How to Recover Deleted Snapchat Memories?
Written by: Hrishikesh Pardeshi, Founder at Flexiple, buildd & Remote Tools.
Last updated: Aug 18, 2024

To recover deleted Snapchat Memories, you can try restoring them from your device's backup or by contacting Snapchat support. Snapchat Memories are often backed up to your device's cloud storage, so checking your Google Photos or iCloud account may help you find them. If you can't locate them there, reaching out to Snapchat's support team for assistance is another option. It's important to act quickly, as the longer the memories are deleted, the harder they may be to recover.
Table of Contents
How Does Snapchat Store and Backup Memories?
Snapchat stores and backs up all the data, including Memories, by automatically saving them to the user’s personal Snapchat account cloud storage. This feature ensures that Memories are not just saved on the android phone or other android devices, but are also securely stored online. Users can easily access their saved Memories, including private Snapchat Memories, any time via their Snapchat account, provided they are connected to the internet.
To facilitate recovery of deleted Memories, Snapchat allows users to retrieve content from the 'My Eyes Only' section or via the 'Recently Deleted' folder. Memories remain in the 'Recently Deleted' folder for 30 days, offering users a grace period to restore any accidentally deleted items. If you wish to save snaps or create a smart backup, you can even download a zip file from the top left corner of the screen. This process is essential for recovering lost Memories and requires users to act within this timeframe to prevent permanent loss.
Steps To Recover Deleted Snapchat Memories
To recover deleted Snapchat memories, follow a specific set of steps to ensure that your lost content is potentially retrievable. Begin by checking the "My Eyes Only" folder, where Snapchat may have archived your memories for extra privacy. If they're not there, turn to Snapchat's Support feature, which offers a means to recover lost data. Additionally, inspect your device's cache, as it often retains temporary files that might include your missing memories. Finally, if you have enabled backups on your device, attempt to restore your data from there. Each of these steps will be explained in detail in the following sections to guide you through the recovery process effectively.
Check the "My Eyes Only" Folder
To recover deleted Snapchat memories, first check the "My Eyes Only" folder in the app. This secure folder often contains snaps that you may have moved from the regular memories storage for added privacy. Here's a quick guide to access this folder:
Open Snapchat and navigate to the Memories section by swiping up from the camera screen.
At the top of the screen, tap on the "My Eyes Only" tab.
Enter your passcode to access the folder.
If your deleted memories are not in this folder, they might still be retrievable through other methods, such as checking your device's gallery or cloud storage backups where Snapchat files might be automatically saved.
Use Snapchat's Support Feature
If you've accidentally deleted your Snapchat memories and are trying to recover them, Snapchat's support feature offers a pathway to potentially restore them. It's important to act quickly as the chances of recovery can decrease over time. Here's how you can use Snapchat's support system to make your request:
Open the Snapchat app and navigate to your profile.
Tap on 'Settings' represented by the gear icon.
Scroll down and select 'I Need Help' under the 'Support' section.
Choose 'Snapstreaks' from the list of options. Even though this section is primarily for Snapstreaks, it allows you to initiate a dialogue with Snapchat support.
Click on 'Contact Us.' Choose 'My Snaps or Chat are missing' and fill out the form with as much detail as possible about the deleted memories.
After submitting your request, be patient as it may take some time for Snapchat support to process and respond. Keep an eye on your email or the support section in the app for any updates or questions from Snapchat. While waiting for a response, avoid saving new data to your app to prevent overwriting data that could potentially be recovered.
Check Your Device's Cache
Before attempting to recover deleted Snapchat memories directly from the app, it's worthwhile to explore the cache on your device. The cache can hold temporary files that might include the memories you thought were lost. This method does not require any third-party software and can be done directly on your smartphone.
Open your File Manager: Navigate to the Snapchat folder, typically found in your device's internal storage under 'Android' and then 'Data'.
Search for Cache: Inside the Snapchat folder, look for a subfolder named 'Cache'. This is where Snapchat temporarily stores media files.
