Why You Need a Fresh Snapchat Export
Using an old memories_history.html file can cause downloads to fail. Here's why and how to get a fresh one.
⚠️ Important
If your download is failing or acting buggy, the #1 cause is using an old export file (older than a few days). Snapchat's download links expire quickly, and the export format can change without notice.
The Problem: Snapchat's Temporary Links
When you request your Snapchat data, Snapchat generates a memories_history.html file containing download links for all your photos and videos. However:
- Links expire after 2-7 days: Snapchat doesn't store your export permanently
- Server changes: Snapchat frequently changes their CDN servers and link formats
- Rate limiting: Old links may hit rate limits or return errors
- Incomplete data: If you've saved new Memories since the export, they won't be in the old file
Think of it like a milk carton with an expiration date - the file still exists, but the contents have "gone bad" and won't work properly.
Common Symptoms of Using an Old Export
❌ Downloads fail after a few files
The links work at first but then start timing out or returning 403/404 errors
❌ App says "0 memories found"
The HTML file is corrupted or the format changed since your export
❌ Some memories download, but many are missing
Links expired for older files, or new Memories aren't in the export yet
❌ Progress bar stops or hangs indefinitely
Server timeouts due to expired or invalid links
How to Request a Fresh Snapchat Export
Getting a new export takes about 24 hours. Here's the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Open Snapchat Settings
- Open the Snapchat app on your phone
- Tap your profile icon (top left)
- Tap the gear icon ⚙️ (top right) to open Settings
Step 2: Navigate to My Data
- Scroll down to the Privacy Controls section
- Tap "My Data"
- Scroll down and tap "Submit Request"
Step 3: Select What to Export
- You'll see a list of data categories
- Only select "Memories" (uncheck everything else for faster processing)
- Tap "Submit Request" at the bottom
Step 4: Wait for the Email
Timeline: Usually 4-24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours
Email subject: "Your Snapchat Data is Ready"
From: accounts@snapchat.com
Step 5: Download the File
- Click the download link in the email
- You may need to log in to confirm it's you
- A ZIP file will download (usually 1-50MB depending on how many memories you have)
- Unzip the file to find memories_history.html
✅ Pro Tip
Use the memories_history.html file immediately after downloading. Don't wait days or weeks - the links will expire. If you can't download all your memories right away, request a fresh export when you're ready.
How Often Should You Request a New Export?
General rule: Request a new export if:
- Your current export is more than 3-4 days old
- You're experiencing download failures or errors
- You've saved new Memories to Snapchat since your last export
- You tried to download before but stopped partway through
Why Does Snapchat Do This?
Snapchat doesn't permanently host your exported data for a few reasons:
- Server costs: Hosting millions of GB of user data indefinitely would be expensive
- Security: Temporary links reduce the risk if someone intercepts your download
- Privacy: Snapchat auto-deletes your exported data after a few days
- Resource management: Generating exports on-demand is more efficient than permanent storage
What If I Already Started Downloading?
If you started downloading with an old export and it failed partway through:
- Request a fresh export (follow steps above)
- Wait for the new email (24 hours)
- Download the new memories_history.html
- Start over with Memory Downloader using the fresh file
Memory Downloader will automatically skip any files you've already downloaded, so you won't waste time re-downloading duplicates.
Bottom Line
If you're experiencing download issues, get a fresh Snapchat export first. It takes up to 24 hours but solves 99% of download problems. Old exports have expired links that Snapchat no longer supports.