with Gmail and Drive)
  • 100GB for roughly 2 dollars per month
  • Unlimited at reduced quality with certain Google One plans

iCloud

  • 5GB free (shared across all Apple services)
  • 50GB for about 1 dollar per month
  • 200GB for about 3 dollars per month

Snapchat (for comparison)

  • 5GB free
  • Additional storage available at comparable prices

Comparison: Staying on Snapchat vs Cloud Backup

FeatureSnapchatGoogle PhotosiCloud
Free storage5GB15GB5GB
Search by contentLimitedAI-poweredGood
Date organizationBy save dateBy capture dateBy capture date
Face recognitionNoYesYes
Cross-device accessSnapchat app onlyAny deviceApple devices
OwnershipIn SnapchatDownloadableDownloadable

Using LeaveSnap to Streamline the Process

If the manual export process seems overwhelming, LeaveSnap automates the entire workflow:

  1. Upload your Snapchat export ZIP
  2. LeaveSnap downloads all memories (handling expiring links)
  3. Memories are organized by year and month
  4. Download everything, properly dated and organized
  5. Upload to Google Photos or iCloud directly

This turns a multi-day project into a streamlined process.

Summary

Moving your Snapchat memories to Google Photos or iCloud gives you:

  • Better organization and search
  • True file ownership
  • Freedom from platform lock-in
  • More flexible storage options

Whether you export manually or use automation tools, the key is to act before Snapchat's storage limits or expired links put your memories at risk.

Sources

Ready to Export Your Memories?

LeaveSnap makes it easy to download, organize, and preserve all your Snapchat memories with original dates and metadata intact.

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How to Transfer Snapchat Memories to Google Photos or iCloud | LeaveSnap