Inspect the Files: Browse through the files in the Cache folder. If you find any files with a '.nomedia' extension, remove this extension by renaming the files. These files may contain your lost memories.
Restore: Try opening the renamed files with a media viewer to see if your deleted memories are among them.
If you cannot recover your Snapchat memories through the cache, your next option is to contact Snapchat support or use a reputable data recovery service. These services can sometimes retrieve data that seems permanently lost, offering a potential solution when all else fails.
Restore from a Backup
To begin the process of recovering deleted Snapchat memories via a backup, it’s important to ensure that you have previously enabled the backup feature in your Snapchat settings. This will have allowed Snapchat to automatically save your memories to your linked cloud storage, securing them against accidental deletions.
Open Snapchat and tap on your profile icon.
Access the Settings by tapping on the gear icon.
Scroll to find 'My Data' and tap on it.
After submitting your recovery request, Snapchat will process it and send you an email with a download link. This link allows you to retrieve the saved data, including your memories. Ensure to download and restore your memories promptly as the link may expire after a short period, typically within 24 hours.
Can Third-Party Tools Help Recover Deleted Memories?
Yes, third-party tools can help recover deleted Snapchat memories from your camera roll. These tools scan your device's storage, including the camera roll, to locate any traces of deleted data, such as Snapchat files.
Using these tools involves installing the software on your computer, connecting your device, and following the recovery process guided by the software. Always ensure that the tool supports your device’s operating system and Snapchat version before proceeding, especially if you are looking into how to delete Snapchat memories as part of your data management strategy.
How to Check If Deleted Snapchat Memories Are Recoverable?
To check if deleted Snapchat memories are recoverable, you can follow a few steps that involve checking Snapchat's server and your device storage. Snapchat usually allows users to recover memories that might have been accidentally deleted or lost due to app issues.
First, open Snapchat and go to your profile.
Second, tap on 'Settings,' then scroll to 'My Data.'
Third, log in with your Snapchat credentials to access your data.
Lastly, look for 'Memories' in the list to see if your deleted items are stored there.
If you find your memories in the 'My Data' section, you can usually recover them by following the prompts provided by Snapchat. This recovery process leverages Snapchat’s server backups to restore lost content, ensuring that your cherished moments are not permanently lost.
How to Avoid Losing Snapchat Memories?
To avoid losing Snapchat memories, taking proactive steps is crucial. Often, memories are lost due to accidental deletion or unforeseen issues like app malfunctions or device problems. By implementing preventive measures, you can safeguard your digital memories and reduce the risk of loss.
Regularly Back Up: Ensure your memories are backed up on Snapchat's cloud service or an external storage option.
Update the App: Keep your Snapchat app updated to the latest version to avoid glitches that might cause data loss.
Secure Your Account: Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication to protect against unauthorized access.
Preserving your Snapchat memories requires more than just cautious handling of the app; it also involves being vigilant about the security and stability of your account. By taking these steps, you ensure that your cherished memories remain safe and retrievable, reducing the need for recovery efforts.
FAQs About Recovering Snapchat Memories
1. How can I recover deleted Snapchat memories?
To recover deleted Snapchat memories, use the Snapchat app's 'My Data' feature to request an archive of your account's data, which includes deleted memories if they are still stored on Snapchat's servers.
2. Is there a time limit for recovering Snapchat memories after deletion?
Yes, Snapchat memories can only be recovered if they are requested within 30 days of deletion; after this period, the data is permanently removed from the server.
3. What should I do if the 'My Data' recovery method does not work?
If the 'My Data' method fails, check if the memories were backed up on your device's cloud service (like Google Photos or iCloud) or if you have a separate device backup that includes the Snapchat data.
4. Can I recover Snapchat memories that were not backed up?
Recovering Snapchat memories that were not backed up is generally not possible. Always enable backup options in Snapchat settings to safeguard your memories.
5. Are there any third-party tools recommended for recovering Snapchat memories?
It is not recommended to use third-party tools to recover Snapchat memories due to potential privacy and security risks. Stick to Snapchat's official recovery options for safety.