Can You Deactivate Snapchat?

  • 4 minute read

Yes, Snapchat users can deactivate their accounts.

If you’re considering taking a break from the social media platform, Snapchat offers a temporary deactivation option.

To deactivate your Snapchat account, you’ll need to navigate to the account settings, either through the website or the mobile app.

After logging in with your credentials, click on the “Delete my account” option.

Provide your username and password once more to confirm your identity, then proceed with the deactivation.

Note that deactivation is temporary, and the account will be permanently deleted after 30 days unless reactivated.

snapchat account deactivated

Reasons for Deactivating Snapchat

Various reasons can lead to the deactivation of a Snapchat account.

It could be due to privacy concerns, the need for a digital detox, a distraction from productivity, or simply the desire to switch to a different platform.

Difference between Deactivating and Deleting Snapchat

Deactivating Snapchat refers to a temporary pause where your account goes into a dormant state for 30 days.

Your account will not be visible to other users, but Snapchat preserves your data.

Conversely, deleting your Snapchat account is a permanent action.

Once deleted, your data is irretrievable, and the account cannot be reactivated.

After an account has been deactivated for 30 days without being logged into over that time period then the account will be deleted.

Backing Up Your Snapchat Data Before Deactivation

Before proceeding with deactivation, you may want to download your Snapchat data, especially if you intend to return to the platform.

Backing Up Data on a PC

  1. Visit accounts.snapchat.com and log in with your credentials.
  2. Click the “My Data” option.
  3. Select all the data you wish to download and click ‘next’.
  4. Select a date range (or turn the date range off to download all data).
  5. Provide a valid email address and click the “Submit Request” button.
  6. Snapchat will email you a link to download your data.

Backing Up Data on Mobile

  1. Open your Snapchat application.
  2. Tap your profile image in the top left corner.
  3. Tap the settings cog in the top right corner.
  4. Scroll down to “My Data” (this is the second to last option).
  5. Input your Snapchat credentials.
  6. Select all the data you wish to download and tap ‘next’.
  7. Select a date range (or turn date range off to download all data).
  8. Provide a valid email address and tap the “Submit Request” button.
  9. Snapchat will email you a link to download your data.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Deactivate Snapchat

Deactivating Snapchat on a PC

  1. Visit https://accounts.snapchat.com/.
  2. Log in to your account.
  3. Scroll down to “Delete my account”.
  4. Verify your identity by providing your username and password, then click “Continue”.
  5. Your account is now deactivated and will be deleted if you don’t log in to it for 30 days.

Deactivating Snapchat on Mobile

It is only possible to delete your Snapchat app via the app on iOS devices.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Snapchat app.
  2. Tap your profile image in the top left corner.
  3. Navigate to “Account Settings” via the settings icon.
  4. Search for “Delete my account” and follow the provided link to the accounts portal.
  5. Verify your identity by providing your username and password.

If you are on an Android device then you will have to do it via a web browser and going to https://accounts.snapchat.com/ and following the steps outlined above for people on computers.

Reactivating Your Snapchat Account

To reactivate your Snapchat account, simply log in with your credentials within 30 days of deactivation.

However, it may take up to 24 hours for your data to be fully restored.

Permanent Deletion of Snapchat

To permanently delete your Snapchat account, first follow the steps to deactivate your account.

Then, avoid logging in for 30 days, after which Snapchat will permanently delete your account and all associated data.

Considerations Before Deactivating or Deleting Your Snapchat Account

Before deactivating or deleting your Snapchat account, ensure you’ve downloaded any necessary data as outlined earlier in this guide.

Consider whether a temporary deactivation suits your needs better than a permanent deletion to avoid any regret later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Happens When You Deactivate Snapchat? When you deactivate your Snapchat account, it goes into a dormant state for 30 days. During this time, other users cannot see your account or interact with you through Snapchat.
  2. How Long Can a Snapchat Account Be Deactivated? A Snapchat account can be deactivated for up to 30 days. After this period, the account will be permanently deleted if not reactivated.
  3. Can You Reactivate Snapchat After Deactivation? Yes, you can reactivate your Snapchat account by logging in within 30 days of deactivation. However, reactivation might take up to 24 hours.
  4. Does Deactivating Snapchat Delete Your Data? No, deactivating Snapchat doesn’t delete your data. Snapchat retains your data for 30 days. If you want to delete your data, you’ll need to permanently delete your account.
  5. Can You Deactivate Snapchat without Deleting? Yes, you can deactivate Snapchat without permanently deleting your account. The deactivation lasts for 30 days, after which you can reactivate or let it permanently delete.