Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is the ability to send and view Snaps quickly and easily. To facilitate fast sending and viewing, Snapchat works best when connected to WiFi. Using WiFi instead of mobile data allows Snaps to send and load faster without eating up your monthly data allowance. Fortunately, enabling Snapchat to use WiFi is a simple process on both iOS and Android devices.
Why Use WiFi for Snapchat?
There are a few key reasons why you should enable Snapchat to use WiFi whenever possible:
– Faster sending/loading of Snaps – Snaps send and load much quicker over WiFi compared to mobile data. This allows you to send Snaps instantly and view friend’s Stories without lag or delay.
– No impact to mobile data allowance – Using WiFi instead of mobile data means Snapchat won’t count against your monthly mobile data cap. This prevents unwanted overages if you send/view a lot of Snaps daily.
– Higher quality Snaps – The faster speed of WiFi also allows higher quality Snaps to be sent and viewed. Filters, lenses and captions appear crisper over WiFi.
– Consistent connectivity – WiFi provides more consistent connectivity indoors and in areas with poor cellular reception. This allows uninterrupted Snapchat usage.
How to Allow Snapchat to Use WiFi on iPhone
Enabling Snapchat to use WiFi on iPhone only takes a few quick steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Snapchat”.
3. On the Snapchat settings page, turn on the switch next to “Use Cellular Data”.
4. Below that switch, turn on the switch next to “Use Wi-Fi”.
5. Close Settings. Snapchat will now use WiFi for sending/loading Snaps whenever you are connected to a WiFi network.
Here is a visual guide to enabling Snapchat to use WiFi on iPhone:
Step 1) Open Settings app
Step 2) Tap on Snapchat in Settings
Step 3) Turn on Use Cellular Data switch
Step 4) Turn on Use Wi-Fi switch
That’s all there is to it! Snapchat is now set to use available WiFi networks for sending and viewing Snaps on your iPhone.
Allowing Snapchat to Use WiFi on Android
The process is very similar for enabling Snapchat to use WiFi on Android devices:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Tap on “Apps & notifications”.
3. Scroll down and tap on “Snapchat”.
4. Tap on “Mobile data & Wi-Fi”
5. Turn on the switch next to “Use mobile data”.
6. Below that, turn on the switch next to “Wi-Fi data usage”.
7. Return to the main Settings menu. Snapchat can now utilize WiFi for sending and loading Snaps.
Visual guide for enabling Snapchat WiFi usage on Android:
Step 1) Open Settings app
Step 2) Tap Apps & Notifications
Step 3) Select Snapchat
Step 4) Tap Mobile Data & Wi-Fi
Step 5) Enable Use Mobile Data
Step 6) Enable Wi-Fi Data Usage
That covers it for Android devices! With those quick steps complete, Snapchat can now leverage your WiFi connections.
Connecting Snapchat to WiFi on iPhone & Android
Once you’ve allowed Snapchat to use WiFi in your device settings, Snapchat will automatically utilize any available WiFi networks you connect to.
Whenever you are in range of a saved WiFi network, your iPhone or Android phone will automatically connect to it. This includes networks at home, work, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, airports, etc. Snapchat will seamlessly use these networks for sending/loading Snaps once connected.
To manually connect your device to a WiFi network:
On iPhone
1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is toggled on.
3. Tap the name of the WiFi network you want to join.
4. Enter the network password if prompted.
On Android
1. Launch Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Toggle Wi-Fi on.
3. Tap the name of the available WiFi network.
4. Enter the network password if required.
Once connected to a WiFi network, the Snapchat app will automatically leverage it for a faster, higher quality Snapchat experience!
Using Cellular Data with Snapchat
While WiFi is recommended for the optimal Snapchat experience, you can still use Snapchat over your cellular data connection if no WiFi is available. The main downsides are:
– Slower sending/loading of Snaps
– Reduced Snap quality
– Eats into your monthly data allowance
So use cellular data sparingly with Snapchat when possible. But the option is there if you have no other connectivity options available.
To disable Snapchat from using cellular data:
On iPhone
1. Go to Settings > Snapchat
2. Toggle off Use Cellular Data
On Android
1. Open Settings > Apps & notifications > Snapchat
2. Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi
3. Toggle off Use mobile data
This will restrict Snapchat to only using WiFi networks for connectivity.
Troubleshooting Snapchat WiFi Issues
If you are having trouble getting Snapchat to work properly over WiFi, try these troubleshooting tips:
– Force close and restart the Snapchat app
– Verify the WiFi network is working properly for other apps
– Check for app updates for Snapchat in your device app store
– Toggle airplane mode on/off to reset connectivity
– Reboot your iPhone or Android device
– Clear cache and data for Snapchat in your device app settings
– Forget the WiFi network and reconnect
– Toggle WiFi off/on in your device settings
– Reset network settings on your device
– Contact Snapchat support if issues persist
Following these troubleshooting steps will typically resolve any WiFi issues experienced in the Snapchat app.
Conclusion
Keeping Snapchat connected over WiFi is the optimal way to enjoy a fast, glitch-free experience. Both iOS and Android make it easy to allow Snapchat to leverage available WiFi networks. Simply enable WiFi usage in the app settings, connect to a WiFi network, and Snapchat will automatically use it to send high-quality Snaps instantly. Avoiding mobile data for Snapchat will prevent slowness, quality loss and unwanted data overages. Follow the guides outlined here to ensure Snapchat can properly utilize your WiFi networks for the best possible Snapchat experience on iPhone and Android devices.