How to Recover Deleted Snapchat Messages (7 Methods)
Liam Hernandez
Losing important Snapchat messages can be frustrating, especially if they contain cherished memories or crucial information. Snapchat, known for its ephemeral nature, can often lead to accidental deletions. Whether you’ve lost messages due to app glitches, deletion by mistake, or device issues, recovering them can feel daunting. Fortunately, specialized tools and methods exist to help you retrieve these lost messages effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explore methods and provide step-by-step guidance for recovering deleted Snapchat messages. This will ensure that you never lose your important conversations. Let’s dive into the ways to restore your Snapchat data and keep those valuable messages safe. Read more…
Understanding Snapchat’s Data Storage
Snapchat’s messaging system lets the messages and stories stay on board for a very short period. Once you view those messages and stories, they tend to automatically disappear. Having said that, the messages don’t disappear completely from the system; they get stored in the cache files on users’ devices before being overlapped by newly deleted messages.
These cache files can retain hidden data, including deleted messages and screenshots. There are specialized tools that you can use to access data hidden within these cache files. Understanding Snapchat’s data storage helps users recover important information that might otherwise be lost.
mSpy tool allows you to recover deleted the snap or chat messages of the kids without their knowledge. It helps you to discover content they’ve been sending and receiving, even snap chat post that was deleted from their phone.
Methods to Recover Deleted Snapchat Messages
Here are the best methods that I would suggest to recover deleted Snapchat messages.
Method 1: Forensic Grade Data Recovery
I implemented forensic-grade recovery to retrieve lost data, going beyond conventional methods with professional-grade tools, ClevGuard and FlexiSPY. These tools analyze system logs, backups, and storage sectors to locate deleted data and even recover encrypted files related to Snapchat activity with a high success rate.
Let me now share my experience of using these tools to recover deleted Snapchat messages:
1) ClevGuard
I used ClevGuard to recover deleted Snapchat messages. My reason was to retrieve conversations with a friend who had accidentally deleted our chat history. I installed ClevGuard on my friend’s phone, and it allowed me to monitor Snapchat activity, including deleted messages.
Recover Messages: Retrieve Deleted Chats
Disappearing Content: Accesses Expired Snaps
Media Backup: Saves Stories/Snaps Offline
Refund Policy: 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee
The tool worked efficiently, and I was able to recover the lost conversations. ClevGuard’s user-friendly interface made the process straightforward. Although initially hesitant, I was relieved to have recovered the deleted messages.
I was impressed with ClevGuard’s features, which helped me recover deleted Snapchat messages. Its keylogger feature allowed me to capture messages before they were deleted. The app’s screenshot feature also helped me capture conversations. Additionally, ClevGuard’s monitoring capabilities provided real-time updates on the target device. The user-friendly interface made it easy to navigate and access the data from ClevGuard based on my requirements.
However, I faced some challenges while using ClevGuard. I could only monitor one device at a time, as ClevGuard does not allow the simultaneous monitoring of multiple devices. Also, I was unable to recover messages deleted from Snapchat even a week ago. I could only recover messages that had been recently deleted, say, at most a couple of days ago.
Step by step to recover deleted Snapchat messages using ClevGuard:
Step 1) I installed ClevGuard on the target device (my child’s phone) to monitor their Snapchat activity. This required physical access to the device and a subscription to the ClevGuard service.
Step 2) After installation, I logged into my ClevGuard account and navigated to the Social Media section.
Step 3) After clicking the Social Apps section, ClevGuard redirected me to the list of social media apps to choose from. From there, I clicked on Snapchat to view the deleted Snapchat messages, including screenshots and images.
Expert Tips: Since ClevGuard offers a 30-day money-back, the recommendation is to try the one-month Premium Plan subscription ($49.99/m) and see whether the tool meets your requirements. Accordingly, you can make an appropriate decision.
30-Days Money-Back Guarantee
2) FlexiSPY
I used FlexiSPY to recover deleted Snapchat messages and was impressed by its data carving capabilities. It extracted messages from the device’s memory, even after they were deleted. I liked its ease of use and accuracy when monitoring Snapchat and other social media profiles.
However, I disliked the need for root access and the high price point. After using FlexiSPY for quite some time, I discovered that it has compatibility issues with certain devices, mainly those with Android 6 and older. Overall, FlexiSPY is a reliable tool for recovering Snapchat messages.
