Snapchat’s main feature is sending quick photos and videos, also known as snaps, to friends. However, sometimes these snaps fail to send due to issues with the app, network connection, or device. Troubleshooting and fixing failed snaps can be frustrating, but there are several potential solutions to try.
Why Are My Snaps Failing to Send?
There are a few common reasons why your snaps may not be sending properly:
Network/Connection Issues
Problems with your internet connection are one of the most frequent causes of failed snaps. If you have a weak WiFi signal, are in an area with poor reception, or are disconnected from the internet, your snaps will likely fail to deliver. Snaps require an internet connection to send, so any disruption in connectivity can prevent them from sending.
Outdated App
If you haven’t updated to the latest version of Snapchat, you may encounter issues sending snaps. Older versions of the app can have bugs that affect the sending process. Staying up-to-date with updates ensures you have the most stable release.
Full Storage
Snapchat takes up storage space on your device to save snaps and media. If your phone is low on storage, the app may have trouble processing and sending new snaps. Clearing up storage space can help resolve this.
Restricted Data/Bandwidth
Limited mobile data or restricted bandwidth settings can interfere with sending snaps. If you have data saver options enabled or bandwidth restrictions for Snapchat implemented, it could block snaps from delivering.
Device Compatibility Issues
Snapchat drops support for older device models over time. If you are using a very outdated iPhone or Android, compatibility issues may prevent snaps from sending correctly. Upgrading your device can fix this.
Account Bans or Restrictions
If your Snapchat account has been banned or temporality locked for violations, you will be unable to send or receive snaps. Account restrictions must be resolved before sending capabilities are restored.
Snapchat Server Issues
Problems with the Snapchat servers can also cause widespread snap sending failures. Server outages are rare but can occur and prevent snaps from delivering until resolved.
How to Diagnose the Cause of Failure
To troubleshoot and find the root cause of your snap sending issues:
Check Your Internet Connection
Try sending a snap while connected to different WiFi networks or cellular data. If the snap goes through on one connection but not another, that indicates a network issue is at fault.
Update the Snapchat App
Go to your device’s app store and check for any Snapchat updates. Install the latest version if available.
Review Storage Usage
Open your phone’s Settings app and view the storage usage. If Snapchat is listed as using a high percentage, free up space.
Toggle Off Restrictions
Disable any bandwidth limiter apps or data saver settings temporarily to test if they are blocking snaps.
Try on a Different Device
See if snaps send properly when using Snapchat on a different smartphone. This will reveal any incompatible device problems.
Check Account Status
Log into Snapchat online and look under settings to confirm your account is in good standing. Suspended accounts will be unable to send.
Contact Snapchat Support
If all else fails, reach out to Snapchat directly via email or social media to ask about any known technical issues.
Solutions and Fixes for Sending Snaps
Once you’ve determined the likely cause of your snap failures, here are the best solutions for getting them sending again:
For Network/Connection Issues
– Move to an area with better signal strength if possible.
– Connect to a stable WiFi network to send snaps over.
– Toggle airplane mode on/off to reset the connection.
– Disable WiFi and use cellular data only if needed.
For Outdated App Issues
– Open your device’s app store.
– Search for Snapchat.
– Tap Update next to Snapchat.
– Tap Install to download the latest version.
For Full Storage Issues
– Go to your phone’s Settings.
– Tap Storage.
– Check Snapchat’s usage and clear cache/data if needed.
– Delete old photos and videos to free up space.
Storage Clearing Steps on iPhone | Storage Clearing Steps on Android |
---|---|
1. Go to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage > Manage Storage | 1. Go to Settings > Storage |
2. Select Snapchat | 2. Select Snapchat |
3. Tap Offload App to clear cache | 3. Tap Storage Used to view usage |
4. Tap Delete App to remove data | 4. Tap Clear Cache and/or Clear Data |
For Restricted Data/Bandwidth
– Open cellular data/bandwidth limiter app settings.
– Turn off restrictions temporarily.
– Try sending a snap again.
– Re-enable restrictions once issue is resolved.
For Device Compatibility Issues
– Back up Snapchat data/memories.
– Save snaps you want to keep.
– Upgrade to a newer iPhone or Android device.
– Download Snapchat again.
– Log in and start sending snaps.
For Account Restrictions
– Go to snapchat.com and login online.
– Click My Account > Account Information.
– Check status for ban or suspension information.
– Follow prompts to resolve any restrictions.
For Snapchat Server Issues
– Check Snapchat’s Twitter @snapchatsupport for updates.
– Visit Snapchat’s support site and search for known issues.
– Try sending snaps later once the outage is resolved.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
If the basic fixes don’t get your snaps sending again, try some of these advanced troubleshooting techniques:
Update Your Phone Software
– Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone.
– Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Software Update on Android.
– Install any available updates.
Toggle Airplane Mode On/Off
– Swipe down from the top of your screen to reveal Quick Settings.
– Tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it.
– Wait 15-30 seconds then tap again to disable.
Force Stop Snapchat
– Go to your phone’s Settings.
– Tap Apps or Application Manager.
– Select Snapchat.
– Tap Force Stop.
Restart Your Phone
– Press and hold the Side or Power button on your iPhone or Android phone.
– Tap Restart or Reboot when prompted.
– Wait for your phone to restart then try Snapchat again.
Delete and Reinstall Snapchat
– Tap and hold the Snapchat app icon until it starts wiggling.
– Tap the X icon to delete it from your device.
– Open your device’s app store.
– Download and install Snapchat again.
– Log in and see if the issues persist.
Factory Reset Your Phone
**Warning: This will erase all data on your phone.**
– Back up important data before proceeding.
– Go to Settings > General > Reset.
– Tap Factory Reset and follow prompts to wipe your device.
– Test Snapchat again after resetting.
Preventing Future Failed Snaps
Once you’ve resolved your immediate snap sending failures, you can take proactive measures to avoid issues recurring in the future:
– Maintain a strong WiFi or cellular data connection when using Snapchat.
– Routinely check for and install Snapchat updates when available.
– Monitor your device storage and clear space by removing unneeded files.
– Disable any unnecessary data restrictions or limiters that could interfere with Snapchat.
– Upgrade to a newer device that will stay compatible with the latest Snapchat app.
– Don’t violate Snapchat’s terms leading to any account suspensions or bans.
Conclusion
Snapchat snaps failing to send can occur for a variety of reasons, but the problem can usually be isolated and resolved with some targeted troubleshooting. A combination of checking your network status, app version, storage usage, device compatibility, account status, and Snapchat’s servers will reveal the root cause. Once identified, the fix may be as simple as moving to better WiFi, installing an update, clearing storage, removing restrictions, logging in online to check your account, or waiting for Snapchat to resolve server issues. With the right solution applied, your snaps should start sending normally again in no time.