Updated July 2025 – Learn how to safely back up your TikTok archive before deleting or deactivating your account for good.
When you request your Snapchat data, you don’t just get a list of Snaps. You get a detailed look into your account activity, conversations, login history, and more – all packed into a downloadable ZIP file.
But what’s actually inside that file? And how do you open, read, and use it?
This guide walks you through the structure of your Snapchat archive, explains each folder and file, and shows you how to manage the contents safely and smartly.
✅ Why You Should Explore Your Snapchat Archive
Snapchat may seem like a platform built on disappearing content, but behind the scenes, the company stores a lot of your account data, including:
- 💬 Who you’ve messaged (and when)
- 👥 Who you’ve added or removed
- 🛠️ How you use the app and settings
- 🧠 Behavioral metadata
- 🌍 Login history and device data
Knowing what’s stored in your archive is valuable for:
- Privacy audits
- Backups before deletion
- Digital identity control
- Curiosity or legal/account evidence
📦 File Format: You’ll Receive a ZIP Archive
Once requested, Snapchat will send your archive as a compressed ZIP file via email. It contains multiple folders and files in formats like:
.csv– for use in Excel/Sheets.html– opens directly in your browser.json(rarely used, for developers)
📌 Tip: Use WinZip to extract your files and pCloud to back them up securely.
🗂️ What’s Included in the Archive – Folder by Folder
Let’s break down the most important folders and files you’ll find inside your Snapchat archive:
1. 📄 chat_history.html
Your full message log, organized by contact.
- Message content (text only – no media)
- Timestamps
- Chat partners and group names
- Conversation structure
This is the most personal part of your archive – treat it carefully.
2. 👥 friends.csv
A list of:
- Current friends
- Sent and received friend requests
- Removed friends
- Blocked users
You’ll also see the date of each friend interaction, sorted by oldest to newest.
3. 🧾 account_information.html
Your basic account data:
- Username, email, phone number
- Date of account creation
- Bitmoji status
- Language & region settings
- Connected third-party apps
This is useful for long-term identity backup or verification purposes.
4. 📍 login_history.csv
Every login event is tracked, including:
- Date and time
- IP address
- Country/region
- Device or browser used
✅ Helps identify suspicious activity or location changes.
5. 🕵️ snap_history.csv (Metadata Only)
Contrary to what many think, Snapchat doesn’t give you image or video content – only metadata.
You’ll see:
- Snap creation timestamps
- Sender and receiver IDs
- Snap type (video/photo)
- Status (opened, pending, expired)
6. 📚 Additional Files (Varies by User)
Depending on your app usage, you may also find:
- Search history
- Story view history
- Subscriptions
- Ads you’ve interacted with
- Reported users or content
Each is clearly labeled and sorted chronologically.
🔐 What’s Not Included?
- Your actual Snaps or Stories (media files are not stored)
- Screenshot data
- Memories that were not saved manually
- Unsent messages or deleted items
⚠️ Snapchat prioritizes “ephemeral” content – and doesn’t store media by default.
🔧 Best Tools to Open & Explore Your Archive
You don’t need technical skills to read your archive – just the right tools:
✅ WinZip
Extracts your ZIP file and lets you navigate folders cleanly on any device.
✅ pCloud
Store your archive online in an encrypted space – great for long-term backup.
✅ [Google Sheets / Excel]
Ideal for reading
.csvfiles like login history and Snap metadata.
🧠 Final Tip: Review Before You Delete
Planning to deactivate or delete your Snapchat account? Make sure you:
- ✅ Download your full archive
- ✅ Open and review every section
- ✅ Store a copy in a secure location
- ✅ Delete local unencrypted copies if needed
📌 Summary
Your Snapchat archive contains a surprisingly detailed record of your time on the platform – from message history to login logs. Exploring it gives you insight, control, and peace of mind over your digital identity.
🔘 Download Your Snapchat Archive Now →
🔐 Open it with WinZip and store it securely in pCloud