How to see deleted Snapchat messages using FlexiSPY
To recover deleted Snapchat messages using the FlexiSPY, I followed these steps:
Step 1) I purchased a subscription to FlexiSPY, downloaded the software onto my device, and installed it. I then activated FlexiSPY using the provided license key, enabling the software to start monitoring my device.
Step 2) Then, I configured FlexiSPY to monitor Snapchat messages and rooted my phone to grant the software access to the device’s memory.
Step 3) FlexiSPY then extracted the deleted data, including Snapchat messages, and uploaded it to my online account. I then logged in and analyzed the recovered data, successfully recovering my deleted Snapchat messages.
Please Note: FlexiSPY does not offer a free trial. Hence, I do not recommend readers purchase annual or premium plans. Since the pricing for FlexiSPY is relatively high, I suggest going for the FlexiSPY Lite plan, which costs $49.95 per month.
Method 2: Using File Manager Apps
Another way to attempt Snapchat data recovery is to use file manager apps to explore your device’s storage. Snapchat often stores temporary files, including cached data, that may still contain traces of deleted messages.
File manager apps allow users to navigate through hidden directories on their devices, where Snapchat may store cache files. These caches often contain images, videos, and sometimes fragments of deleted messages. Law enforcement officials and investigators usually consider this process when trying to extract someone’s Snapchat message for investigative reasons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using File Manager Apps:
Below, I have provided the steps to make the process a lot clearer for the readers:
Step 1) Download a reliable file manager app, such as ES File Explorer (Android), Solid Explorer (Android), or iExplorer (iOS, desktop app).
Step 2) After installation, you need to locate the Snapchat’s directory.
To do this on Android devices, open the file manager app and navigate to /data/data/com.snapchat.android/cache.
For the iOS devices, you can use iExplorer to browse app-specific directories.
Step 3) Once you have reached the specific directory, click it and look for folders named received_image_snaps or similar. These may contain remnants of deleted snaps and messages.
Step 4) Finally, copy the files to a secure folder on your device or transfer them to a computer for further analysis.
Warning: Although this method promises better chances of recovering Snapchat deleted messages, it also has a risk factor. You will not be able to recover any deleted message if new data overwrite cache files. Also, you need to be familiar with navigating file systems.
Spynger, a tool to spy captures and stores Snapchat messages, including those that have been deleted, allowing you to review conversations even after they've been erased from the app.
Method 3: Recovering Snapchat Messages From iPhone Without File Manager Apps
I have tried to recover Snapchat messages from my iPhone by accessing the cache section. However, my experience was bittersweet since the process was not straightforward. Unlike Android, I could not directly access the Snapchat cache files in iOS systems. Henceforth, I had to consider the following alternative methods to recover Snapchat messages from iPhone devices:
1) Using iCloud Backup
This method only works if you have previously backed up your iPhone data to iCloud. Only then can you restore your device from that backup to recover deleted messages.
I have provided the step-by-step process below:
Step 1) Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 2) Next, follow the instructions to set up your iPhone and select Restore from iCloud Backup when prompted.
Step 3) Sign in with your Apple ID and choose the relevant backup that may contain your Snapchat messages.
2) Using iTunes Backup
The other method I have tried is iTunes Backup. This process requires backing up the iPhone using iTunes; otherwise, it will not work. I was able to restore from iTunes backup because some backup files were stored in it.
Below is the step-by-step process to backup files from iTunes:
Step 1) Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
Step 2) Click on the device icon and select Restore Backup under the Backups section.
Step 3) Choose the most recent backup and click Restore.
Method 4: Save Snapchat Messages Manually
This is a simple method for saving your Snapchat messages. However, it works only for the recent messages you are viewing.
To save Snapchat messages manually, I followed these three simple steps:
Step 1) I opened the Snapchat app on my device and tapped the chat icon at the bottom left of the screen. This opened the list of conversations.
Step 2) I selected the chat containing the message I wanted to save. After finding the specific message, I pressed and held it until a menu appeared. Then, I tapped “Save in Chat.” This action highlighted the message in gray, indicating that it was saved successfully.
Step 3) To find the saved messages, I tapped on the profile photo of the friend at the top left of the chat screen. Then, I scrolled down to the “Saved in Chat” section, where all my saved messages were displayed. This allowed me to quickly revisit essential conversations.
Manually saving Snapchat messages can be challenging, as there is a risk of accidentally unsaving them, limitation of storage, and potential privacy concerns if messages are shared or viewed by others. To address these challenges, I double-checked saved messages before storing them. I also regularly cleared unnecessary saved content and communicated with friends about privacy. This helped me maintain trust and confidentiality in our chats.
