How to Remove Snapchat Filters: A Guide

What happens when you fall in love with a snap but not so much with the filter? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to remove a Snapchat filter from a photo.

The Snapchat Filter Phenomenon

Snapchat filters have become synonymous with modern-day photography.

Whether it’s the infamous dog filter or those dynamic geo-filters, Snapchat’s augmented reality features have spiced up many a selfie.

However, there are times when we simply want the raw, unaltered version of a snap.

Maybe you’re looking to use the snap for a more professional setting or simply want to reminisce about the moment in its purest form.

Regardless, it’s good to know your options when you’re keen on reverting to the original.

Understanding Snapchat’s Infrastructure

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s worth understanding how Snapchat functions.

When you apply a filter and send it as a snap, Snapchat doesn’t preserve the original photo in the same way other platforms might.

Essentially, once you’ve applied a filter and saved or sent that snap, the altered image is what gets stored. The app doesn’t save an unaltered version by default.

Methods to Retrieve the Original

1. Check Your Memories or Camera Roll

Before you panic, the first and simplest thing to do is to check your Snapchat Memories or your device’s camera roll.

When taking snaps, many of us have the ‘Save to Memories’ or ‘Save to Camera Roll’ option enabled.

If you’ve done so, there’s a chance the original photo, taken before the application of the filter, is resting there waiting for you.

2. Third-party Apps & Services

There’s a plethora of apps out there that claim to reverse filters or edits made to photos.

While many are questionable, some can be genuinely effective. Here are a couple of options:

  • Photo Editors: Apps like Photoshop, Lightroom, or even free platforms like GIMP, allow you to manipulate image properties, potentially reducing the effects of a filter.
  • Dedicated Services: There are online services designed explicitly for Snapchat filter removal. They use advanced algorithms to try and reverse-engineer the applied filter.

Note: Relying on third-party apps and services should be a last resort.

Not only is there no guarantee of success, but you also risk compromising the quality of your photo or exposing your data to unknown entities.

3. Snapseed’s ‘Revert’ Feature

Snapseed is a popular photo-editing app by Google. If you had previously edited the snap in Snapseed before adding a Snapchat filter, there’s a ‘Revert’ feature that might save the day.

Simply open the photo in Snapseed, tap on the ‘Settings’ icon, and select ‘Revert’. This undoes all edits, bringing you back to the original image.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Always Save Originals

The adage rings true, especially when it comes to digital memories. Always make it a habit to save the original photo before making edits or applying filters.

Snapchat offers options to save snaps to your ‘Memories’ or directly to your device’s camera roll. Utilize these settings to avoid future predicaments.

Consider Using Dual Cameras

Many smartphones now come with a dual camera feature, allowing you to capture photos using both the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

This can be a game-changer. While you use Snapchat with one camera, the other can capture the scene without any filters, ensuring you always have an unaltered backup.

In Conclusion: The Quest to Remove Filters

The journey of figuring out how to remove a Snapchat filter from a photo can be a challenging one.

While there’s no foolproof method to retrieve the original image after a filter has been applied (short of having saved it beforehand), there are some options worth exploring.

Remember, the digital realm, just like the real world, is best navigated with a mix of curiosity and caution.

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Author

Matt

Matt is a self confessed Otaku with a keen interest in anime and Japanese culture. He uses a variety of social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, and when he's not playing with his phone he's usually reading through Seinen manga like One-Punch Man.

Read more from Matt

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