How to Deactivate or Delete Your Snapchat Account in 2025

Ready to take a break from Snapchat or remove your account permanently? This 2025 guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to deactivate or delete your Snapchat account. Whether you’re cutting down on screen time or prioritizing privacy, we’ve got you covered with tips, FAQs, and links to related guides.

Deactivate vs. Delete: What’s the Difference?

Before you begin, here’s the difference between deactivating and deleting your Snapchat account:

• Deactivate: Temporarily hides your account for 30 days. Your data (friends, snaps, stories) is preserved, and you can reactivate by logging in.
• Delete: Starts with a 30-day deactivation period. If you don’t log in, Snapchat permanently deletes your account, removing all data (except some retained for legal reasons).

For detailed steps, follow this guide or check Snapchat’s official Account Deletion Support Page.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deactivate or Delete Snapchat

Follow these steps to deactivate or delete your Snapchat account in 2025. The process is identical for both, as deletion begins with deactivation.

Option 1: Delete via Web Browser (Android, iOS, or PC)

1. Open accounts.snapchat.com in your browser.
2. Log in with your username (not email) and password. Forgot your password? Reset it via email or SMS.
3. Click “Delete My Account.”
4. Enter your username and password again to confirm.
5. Click “Continue” to start the 30-day deactivation period.

After 30 days without logging in, your account will be permanently deleted.

Option 2: Delete via iOS App

1. Open the Snapchat app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon (top-left corner).
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings, top-right).
4. Scroll to “Account Actions” and select “Delete Account.”
5. Follow the prompts to log in via a browser and confirm deletion.

Note: Android users must use the web browser method, as the Android app doesn’t support direct deletion.

How to Download Your Snapchat Data First

Before deleting, download your Snapchat data (Memories, chats, profile info) to keep a record. Here’s how:

1. Visit accounts.snapchat.com and log in.
2. Select “My Data” under “Manage My Account.”
3. Choose data types (e.g., Memories, chat history) and file format, then click “Next.”
4. Optionally, set a date range for specific data.
5. Confirm your email and click “Submit.”
6. Check your email for a download link to a .zip file with your data.

Save this file securely, as you can’t access it after deletion.

How to Reactivate Your Snapchat Account

Changed your mind? You can reactivate your account within 30 days:

• Log in to the Snapchat app or accounts.snapchat.com with your username and password.
• Confirm reactivation when prompted.
• Wait up to 24 hours for your account to restore fully.

After 30 days, reactivation is impossible, and your data is gone.

Privacy Tips After Deletion

Snapchat retains some data (e.g., purchase history, Terms of Service acceptance) for legal and security reasons. To enhance privacy:

• Use a VPN like ExpressVPN to protect your online activity.
• Clear your Snapchat data (conversations, search history) before deletion via Settings > Account Actions.
• Remove connected apps from Snapchat via Settings > Connected Apps.

Explore More Snapchat Guides

Master Snapchat with these related guides:

• What Does Your Snapchat Score Mean?
• Snapchat Score Not Updating? Here’s Why
• How to Get Verified on Snapchat in 2025
• How to Spot Snapchat+ Users
• Understanding Snapchat Planets

Frequently Asked Questions About Deactivating Snapchat