Method 5: Buy a Replay Subscription
You may consider purchasing a replay subscription to access and save past messages on Snapchat.
To set up a Replay subscription on Snapchat, I followed these steps:
Step 1) I opened the Snapchat app on my device and tapped on my profile icon, which is located at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2) Next, I looked for the option to subscribe to Snapchat+. You may find “Storyboost” or something similar. I ensured that I had access to all premium features, including Replay.
Step 3) Then, I clicked on “Next” and confirmed my subscription for one month. Snapchat allows users to try this feature free of cost for 7 days.
Step 4) After subscribing, I checked my profile again. I confirmed that the Snapchat+ badge appeared, thus indicating that my subscription was active. This allowed me to utilize the Replay feature to view snaps again.
I have found some challenges while using the Replay feature. There are limits on how many Snaps you can replay. Also, users might forget details since they disappear after viewing. To handle this, I focused on saving important messages and took notes on key information to remember better.
Method 6: Requesting Data from Snapchat Support
To recover lost messages, I requested my account data directly from Snapchat Support. While this method didn’t restore fully deleted messages, it provided a detailed archive, including chat history, friends list, account activity, and memory metadata.
I noticed that Snapchat’s ephemeral system limits the recoverability of fully deleted messages.
Step-by-step to use this process:
Step 1) Log in using a browser or app with the correct credentials.
Step 2) Tap profile, go to Settings, and select My Data.
Step 3) On My Data page, scroll down and click Submit Request.
Step 4) Check your email for the data download link and open the ZIP file.
Step 5) Extract ZIP and review for message data.
This process is somewhat time-consuming. In most scenarios, Snapchat customer support responded pretty late. Because of this, I usually consider other methods for better outcomes.
Method 7: Inspecting Email and Notifications
It may so happen that certain messages from Snapchat get saved in email or notification histories. In such scenarios, recovering those messages becomes easier.
Simply check the email address linked to your Snapchat account. I once browsed through the old notifications and found certain messages from Snapchat saved there, mainly as message previews.
I found this method extremely unreliable. There is no guarantee that Snapchat messages will be stored in the emails and notifications folder. Many times, I have not found any snaps stored in my email. My overreliance on this method led to data loss, which could have been prevented if I had considered alternative methods for cross-verification immediately.
Challenges and Fixes for Recovering Snapchat Messages
It requires precision and accuracy to recover deleted Snapchat messages. You may face certain challenges when trying to recover or read Snapchat messages. Henceforth, I have created the following table, addressing the common challenges and possible fixes when trying to recover Snapchat messages:
| Mistakes/Challenges | Possible Fixes |
|---|---|
| Snapchat data can be overwritten quickly due to new activity on your device. | You need to start the recovery process immediately after realizing the messages are deleted. |
| New data (e.g., photos, apps) can overwrite the sectors of your device where deleted messages are stored. | I would recommend limiting your device usage until recovery is complete. |
| Free or poorly reviewed tools may fail to recover data or even corrupt your device. | You should stick to reliable tools like ClevGuard and FlexiSPY, which have proven success rates. |
| Messages backed up to cloud services like iCloud or Google Drive may be recoverable without advanced methods. | Always check for backups before diving into more complex recovery techniques. |
Tips to Avoid Losing Snapchat Messages in the Future
Below, I have provided some tips that you can follow to avoid losing critical Snapchat messages in the future:
- Enable Auto-Save: Go to Snapchat chat settings and set messages to save for 24 hours after viewing.
- Manually Save Chats: Tap and hold a message to save it. You will notice that the saved message will have a grey background.
- Use Third-Party Apps: Third-party apps like ClevGuard and FlexiSPY let you save Snapchat messages. These tools work in secret, allowing you to stay incognito while saving someone else’s Snapchat messages.
- Regular Backups: Periodically back up your Snapchat data through the app’s settings to avoid loss.
FAQs
Conclusion
In conclusion, recovering deleted Snapchat messages can be challenging, but it is possible. You can try contacting Snapchat Support or using the app’s data download feature. Remember to respect privacy and legal guidelines when using recovery tools like ClevGuard and FlexiSPY. To prevent future loss, consider saving important messages and regularly backing up your data. By following these tips, you can keep your Snapchat conversations safe and accessible.
mSpy tool allows you to recover deleted the snap or chat messages of the kids without their knowledge. It helps you to discover content they’ve been sending and receiving, even snap chat post that was deleted from their phone.