Snapchat Memories over 5 GB: what changes in January 2027

Your Memories are not deleted. But from January 2027, if you store more than 5 GB, the older ones are archived: you will have to pay to open them in the app, or download them.

What changes

• 5 GB stay free. Most Snapchatters store less, and nothing changes for them.
• Beyond 5 GB, Snapchat offers paid storage plans: 100 GB, 250 GB with Snapchat+, or 5 TB with Snapchat Platinum.
• From January 2027, Memories more than a year old that are not part of your oldest 5 GB are archived.
• Archived Memories show as thumbnails in the app. To open, edit or share them, you need a paid plan, or you can download them.
• Nothing is archived before January 2027, and Snapchat warns you in the app first.

Source: Snapchat Support, "How do I manage my Memories storage".

Are my Snapchat Memories going to be deleted?

No. According to Snapchat, Memories over the limit are archived, not deleted. They stay on Snapchat, but you can no longer open them in the app without paying, unless you download them.

How to keep all your Memories for free

1. Download them from Snapchat. In the app, request the export of your Memories ("My Data"). Snapchat emails you a link to ZIP files. Step-by-step guide
2. Fix them with Memories Map. The export loses the date and location of every file. Memories Map, free software for Windows, gives them back, burns in your captions and puts everything on a map.

Download Memories Map for free

Don't wait for January: Snapchat takes from a few hours to a few days to prepare an export.