How to Recover Deleted Snaps and Messages from Snapchat

Clara Prescott Published on July 22, 2026Recover Data3-min reading

Snapchat is a unique social media platform. Unlock other platforms, as it is prevalent among younger people. It lets users communicate using snaps and chats. The former refers to sending videos and photos, and the latter refers to sending text messages. Moreover, you are able to look at snaps once if you have a regular subscription, and then they will be deleted from the platform. This guide explains how to recover deleted snaps and messages on Snapchat.

In this article:

Part 1. How to Recover Deleted Snaps by Snapchat Data Download
Part 2. How to Find Deleted Snaps from Cache
Part 3. How to Recover Deleted Snaps from Backup
Part 4. How to Retrieve Deleted Snaps on iPhone Without Backup

Part 1. How to Recover Deleted Snaps by Snapchat Data Download

While the snaps will be deleted after viewing, they are still on Snapchat servers. To recover deleted Snapchat messages, you can request a download of your data. The download includes snap history, chat history, and more.

Step 1

Run the Snapchat app on your mobile device.

Step 2

Tap your Bitmoji button at the top left corner.

Step 3

Press the Settings button and choose My Data under the Privacy Controls heading.

Step 4

Step 5

Toggle on the Export your Memories, Chat Media and Shared Stories option.

Step 6

Next, turn on Export HTML Files or Export JSON Files according to your preferred format.

Step 7

Tap the Next button.

Step 8

Set a time frame, depending on your deleted snaps or messages, and tap Submit.

Step 9

When Snapchat receives your request, you will get an email a few hours or days later.

Step 10

Open the verification email and follow the instructions to download the data.

Step 11

Unzip the archive file and retrieve deleted messages on Snapchat.

Note:

If you want to complete the process on a computer, log in to https://accounts.snapchat.com/accounts/login in a browser.

Part 2. How to Find Deleted Snaps from Cache

Once you find your snaps are lost on your Android phone, stop closing the app or using your device. While Snapchat deletes your read snaps and messages, they are still in your memory as caches. That gives you a chance to find recently deleted snaps.

Step 1

Connect your Android phone to a PC with a USB cable.

Step 2

Once the PC detects your device, choose Transfer Files.

Tip

Make sure to enable USB Debugging mode on your phone.

Step 3

Open your Android device.

Step 4

Navigate to Android, then data.

Step 5

Search for Snapchat and open the folder named com.snapchat.android.

Step 6

Next, open the cache folder and find the lost messages.

Step 7

Rename all files with the nomedia extension.

Step 8

If the rename fails, change the extension to txt, jpg, or mp4.

Note:

This way is only available if you haven’t closed your Snapchat app. Otherwise, the cache will be removed automatically.

Part 3. How to Recover Deleted Snaps from Backup

Snapchat integrates a backup feature called Smart Backup. It backs up your snaps and stories to the Snapchat cloud if you turn this feature on. When you reinstall the social media app, you can find deleted Snapchat photos.

How to Back up Snapchat

Step 1

Open the Snapchat app.

Step 2

Tap on the Bitmoji button.

Step 3

Tap the Settings button and choose Memories.

Step 4

Toggle on the Smart Backup option.

Step 5

Tap the Save Button option, and choose Memories & Camera Roll.

Step 6

Tap the Story Snaps option and choose Auto-Save to Memories.

Step 7

If your device is online, check the Backup Progress.

Step 8

When you receive a snap that you want to save, hold it and tap the Save button.

Extended reading:

How to Find Deleted Snapchat Photos

On Android

Step 1

Run the Settings app.

Step 2

Go to Apps and choose Snapchat.

Step 3

Tap the Uninstall button and hit OK if prompted.

Step 4

Restart your phone.

Step 5

Go to the Play Store app.

Step 6

Install the Snapchat app again.

Step 7

On iPhone

Step 1

Long-press the Snapchat app.

Step 2

Choose Remove App from the context menu.

Step 3

Tap Delete App to confirm it.

Step 4

Download Snapchat from the App Store.

Step 5

Part 4. How to Retrieve Deleted Snaps on iPhone Without Backup

If the methods above are unavailable to see deleted snaps on Snapchat, try imyPass iPhone Data Recovery. It is able to recover lost data from your iPhone memory without any backup.

Main Features of Snap Recovery Software

4,000,000+ Downloads

Recover deleted Snapchat messages without backup.

Extract lost data from iCloud or iTunes backup.

Preview deleted snaps and messages for selective recovery.

Won’t interrupt existing data on your iOS device.

Support the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS.

Free Download Free Download

How to Retrieve Deleted Snaps on Your iPhone Without Backup

Step 1

Connect to your iPhone

Launch the snap recovery software after you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac users. Choose the Recover from iOS Device tab. Plug your iPhone into your PC with a Lightning cable. Make sure to trust this PC.

Step 2

Preview deleted snaps

Then, click the Start Scan button to look for lost data on your memory. When data scanning finishes, select App Photos and App Videos. Pull down the top option and choose Show Deleted Only to view deleted snaps on your iOS device.

Step 3

Recover deleted snaps

Select the deleted snaps you want to recover and click on the Recover button. Next, select an output folder and click the Recover button to begin recovering deleted Snapchat photos and videos from your iPhone without a backup.

Conclusion

This guide shared how to recover deleted Snapchat messages and snaps on your iPhone, Android phone, or computer. Firstly, you can check your notifications if you have just deleted chats from your account. This way is available to recently deleted messages. Plus, you can make a request to download your data and export it as HTML or JSON files. imyPass iPhone Data Recovery is a powerful tool to retrieve lost Snapchat messages and media files.

Clara Prescott

Clara has over 8 years of experience helping users recover lost files and transfer data. She previously worked as a data recovery technician for a major IT service company. Certified in Data Recovery and Digital Forensics, her articles focus on simple solutions that make complicated recovery tasks easier for everyday users.