Snapchat Now Charging for Memories: Here’s How to Save Memories for Free

Snapchat is adding a 5GB limit to free Memories. Here’s how to check your storage and download all your Snaps for free before they’re deleted.

Download snapchat memories

Snapchat recently announced that it will start charging users for Memories storage exceeding 5GB. The company said the “vast majority” of users are under this limit. However, if your Memories are over 5GB, you’ll need to upgrade to a Snapchat+ plan or export them to your device.

Snapchat’s new storage plans start at 100GB with Snapchat+, 250GB with Premium, and 5TB with Platinum. If you’re over the 5GB limit, don’t worry. This guide shows how to download your Memories for free.

Snapchat Grace Period and Rules for Memories Deletion

Snapchat gives users 12 months of temporary storage after crossing the 5GB limit. You’ll then need to export your Memories or upgrade to keep them.

Snapchat will keep your oldest Memories within the 5GB limit, while newer over-limit Snaps will be deleted.

Also, in case you buy a plan and later cancel it, do note that you’ll have 48 hours to resubscribe before your over-limit Memories are deleted.

How to Check Your Snapchat Memories Storage

In case you’re wondering whether you’re above or below the 5GB limit, here’s how to see your Snapchat Memories storage on iPhone and Android:

  1. Open Snapchat and go to your Profile.
  2. Tap the Settings icon near the top-right corner of the screen.
    Open snapchat profile and tap settings icon
  3. Scroll down and tap Memories.
  4. Here you can see the Backup Progress and your storage limit.
    Check your snapchat memories storage

Note: Snapchat doesn’t provide a graphical representation (like other storage apps), which means you won’t find a progress bar. Also, you’ll only find the upgrade banner or prompt if you’re above the 5GB limit, or else you won’t find anything in the Memories Settings.

Related: How to Turn Off Story Notifications on Snapchat

3 Ways to Download Snapchat Memories for Free

You don’t need Snapchat+ to save your Snaps, here are three free methods to download and back up all your Memories.

1. Batch Export Snapchat Memories (Up to 100 at a Time)

Snapchat lets you batch export Memories, but only 100 at a time. This works well if you have a few hundred Snaps. Here’s how:

  1. Open Snapchat and tap Memories.
  2. Tap and hold to select memories one by one.
  3. Now, tap the Share icon.
  4. On the next page, tap Download.
    Download snapchat memories by selecting and sharing to save

2. Request All Snapchat Data (Best for Large Libraries)

If you have more than a couple of hundred Memories, saving them one hundred at a time can be challenging. In that case, the best option is to request your Snapchat data and download all Snapchat Memories at once to your computer. Here’s how:

  1. Open Snapchat and go to your Profile.
  2. Now, tap Settings in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Scroll down to PRIVACY CONTROLS section and tap My Data.
    Access snapchat my data from profile settings under privacy controls
  4. Select Memories And Other Media and tap Next.
  5. Enter your email address and hit Submit.
    Request snapchat memories data by selecting media and submitting email

Tip: Depending on your data size, Snapchat may take hours or days to email your Memories. Keep checking your inbox and download once the link arrives.

3. Auto-Save Future Snaps to Avoid Paying

To avoid paying or downloading later, you can auto-save Snaps to both Snapchat and your phone. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open Snapchat > Profile > Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap Memories.
  3. Tap Save Button.
  4. Select Memories & Camera Roll or Camera Roll to save your future snaps to your phone.
    Change snapchat save settings to memories and camera roll

Quick Tip: Once you download all the Memories to your device, you can import them into your Photos app (on iPhone) or Google Photos app (on Android) and then back up those photos to your cloud.

Export “My Eyes Only” Memories Safely

If you wish to export only ‘My Eyes Only’ memories from your Snapchat Memories, here are the steps to do so:

  1. Open Snapchat and tap Memories.
  2. Swipe left to scroll to My Eyes Only.
  3. Enter your passcode.
    Access snapchat my eyes only in memories with passcode
  4. Tap and hold to select your private snaps and tap Export.
  5. Now tap Download.
    Export my eyes only memories safely

Note: ‘My Eyes Only’ is passcode-protected. If you forget it, Snapchat can’t recover your snaps. Resetting the passcode erases all content, so proceed carefully.

FAQs

How do I see if I’m over the free limit?

Check your Memories settings. If you see an upgrade prompt, you’re over the limit.

Will deleting from Memories delete my Camera Roll copy?

If the Memories are already saved on your device, then it won’t delete them.

Can I download all Memories with one tap?

No, there isn’t. But, there is a download your data option which will help you download all the data at once. Just follow the steps mentioned above, and you’re good to go.

What happens if I cancel a paid plan?

You’ll have 48 hours to resubscribe before your over-limit Memories are deleted.

Are captions and filters preserved?

Yes, but Snapchat exports overlays separately. You may need editing apps to combine them.

You might also like:

author avatar
Subham Raj
Subham Raj is a Senior Tech Writer at TechNerdiness.com, where he simplifies complex technology into clear, actionable insights for readers worldwide. A passionate tech enthusiast and film lover, he has contributed to leading publications like TechPP, TechWiser, GuidingTech, and MakeUseOf. With years of experience crafting tutorials, how-to guides, and in-depth explainers, Subham is dedicated to helping people stay informed, troubleshoot effectively, and make smarter tech decisions.
See Full Bio
Related Posts