How to Download All Snapchat Memories in 2026 (Complete Guide)
The definitive guide to backing up your entire Snapchat history with original dates and metadata preserved. No login required, 100% private.
Table of Contents
If you're looking to download all your Snapchat Memories at once, you've probably already discovered that Snapchat makes this surprisingly difficult. Between messy export files, wrong dates, and random filenames, the process is far from simple. In this comprehensive guide, I'll show you exactly how to download and organize every single Snapchat Memory you've ever created—with the correct dates and metadata preserved.
Why You Should Backup Your Snapchat Memories
Snapchat Memories aren't stored forever. While Snapchat claims to keep your Memories "as long as your account is active," the reality is more complicated. Here's why you should backup your Snapchat Memories today:
- Snapchat is deleting Memories: In mid-to-late 2026, Snapchat will delete Memories for users exceeding 5GB of storage unless they purchase a paid plan ($1.99/mo for 100GB, $4.99/mo for 250GB with Snapchat+, or $14.99/mo for 5TB with Snapchat Platinum)
- Account deletion: If your account gets deleted (accidentally or by Snapchat), your Memories are gone permanently
- Storage limits: Many users report older Memories mysteriously disappearing as Snapchat tests new storage policies
- Platform risk: Apps shut down, policies change, and companies go out of business—don't trust a single platform with your irreplaceable memories
- Easy access: Having your Memories as regular photo files means you can view them anywhere, anytime, without opening Snapchat
The bottom line: Your Snapchat Memories contain years of irreplaceable photos and videos. Don't wait until Snapchat deletes them or charges you monthly fees—back them up today.
The Problem with Snapchat's Export
Snapchat does offer a way to download your data through their "My Data" feature. However, there's a major problem: the export file is almost useless.
What's Wrong with Snapchat's Export?
- ❌ Wrong dates: Every photo shows as "downloaded today" instead of when you actually took it
- ❌ Generic filenames: Photos are all named "Unknown.jpg" or "Unknown.mp4" with no context, and duplicates are numbered Unknown (1), Unknown (2), etc.
- ❌ Messy structure: Thousands of files dumped into one folder with no organization
- ❌ Missing metadata: Location data, captions, and other information are lost
- ❌ Manual download: You have to click each photo individually to download it from the HTML file
Imagine spending hours manually downloading 5,000 photos, only to discover they're all named "Unknown.jpg" and dated "January 5, 2026." You'll never find the specific photos you're looking for. This is why you need a better solution.
Step-by-Step: How to Download All Snapchat Memories
Here's the complete process to download and organize all your Snapchat Memories with the correct dates preserved.
Step 1: Request Your Snapchat Data Export
- Open the Snapchat app on your phone
- Tap your profile icon (top left)
- Tap the settings gear icon (top right)
- Scroll down to "My Privacy & Data"
- Tap "My Data"
- Tap "Export Your Memories"
- Click "Request Only Memories"
- Select "All Time"
- Scroll to the bottom and tap "Submit Request"
⏰ Wait time: Snapchat typically sends your export within 24 hours, but it can take up to 72 hours depending on how many Memories you have. You'll receive an email from Snapchat when it's ready.
Step 2: Download Your Export File
- Check your email for a message from Snapchat Team
- Click the "Download My Data" button in the email
- This will download a ZIP file to your computer
- Unzip the file by double-clicking it
- Inside, you'll find a file called "memories_history.html"
This HTML file contains links to all your Memories. But remember—clicking each link manually would take forever, and the photos would all have the wrong dates.
Step 3: Use Memory Downloader (The Easy Way)
Instead of manually downloading thousands of photos, use Memory Downloader to automate the entire process. Here's how:
- Download Memory Downloader from memorydownloader.com (available for Mac and Windows)
- Get a license key for $1.99 (delivered instantly via email)
- Open the app and paste your license key to unlock it
- Click "Browse" and select your
memories_history.htmlfile - Choose a destination folder where you want your Memories saved
- Click "Start Download"
That's it! The app will automatically:
- Download every single photo and video
- Organize them into folders by year and month
- Restore the original capture date and time
- Preserve all metadata including GPS location data
- Save everything to your computer
⚡ Speed: Most users download 2,000-5,000 Memories in about 5-10 minutes. The app handles everything automatically while you wait.
Step 4: View Your Organized Memories
Once the download completes, open your destination folder. You'll see your Memories organized like this:
📁 2023/
📁 January/
📸 01-15-2023.jpg
📸 01-15-2023 (2).jpg
🎥 01-20-2023.mp4
📁 February/
📸 02-14-2023.jpg
📁 2024/
📁 January/
📁 February/
📁 2025/
📁 December/
📸 12-25-2025.jpg
📸 12-25-2025 (2).jpg
Each photo and video is named by its capture date (MM-DD-YYYY format). If you took multiple photos on the same day, they're numbered automatically: 09-03-2024.jpg, 09-03-2024 (2).jpg, 09-03-2024 (3).jpg, etc.
Right-click any photo and check "Get Info" (Mac) or "Properties" (Windows)—you'll see the original date, time, and GPS location data restored perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake #1: Trying to Download Manually
Don't waste hours clicking individual photos in the HTML file. Even if you download them all, the dates will be wrong and you'll have thousands of files named "Unknown.jpg."
❌ Mistake #2: Using Free "Solutions" That Upload Your Data
Many free tools require you to upload your entire export file to their servers. This means strangers have access to all your private photos. Memory Downloader processes everything locally—your photos never leave your computer.
❌ Mistake #3: Forgetting to Request Your Export First
You can't download your Memories without first requesting the export from Snapchat. Make sure you complete Step 1 and wait for the email before trying to use any download tool.
❌ Mistake #4: Not Checking the Dates After Download
Always verify that the dates were restored correctly by right-clicking a few photos and checking their metadata. If the dates still show as "today," the tool didn't work properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to download all my Snapchat Memories?
It depends on how many Memories you have. Most users download 2,000-5,000 Memories in 5-10 minutes. If you have 10,000+ Memories, expect 15-20 minutes. The process is automatic, so you can just wait while it runs.
Will this work if I have 50,000 Memories?
Yes! Memory Downloader can handle any number of Memories. You're charged per export file, not per memory, so whether you have 100 or 100,000 photos, the price is the same.
Do I need to log in to Snapchat in the app?
No! You never enter your Snapchat username or password. The app only needs the export file that Snapchat emails you. This keeps your account 100% secure.
What if my download is interrupted?
You can retry the same export file without using another license key. We only count successfully completed downloads, so you won't be charged twice.
Are my photos uploaded anywhere?
Absolutely not. Memory Downloader processes everything locally on your computer. Your photos never leave your device, and we never see, access, or store your data. 100% private.
Can I use this on iPhone or Android?
Memory Downloader is currently available for Mac and Windows desktop computers. Mobile versions may be released in the future.
Final Thoughts
Backing up your Snapchat Memories doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tool, you can download thousands of photos and videos in minutes—all with the correct dates and perfect organization. Don't wait until Snapchat deletes your Memories or starts charging monthly fees. Backup your Memories today and keep them safe forever.
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