To delete your Snapchat account, open Settings in the app and choose Delete My Account, or go to Snapchat's accounts portal on the web, then log in and confirm. Your account is deactivated first and deleted after a set waiting period, which Snapchat Support gives as about 30 days.
That waiting period is the most useful thing to know. Until it ends, you can still change your mind by logging back in. Once it's over, deletion is final, so it's worth a few minutes of preparation first.
Before you start: a quick checklist
- Save what you want to keep. Memories, chats and photos go with the account. The download section below shows how.
- Cancel any paid subscription. If you pay for an extra Snapchat plan, you usually manage that through the App Store or Google Play, and deleting the account doesn't always cancel the billing. Check the current terms.
- Have your password handy. Snapchat asks you to log in again before it will start the deletion.
- Tell the people who matter. Once you're gone, friends can't message you there. If you talk to someone daily, share another way to reach you.
How to delete your Snapchat account in the app
The steps are nearly the same on iPhone and Android. Snapchat moves things around now and then, so if a menu name looks different on your phone, search the app's settings for the word "delete".
On iPhone
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile picture or Bitmoji in the top-left corner.
- Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.
- Scroll down to the account actions section and tap Delete My Account.
- Snapchat opens its accounts portal. Enter your username and password and tap Continue.
- Confirm that you want to delete the account. It's now deactivated and the waiting period starts.
On Android
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile picture or Bitmoji at the top left.
- Tap the gear icon at the top right to open Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list and tap Delete My Account.
- Log in with your username and password on the page that opens.
- Confirm the deletion. Your account is now deactivated.
Whichever phone you use, there's one catch worth knowing. Logging back in during the waiting period can bring the account back, so don't open the app out of habit afterwards.
How to delete your account on the web
You don't need the app at all. This route is handy if you've lost the phone or can't open Snapchat on it.
- Open a browser on your phone or computer and search for Snapchat's accounts portal. Use the official Snapchat page, not a link someone sent you.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Find the option to delete your account. It may be listed as Delete My Account or sit under a section about account information.
- Re-enter your password if it asks, then confirm.
If you can't log in because you've forgotten the password, fix that first with the reset option on the login page. Snapchat has to know it's really you before it deletes anything, and that's a good thing.
Download your data first
Deletion takes your Memories, snaps and chat history with it. If you'd like a copy, Snapchat has a My Data tool for exactly that.
- In the app, go to Settings and look for My Data. You can also find it in the accounts portal after you log in.
- Choose what you want in the export, such as Memories or chat history.
- Pick the date range if it asks and enter the email address where the file should go.
- Submit the request and wait for the email. Snapchat sends a link, and you download the file from there.
Do this before you delete. Once the account is gone, there's nothing left to export. And if you only want to tidy up rather than leave, you could remove single posts instead; I've covered how to delete a Snapchat story separately.
What your friends will see
Once the account is deactivated, you disappear from other people's friends lists and chats. They won't be able to send you snaps or find your profile in search. Snapchat doesn't announce it to everyone, so some friends may simply notice you've gone quiet. If you'd like to say goodbye, send a message before you start.
It also helps to remember that your username and your Bitmoji belong to the account. When the deletion goes through, you can't pick the account up again later and carry on where you stopped, so a fresh start would mean a brand-new account.
How to get it back during the waiting period
Changed your mind? While the account is deactivated, you can usually reactivate it.
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- Open Snapchat on your phone.
- Log in with the same username and password you used before.
- Follow the prompt that offers to reactivate the account.
I'd treat this as a safety net, not a plan. Your friends list and settings may need a quick check afterwards, and once the waiting period has passed, Snapchat generally can't bring the account back. If you're not sure you're done with the app, wait a few days before you start.
Delete vs log out vs remove the app
Lots of people search for deletion when they only want a break. Here's how the options compare.
| Option | What happens to your account | Can you undo it? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Log out | Account stays exactly as it was. Friends can still send you snaps. | Yes, log in again at any time. | A quick break from notifications. |
| Remove the app | Account stays active. You just can't open it on that phone. | Yes, reinstall and log in. | Freeing up space or avoiding temptation. |
| Deactivate and delete | Account is deactivated, then deleted after the waiting period. | Only during the waiting period, by logging in. | Leaving Snapchat for good. |
| Block one person | Account stays active. That one person can't contact you. | Yes, you can unblock them later. | Dealing with one unwanted contact. |
If the real problem is one person, deleting everything is a big step. Learning how to block someone on Snapchat might solve it without losing your photos and friends. And if you're leaving because of a messy friends list, take a look at what the Snapchat best friends list shows before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to delete a Snapchat account?
Your account is deactivated straight away. Snapchat Support gives the waiting period before it's permanently deleted as about 30 days. If you log back in during that time, the account can come back.
Can I delete my Snapchat account from the app only?
You can start from the Settings menu in the app, but Snapchat sends you to its accounts portal in a browser to finish. You can also do the whole thing on the web without the app.
Will deleting Snapchat cancel my subscription?
Not necessarily. Subscriptions are usually billed through the App Store or Google Play, so cancel there first and check the current terms.
Can I get my account back after it's deleted?
Once the waiting period is over, deletion is generally final. That's why it's best to download your data first and wait a few days if you're unsure.
What's the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivating is the first stage: your account is hidden and the waiting period runs. Deleting is the end result, when the account is removed for good.
