If you want to delete your Snapchat account, it is not enough to uninstall the app from your smartphone. This is because your personal data will still be stored on the operator’s servers. Read how you can delete your Snapchat account permanently or whether temporary deactivation is the right option for you. Also find out how Avira Free Security can make your online activities safer.
Can I delete my Snapchat account?
The messenger service is known for its ephemeral nature. Messages, images and videos disappear just a few seconds after the recipient has opened them. However, Snapchat is becoming increasingly less popular among users. This is because other social media apps such as Instagram or TikTok are overtaking the service despite the lack of privacy.
Some users therefore want to delete their Snapchat account, which is basically possible. However, simply uninstalling the app from your smartphone is not enough. Your profile will still remain active. Read below to find out how you can easily delete your Snapchat account on various operating systems.
Deleting a Snapchat account: how to do it on Android
It is not possible to delete your Snapchat account in the Android app of the messenger service. You need a browser to do this. It doesn’t matter whether you open it on your mobile phone or on a computer. This is how you proceed:
- Uninstall the app: Go to your app store and uninstall Snapchat on your Android device.
- Call up the Snapchat portal: In any browser, open the Snapchat account portal and enter your username or email address and password. Then click on “Login“.
- Delete account: Open the account settings and select “Delete my account“.
- Enter access data: To confirm, you must re-enter your login details, i.e. your username and password.
- Account deactivated: Finally, you will see a confirmation that your account has been deactivated and will be permanently deleted after 30 days.
What happens after you delete your Snapchat account?
Your Snapchat account will initially be deactivated for 30 days. Other people will no longer be able to find your profile during this time. If you log in again within this period, your account will be reactivated. However, if the period has expired and you have not logged in again, your Snapchat account will be permanently deleted.
All settings and data that the messenger service has collected about you will be removed from the database. For legal, commercial and security reasons, some personal data may be retained. This includes, for example, your in-app purchases or when you accepted the terms and conditions.
By the way: With a VPN, you can also surf more privately on your smartphone or other mobile devices. For example, the Avira Phantom VPN prevents advertisers on Snapchat or other apps from tracking your location or online activities. The tool also encrypts your data traffic in open networks – for more privacy in cafés, airports and the like.
Deleting Snapchat on iOS: step-by-step instructions
Unlike Android users, iOS users can delete their Snapchat account directly in the app. Simply follow the steps below:
- Open the app: On your Apple device, open Snapchat and click on the gear icon in your profile to open the settings.
- Delete account: Select “Delete account” in the settings. You will then be redirected to the Snapchat account portal.
- Enter user data: On the portal, you will be asked to log in to Snapchat. To do this, enter your username and password.
- Delete my account: Then select “Delete my account” in the portal and confirm the prompt by entering your username and password again.
- Account deactivated: Finally, you will receive confirmation that your account has been deactivated for 30 days.
Deactivate Snapchat: What alternatives are there?
A lack of privacy often tempts users to deactivate their Snapchat account or delete it altogether. However, if you want to continue using the service, there is a simple alternative to better protect your data: Revise your profile settings. In the “Who can…” section, you can specify who can contact you or view your story. You can also set who can find you under suggestions or who you can show your location to.
It is also worth protecting your privacy with an antivirus tool. It helps you protect your data from unauthorised access by various types of hackers when surfing or streaming. With Avira Free Security, you get cloud-based, real-time protection against the latest online threats. The modern solution also allows you to secure confidential messenger apps such as Snapchat with a PIN code. So only you can access them.
