Over Snapchat's 5GB Memories Limit? Export and Back Up Your Memories
Move your Memories somewhere you control: check your usage, download every export part, repair the raw files, and verify the backup before deleting anything from Snapchat.
First, Check Your Actual Memories Storage
Snapchat announced Memories Storage Plans on September 26, 2025. Accounts receive up to 5GB of complimentary Memories storage. Current support guidance says you can see your exact usage in Settings → Memories → Cloud Storage; available plans and prices appear in the app and can vary by market.
1. Check Cloud Storage
Open Settings, scroll to My App, tap Memories, and look under Cloud Storage.
2. Review Your In-App Options
If you are eligible and over 5GB, Snapchat shows an Upgrade Storage notice with the plans available where you live.
3. Do Not Rely on a Universal Date
There is no universal September 1, 2026 automatic-deletion date. Snapchat says no Memories will be archived before January 2027 and that affected users will receive advance notice.
4. Export Before Removing Anything
A separate verified backup gives you control whether you later keep, archive, or remove content in Snapchat.
Request, Repair, and Verify Your Snapchat Export
Request a complete export from Snapchat and download every ZIP part before its links expire. Keep the raw archive untouched. FixMyExport then matches media with memories_history.json so dates, GPS data, overlays, and split videos can be restored where available.
Open the processed files in your photo library, spot-check several years and locations, and keep a second copy on another drive or in your own cloud account. Only after both copies are verified should you decide whether to delete anything from Snapchat.
Safe backup checklist
Treat export and deletion as separate decisions. Finish and verify the backup first.
- 1.Check storage
- 2.Request export
- 3.Download all export parts
- 4.Process with FixMyExport
- 5.Verify two backup copies
- 6.Only then decide what to delete
Official Snapchat sources
What a Verified Backup Preserves
A Complete Local Copy
Keep all downloaded ZIP parts and the original JSON together so you can reprocess the export later.
Correct Timeline
FixMyExport writes available capture dates into media metadata so photo apps can sort Memories chronologically.
Locations and Map Views
When coordinates exist in the JSON, they can be embedded so compatible photo apps can place files on maps.
Overlays and Split Videos
The app can repair export-specific presentation problems instead of leaving related assets separated.
Independent Storage
Keep copies on your computer, an external drive, or your own cloud account rather than relying on one platform.
A Reversible Decision
Verification comes before deletion, so a storage choice does not accidentally become permanent data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have more than 5GB of Snapchat Memories?
Snapchat provides up to 5GB of complimentary storage and announced 12 months of temporary storage for excess Memories. Current support says Memories are not automatically deleted because you do not upgrade. Starting no earlier than January 2027, older excess Memories may be archived, remain stored, and require an upgrade or download to open; Snapchat says it will provide advance notice.
How do I check how many GB my Snapchat Memories use?
In Snapchat, open Settings, scroll to My App, tap Memories, and check Cloud Storage. If you are over 5GB, the Memories section may also show a notice with your usage.
Do I need Snapchat+ to keep Memories?
No. Memories within the complimentary 5GB do not require Snapchat+. If you need more storage, check the app for the Memories-only and subscription plans currently available in your market.
Can I download Memories instead of paying for more storage?
Yes. Snapchat says you can download your Memories to your device. Request a complete data export, download every part, and verify the finished backup before deleting anything.
Is September 1, 2026 a Snapchat deletion deadline?
No universal September 1, 2026 automatic-deletion deadline appears in Snapchat's current support guidance. Snapchat now says no Memories will be archived before January 2027 and affected users will receive advance notice in the app.
What does the raw Snapchat export contain?
The export can include media plus memories_history.json, where dates, coordinates, and other information may be stored separately from the files. Large exports may arrive in multiple ZIP parts, so download all of them.
Why use FixMyExport after downloading?
Raw exports can leave dates, GPS information, overlays, or split videos separate from the media. FixMyExport processes files on your device and repairs those details where the export includes the required data.
Back Up Your Memories Before You Change Anything
Process the full export, confirm that your dates and media look right, and keep a second copy before removing content from Snapchat.
Download FixMyExport