Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, especially among teens and young adults. Its signature disappearing messages create a sense of privacy. But what if you accidentally send a Snap you wish you could take back? Or want to permanently delete compromising Snaps saved by someone else?
That’s where Snap History Eraser comes in. This built-in Snapchat feature lets you delete potentially embarrassing Snaps and chats before the damage is done.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Snap History Eraser, including:
- How to delete sent and saved Snaps
- When Snap History Eraser does and doesn’t work
- Tips for deleting Snapchat messages before others see them
- How to permanently erase your Snapchat history
- FAQs on using Snap History Eraser
By the end, Snapchat users will have an in-depth understanding of how to cover their tracks on Snapchat using this useful self-destructing message tool.
How Does Snap History Eraser Work?
Snapchat’s disappearing messages create an illusion of impermanence. But did you know Snapchat still stores your message data temporarily on its servers?
With Snap History Eraser, you can manually delete specific messages before that 24-hour window is up. This removes them from Snapchat’s servers and prevents them from being restored.
However, Snap History Eraser has some limitations:
- It only works on messages not opened by the recipient
- It won’t delete snaps saved to someone else’s Memories
- It won’t prevent screenshotting or screen recording
In other words, Snap History Eraser only deletes unopened snaps on Snapchat’s servers. Once someone views or saves your snap, deleting it manually won’t erase it from their account or device.
This self-destruct feature is available in both one-on-one and group chats. You’ll find it especially useful for:
- Deleting typos, wrong chats, and messages you regret
- Undoing embarrassing snaps before friends check Snapchat
- Removing compromising photos if your account is hacked
But Snap History Eraser isn’t a time machine. Use it carefully, because you can’t recover deleted Snaps!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Snap History Eraser
Let’s walk through the quick and easy process of deleting Snapchat messages with Snap History Eraser:
On Your Own Snaps
- Open the Snapchat app and tap your profile icon in the top left.
- Tap the gear icon to open your Settings.
- Choose My Account > Snap History Eraser.
- Tap any sent snaps you want to delete (unopened ones will have an “x” icon).
- Confirm by tapping “Erase” – and they’re gone for good!
On Saved Snaps
You can also delete snaps other people saved from your chat using the same Snap History Eraser menu:
- Follow steps 1-3 above.
- Tap “Saved Snaps” instead of “Sent Snaps”.
- Pick the embarassing snap you want erased from their Memories.
- Confirm deletion.
And that’s all it takes to make snaps vanish! Just a few taps in the Snapchat app gives you the power to undo regrettable messages.
Pro Tip: You’ll have to act fast before your recipients open the snap. Set a phone alert as a reminder if you really want a snap gone without being seen!
When Can You NOT Delete Messages with Snap History Eraser?
While Snap History Eraser is handy, it doesn’t work in every situation. Here are its limitations:
Opened Snaps
Once your contact opens a snap, it’s too late – Snap History Eraser can’t delete seen messages. The snap gets saved to your recipient’s phone and your deletion won’t affect them.
Saved to Memories
If a recipient manually saves your snap to Memories before you delete it, they’ll still have access to that snap. Your deletion only stops the auto-save feature.
Screenshots
Snap History Eraser can’t delete screenshots taken of your snaps before you erase them. The recipient will still have the image saved in their phone’s gallery.
Chat Messages
You can only delete sent photo and video snaps, not typed chat messages. Those get permanently saved in your history.
The takeaway? Act quickly if you really want embarrassing snaps erased for good. Your window is only before recipients open or save that snap.
Tips to Delete Snaps Before Others See Them
OK, so Snap History Eraser has some flaws. But in many cases, you can delete snaps before it’s too late if you act fast enough.
Here are some clever tricks to stop snaps getting seen in the first place:
Be Quick!
Snap History Eraser only works on unopened snaps still sitting on Snapchat’s servers. Race to delete a snap before your recipient launches the app.
Turn on notifications for when your snaps are opened to know if you’re too late.
Airplane Mode
Temporarily enable Airplane Mode on your phone right after sending the snap you regret. This will stop it from being delivered so you can delete it.
Delete Your Account
Nuking your Snapchat account will also delete all unopened snaps. Reactivate it within 30 days and logs back in to restore your history.
Block Friends
Blocking someone prevents them from opening your snap. Quickly block them, delete the snap, then unblock.
These tricks give you a bit more power to undo truly regrettable Snapchat mistakes. Use them wisely!
Permanently Erasing Your Snapchat History
What if you want a 100% fresh start on Snapchat with no past messages? Snap History Eraser deletes individual snaps, but there’s a way to permanently erase your entire Snapchat history:
Use Data Eraser Software
Special software like Dr.Fone – Data Eraser can delete all Snapchat data from your device and clean out associated junk files. This completely resets your Snapchat profile and messages as if you were a new user.
Here’s how it works:
- Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone or Android phone with a USB cable.
- Select the “Erase” option, then “Erase Private Data” > “Social Media” and check Snapchat.
- Click “Erase Now“. Dr.Fone will wipe your Snapchat data for good!
This gives you a fresh start if you want to purge your Snapchat history of all old messages. Just beware you can never recover the erased data again.
Besides, let’s figure out how to clear the Facebook cache.
Key Takeaways: Mastering Snap History Eraser
To recap, here are the key points for effectively using Snap History Eraser:
- It permanently deletes unopened sent and saved snaps from Snapchat’s servers.
- However, it can’t delete opened snaps, screenshots, chat logs, or snaps saved to Memories.
- Act quickly before recipients view snaps if you actually want them gone without a trace.
- Tricks like Airplane Mode, blocking, and deleting accounts can buy you more time.
- For a 100% clean slate, use data eraser software to wipe your entire Snapchat data history.
At the end of the day, think carefully before sending snaps since even History Eraser has limits. But when used wisely, it’s a handy self-destruct button for your most embarrassing Snapchat mistakes.
Now you have all the inside tips to delete Snapchat messages like a pro!
PS: if you wonder how to delete the Bumble account permanently, you should check out this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about using Snap History Eraser effectively? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Can I recover a Snapchat message I deleted?
No, Snap History Eraser deletes messages permanently. There is no way to recover snaps deleted using the Eraser.
Does Snapchat notify someone if I delete their saved Snap?
No, Snapchat does not send any notification when you delete a Snap saved by someone else using Snap History Eraser. However, the user will notice it’s gone if they try to view it again.
How fast do I need to delete a Snap I sent by mistake?
You typically only have 1-10 seconds max before the recipient opens the Snapchat app and views your message. Act instantly if you really want it gone without being seen.
Can I delete Snapchat group chat messages?
Yes, Snap History Eraser works for deleting your unopened snaps in group chats as well as one-on-one messages. But it can’t delete opened snaps or chat logs.
Will Snapchat save my data after I delete my account?
No, deleting your Snapchat account erases your personal data from their servers, including unopened snaps. However, they may retain some usage analytics.
What happens if I screenshot a Snap before it’s deleted?
If you screenshot a Snap that is later deleted by the sender, your screenshot will remain saved in your camera roll. Snap History Eraser does not delete screenshots.