How do I enable shortcuts on Snapchat?

Snapchat shortcuts allow you to quickly access different sections and features within the app. Enabling shortcuts can make using Snapchat faster and more convenient. Here’s a guide on how to turn on shortcuts on both iOS and Android devices.

What Are Snapchat Shortcuts?

Snapchat shortcuts are gestures you can use to quickly navigate the app. On iOS, shortcuts involve using the camera screen and swiping down. On Android, shortcuts use a two-finger swipe down from the top of the main Snapchat screen.

These shortcuts allow you to jump between sections like Stories, Chat, Camera, Friends, Discover, Memories, Profile, Snap Map, Lens Explorer, Settings, and more. Shortcuts differ slightly between iOS and Android.

Benefits of Snapchat Shortcuts

Here are some of the benefits of enabling and using Snapchat shortcuts:

• Saves time – Shortcuts provide quick access to different Snapchat features, avoiding the need to navigate through menus.
• Easy to use – The shortcut gestures are generally easy to use once you get accustomed to them.
• Improved navigation – It’s easier to get around the app and find what you need with shortcuts.
• Faster access – Get to key sections of Snapchat in just a swipe or two with shortcuts.
• Convenience – Avoid tapping through multiple screens, streamlining your Snapchat experience.

How to Use Snapchat Shortcuts on iOS

Here are step-by-step instructions to enable and use Snapchat shortcuts on iPhones and iPads running iOS:

1. Open Snapchat and go to the Camera screen.
2. Using two fingers, swipe down from the top of the Camera screen.
3. This will open a menu overlay with the different Snapchat shortcuts.
4. Tap on any of the shortcut options to quickly access that section of Snapchat.
5. To return back to the Camera, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

The main shortcuts available from the iOS Camera screen include:

• My Stories
• Discover
• Memories
• Friends
• Map

Swiping down on the Camera screen is the only gesture needed to access all of Snapchat’s shortcuts on iOS. They are enabled by default.

Customizing iOS Shortcuts

You can customize which shortcuts appear by going to Settings > Shortcuts. Toggle any shortcuts on or off to add or remove them.

How to Use Snapchat Shortcuts on Android

On Android devices, Snapchat shortcuts work a bit differently and involve swiping down from the top of the app. Here are the steps to use Android shortcuts:

1. Open the Snapchat app.
2. Place two fingers at the very top of the screen and swipe down.
3. A shortcuts menu will come down over the Snapchat interface.
4. Tap any shortcut icon to quickly navigate to that section.
5. To return to the previous screen, swipe up from the bottom.

The main shortcuts available on Android include:

• Stories
• Discover
• Camera
• Chat
• Friends
• Memories
• Profile
• Map
• Lens Explorer
• Settings

Enabling Android Shortcuts

By default, the shortcuts are disabled on Android. To enable them:

1. Go to your Snapchat Profile
2. Tap the Settings (gear) icon
3. Go to the Additional Services section
4. Toggle on the “Enable shortcuts” option

Once you toggle this on, you’ll be able to use Snapchat shortcuts on Android.

Snapchat Shortcut Limitations

While Snapchat shortcuts can be very useful, there are some limitations to be aware of:

• Shortcuts are only available from the Camera screen on iOS or the main Snapchat screen on Android. They do not work universally across the app.
• Learning the swipe gestures may take some practice at first.
• Shortcuts provide quick access to main sections, but do not cover every single Snapchat feature.
• Some users may prefer navigating the app manually and find shortcuts unnecessary.

Overall though, most Snapchat users can benefit from having shortcuts enabled even with these limitations.

Tips for Using Snapchat Shortcuts

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of Snapchat’s shortcuts after you’ve enabled them:

• Swipe quickly and decisively when using shortcuts. A light swipe may not trigger them.
• If you have larger fingers, try using three fingers instead of two for the swipe gestures.
• You can tap and hold some shortcut icons to view a sub-menu of related options.
• Double tap a shortcut icon to return to the previous screen from any page.
• Rest your fingers at the very top or bottom of the screen before swiping to ensure the gesture registers.
• Practice the swipe motions a few times when first enabling shortcuts to get the positioning right.

Common Snapchat Shortcut Uses

Here are some of the most common ways Snapchat users take advantage of shortcuts:

• Quickly view Stories – See friends’ stories from the Camera shortcut menu.
• Access Discover content – Swipe directly to Shows, Publisher Stories, etc.
• Post Memories – Retrieve and post old photos without leaving the Camera screen.
• Check Friends list – See who’s currently active and available to chat.
• Open Snap Map – Quickly drop in and share your location.
• Switch between Chat and Camera – Toggling between messaging friends and capturing/sharing new Snaps.

Conclusion

Snapchat shortcuts provide easy access to all the key sections of the app once enabled. On iOS, swipe down from the Camera screen. On Android, swipe down from the top of the main Snapchat interface. While they take some getting used to, Snapchat shortcuts can save you time and make navigating the app much more convenient once mastered.