How to Recover Deleted Snapchat Memories

Snapchat has revolutionized the way we share our lives with friends and family through its ephemeral snaps and the more permanent feature, Memories. However, the distress of accidentally deleting precious Memories is a feeling many users know all too well.

Thankfully, there are several methods to recover deleted Snapchat Memories that can alleviate the panic of such losses.

Understanding Snapchat Memories

Snapchat Memories is a feature that allows users to save snaps and stories to a private storage area within the app, where they can be viewed, edited, and shared again at any time. Unlike standard snaps that disappear after they are viewed or after 24 hours when posted to Stories, Memories are meant to be kept for posterity. They hold sentimental value, and losing them can be quite upsetting.

Common Reasons for Losing Snapchat Memories

Snapchat Memories can be lost due to accidental deletion, backup errors, or even automatic removal by Snapchat if they violate the platform’s community guidelines. Sometimes, Memories might seem to have disappeared when there’s an issue with your Snapchat account, such as a suspension or technical glitch.

Pre-Recovery: Preparing for Snapchat Memories Recovery

Before attempting to recover deleted Memories, it’s crucial to stop using Snapchat to avoid overwriting data that could still be recoverable. Ensure that your login credentials are ready, as you’ll need them to access your account and any associated backups.

Methods to Recover Deleted Snapchat Memories

1. My Data Archive

Snapchat’s My Data feature is a built-in tool that can be a lifesaver for users looking to restore their Memories. To use this feature:

1. Log in to your Snapchat account on a web browser.
2. Navigate to the ‘My Data’ section under ‘Settings’.
3. Submit a request to download your data.
4. Wait for an email from Snapchat with a download link to your data archive.

The link will contain your Memories, along with other account data. It’s important to note that it may take some time for Snapchat to compile your data and send the link.

2. Cache (For Android Users)

If you’re an Android user, there’s a chance that deleted Memories might still be stored in the device’s cache. To attempt recovery:

1. Use a file manager to navigate to the Snapchat cache folder, typically found in Android/data/com.snapchat.android/cache.
2. Look for files with a .nomedia extension, which hides them from the gallery.
3. Move the files to a different folder and rename them, changing the extension to .jpg or .mp4 to make them viewable.

This method is not foolproof, but it can be a quick way to retrieve recently deleted Memories.

3. Recently Deleted Folder

Both Android and iPhone devices often have a Recently Deleted folder within the gallery or photo app. This is a temporary storage for deleted media that gives users a grace period to restore files before they’re permanently erased. Accessing this folder and restoring your files can sometimes bring back deleted Snapchat Memories.

4. iCloud Recovery (For iPhone Users)

For iPhone users who have their photos backed up to iCloud, recovering deleted Snapchat Memories can be straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Log into your iCloud account either on a web browser or through the ‘Photos’ app on your device.
2. Navigate to the ‘Recently Deleted’ album.
3. Select the Memories you want to recover and tap ‘Recover’.

This method is contingent on having an existing backup that includes the deleted Memories.

5. Recovery via PC/Computer

Using data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can be an effective way to retrieve lost Memories from a computer. If you’ve ever transferred your Snapchat Memories to your PC, this method could work for you:

1. Install and open the data recovery software on your computer.
2. Select the location where your Memories were stored.
3. Let the software scan for recoverable files.
4. Preview and select the Memories you wish to recover, and then restore them.

Data recovery software can often find files that are no longer accessible through the standard file system.

6. Professional Data Recovery Service

If the above methods do not yield results, it might be time to consider a professional data recovery service like EaseUS. They offer a one-on-one manual recovery service after providing a free diagnosis. This option is best for unresolved cases where the data is crucial, and all other recovery attempts have failed.

Additional Recovery Solutions

While the methods outlined above are some of the most direct ways to recover deleted Snapchat Memories, there are also a few other avenues you can explore:

• Snapchat Memories Backup Error: If you encounter issues with your Memories not backing up correctly, you can follow specific troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and potentially recover your Memories. It’s always a good idea to ensure your Snapchat is set to back up Memories regularly to avoid such problems.
• Restoring Permanently Deleted Photos from iCloud: For iPhone users who have permanently deleted their Snapchat Memories but had them backed up on iCloud, there’s a chance of recovery by following the steps to recover permanently deleted photos from iCloud.
• Using Third-Party Recovery Tools: There are various third-party recovery tools available that can assist in recovering deleted files, photos, and videos from your device. While some tools are free, others may require a purchase, and their effectiveness can vary.

FAQs

In addition to the recovery methods, users often have specific questions regarding Snapchat Memories:

• How to unlock a Snapchat account: If your account has been locked, preventing you from accessing your Memories, you may need to uninstall any third-party apps and unlock your account via Snapchat’s official website.
• Recovering deleted Snapchat photos on Android: If you have previously backed up your Snapchat photos to a cloud service or a local backup on your Android device, you may be able to sign in to your Cloud account, select the most recent backups, and restore your photos from there.
• What happens to snaps after they are deleted from servers: Snapchat states that once all recipients have viewed a snap, it is deleted from their servers, or after 30 days if unopened. However, Memories are supposed to be saved indefinitely unless deleted by the user.

Preventing Future Loss of Snapchat Memories

To avoid the stress of losing Snapchat Memories in the future, consider implementing the following best practices:

• Regularly back up your Memories to Snapchat’s servers by ensuring the backup feature is enabled in the app’s settings.
• Export your Memories to an external storage device or another cloud service periodically. This provides an additional safety net beyond Snapchat’s own backup system.
• Use multiple cloud services for backup, such as Google Photos or Dropbox, to have redundant copies of your Memories.

Conclusion

Losing Snapchat Memories can be a distressing experience, but as we’ve explored, there are several methods to attempt recovery. Whether through Snapchat’s own tools, device cache, cloud services, or professional help, the chances of restoring your cherished Memories are substantial. Once you’ve successfully recovered your data, make sure to save it in a safe place and consider sharing these tips with friends who might face similar issues.

By taking proactive steps to back up your Memories and knowing how to recover them if needed, you can ensure that your digital keepsakes remain secure for years to come.