Snapchat Outage Erases User Data After AWS Disruption Sparks Panic

A significant Amazon Web Services outage on Monday caused major disruptions for hundreds of applications. Snapchat was among the most severely impacted platforms. Over 22,000 user reports flooded Downdetector before 9 AM.

The outage prevented users from sending or loading messages. Many found themselves unable to log into their accounts at all. According to Reuters, the service disruption was widespread and sudden.

User Panic Leads to Accidental Data Loss

Frustrated by the app’s failure, many users attempted to fix the issue by deleting and reinstalling Snapchat. This well-intentioned troubleshooting step backfired dramatically. Users returned to find their friends lists wiped and their saved snaps completely gone.

Social media platform X became a hub for distressed reports. One user lamented that all their snaps had vanished after a reinstall. Another expressed shock at losing their entire message history. The situation created significant distress for users who lost irreplaceable content.

Limited Recovery Options for Lost Snaps and Streaks

The incident highlights the fragile nature of cloud-dependent digital content. For those who lost Snapchat streaks, a potential recovery option exists. Some users may find a “Restore” button next to their chat history if they act quickly.

If the button is not visible, the only recourse is submitting a form to Snapchat Support. Success is not guaranteed and depends on prompt action. The outage served as a stark reminder to avoid deleting apps during technical failures.

The Snapchat outage demonstrates how quickly digital memories can vanish during a cloud service failure, leaving users with few reliable recovery options for their lost content.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the Snapchat outage?

The disruption originated from a major Amazon Web Services outage. AWS provides the cloud infrastructure that powers Snapchat and many other apps.

Can I get my deleted Snapchat messages back?

Recovery is possible but not guaranteed. Check for a “Restore” button in the app or submit a request through Snapchat Support immediately.

How many users reported Snapchat problems?

Downdetector received over 22,000 outage reports. The actual number of affected users was likely much higher than this figure.

What other apps were affected by the AWS outage?

Popular platforms including Roblox, Fortnite, and Coinbase experienced similar disruptions. The AWS outage had widespread consequences across digital services.

Why did deleting the app make the problem worse?

Reinstalling the app during server outages can corrupt local data caches. This often leads to permanent loss of unsynced content and messages.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, Downdetector