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If You Don't Want to Pay to Store Snapchat Memories, Here's How to Download Them for Free

We've detailed two ways to export your Snapchat memories so you don't have to add another fee to your pile of subscriptions.

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Headshot of Blake Stimac
Blake Stimac Writer
Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he's not in front of a keyboard, you'll most likely find him playing video games, watching horror flicks, or hunting down a good churro.
Blake Stimac
2 min read
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You don't have to pay for Snapchat's new storage plans if you squeeze your Memories storage under 5GB. Here are a couple of ways you can do that.

 James Martin/CNET

Snapchat is capping the storage limit for its Memories feature, the company announced last month. The feature has gained tremendous popularity since its 2016 launch, and Snapchat will eventually require users exceeding the new 5GB cap to pay for additional storage. 

Snapchat users exceeding the new limit aren't required to start paying immediately. You have a full year to sort out your existing storage situation. This gives longtime users time to delete expendable memories or export them for free to avoid the fee. The year of temporary storage begins when you first exceed the 5GB cap. 

If you do need the extra storage, you'll need to pay $2 per month for 100GB when you exceed the limit. If you're already signed up for the $4 per month Snapchat Plus or the $16 per month Snapchat Platinum plans, you'll have 250GB and 5TB of Memories storage included, respectively. A Snapchat spokesperson said these prices are for the US and may vary depending on the market. 

Option 1: Save Memories to your Photos in batches

If you're looking for a way to save your Memories to your camera roll, it's easy, but there's a limit on how many you can save at a time.

  • Open Snapchat and tap the Memories icon (stacked photos) to the left of the camera button.
  • Tap Select at the top.
  • Select up to 100 Snaps from the carousel.
  • Tap the Export button (arrow up icon).
  • Select your save destination and then tap download.

Option 2: Request your Snapchat data

If downloading all of your Snapchat Memories in batches of 100 sounds like something you'd rather avoid, and don't mind a wait, you can request to download data from your account. The result will be available in a ZIP file that you can download to your computer and use to view your Memories. 

  • Open Snapchat and go to your profile.
  • Tap the settings icon (gear) at the top right.
  • Scroll to select My Data.
  • Choose the data you want to download.
  • Tap Next.
  • Choose a time frame (All Time is an option).
  • Tap Submit.

The amount of data in your account determines how long it takes to receive the file. When it arrives, download the zip file and access your data.