Guide

Snapchat export failed or came out empty? Here's how to fix it

Guides · Snapchat export

A Snapchat data export that errors out, stalls, or arrives nearly empty is almost always one of a handful of fixable problems — not lost memories. Here's how to get a complete export.

Common causes & fixes

• Memories weren't included. The data request has a content selection — make sure Memories is ticked, or you'll get an export with everything except your photos and videos.
• It's still being prepared. Large libraries take time; Snapchat emails a link when it's ready. If nothing's arrived, wait and check spam.
• The export was split into parts. Big exports come as several .zip files. Downloading only one leaves you with a near-empty or incomplete library — download every part.
• The download link expired. Links are time-limited. Re-request the export to get a fresh one and download promptly.
• The download was interrupted. A partial or corrupted zip can look empty. Re-download on a stable connection.

Once you have a complete export

A successful export still comes out with the wrong dates and no location — that's expected, not another failure. MemoriesExport fixes that in one pass; see how it works. And if you're over 5GB and want everything out before Snapchat archives older Memories in January 2027, request your export early so there's time to retry if a part fails.

Fix my Snapchat export →

Frequently asked questions

My export downloaded but the folder is almost empty — why?

Most often the export was split into several .zip parts and only one was downloaded, or Memories weren't included in the request. Re-request your data and make sure Memories is selected, then download every part.

How long does a Snapchat export take to be ready?

Anywhere from minutes to a day or more, depending on how large your Memories library is. Snapchat emails you a download link when it's ready — large libraries take the longest.

The download link expired before I finished. What now?

Just request the export again from Snapchat; it generates a fresh link. Download promptly and, for big libraries, grab every part before the link lapses.