Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, with millions of daily active users. Like any piece of software, Snapchat can sometimes have bugs that need to be fixed. Here are some common issues that can occur in Snapchat and how to go about fixing them.
Trouble Logging In
One of the most frustrating issues that can happen with Snapchat is not being able to log in. There are a few potential reasons this could occur:
- Incorrect password – Double check that you are using the right password. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it through Snapchat’s password reset process.
- Connection issues – Make sure you have a stable internet connection. Try logging in on wifi as well as mobile data to see if one works better than the other.
- Account locked – Sometimes if there have been too many failed login attempts, Snapchat will temporarily lock the account. You simply need to wait a while before trying again.
- App needs updating – Ensure you are on the latest version of the Snapchat app, as an outdated version could cause login problems.
If you still cannot log in after trying the above steps, it’s best to contact Snapchat support who can look into the issue and help regain access to your account.
Snapchat Crashes or Freezes
App crashes or freezes are never fun. A few things to try if Snapchat is consistently crashing on you:
- Force quit and restart – Fully close out of the Snapchat app and restart your phone. This will clear any temporary glitches.
- Update Snapchat – Go to your app store and install any pending Snapchat updates, as these often contain bug fixes.
- Update iOS/Android – Similarly, make sure your device’s operating system is up to date as the OS can cause app crashes if outdated.
- Free up storage space – Lack of storage space can contribute to apps freezing or stalling. Delete unused files and apps to free up room.
- Delete and reinstall Snapchat – If crashes persist, deleting and then freshly installing Snapchat from the app store can often resolve software issues.
As a last resort, you may need to reset your phone to factory settings if no other troubleshooting works. Be sure to backup any important data first.
Features Aren’t Working
Specific features within Snapchat occasionally stop functioning properly. Here are some tips if you’re having issues with certain Snapchat features:
- Check Snapchat status – The Snapchat support website has a status page showing any current known issues with features. Check here to see if others are reporting problems.
- Update the app – Again, ensure you have installed the latest Snapchat update as bugs are regularly patched.
- Restart your phone – Give your device a fresh start by powering it off and back on again.
- Reinstall Snapchat – Uninstalling and re-downloading Snapchat can help resolve software bugs preventing features from working.
- Clear cache and data – In your phone’s app settings, clear out Snapchat’s cache and data which can fix stability issues.
If the problems continue even after trying the above, you’ll have to contact Snapchat’s tech support with details on which features are malfunctioning.
Poor Picture Quality
Snapchat’s disappearing pictures are no fun if they turn out blurry, grainy, or low resolution. A few tips for improving Snapchat picture quality:
- Check camera lens – Give your camera lens a clean with a microfiber cloth, as smudges can diminish photo quality.
- Ensure adequate lighting – Snapchat works best in bright, natural lighting conditions. Low light photos will turn out grainy.
- Restart your phone – A device restart can help clear any temporary glitches causing poor camera performance.
- Close excess apps – Having too many apps open in the background takes up RAM needed for optimal camera functioning.
- Update Snapchat – Bug fixes and camera optimizations come with each Snapchat update.
If problems persist even in good lighting, it could be a hardware issue with your actual phone camera. You may need a camera replacement if so.
Notifications Not Coming Through
Missing out on Snapchat notifications can lead to missed messages and Stories. Here is how to troubleshoot notification issues:
- Check app settings – Open Snapchat’s settings and make sure notifications are enabled and set to your desired frequency.
- Check device settings – Go into your device’s app settings and make sure Snapchat has notification access.
- Toggle Airplane Mode – Turn on Airplane mode for 30 seconds before turning it off again. This resets connections.
- Reinstall the app – As mentioned above, a clean reinstall can help resolve notification bugs.
- Update operating system – Outdated OS versions can disrupt notifications, so install the latest iOS or Android updates.
If all else fails, reach out to Snapchat to report the notification issue. Make sure to detail when the problem started and any troubleshooting steps you’ve tried.
Account Banned or Suspended
Having your account unexpectedly banned or suspended is never a good feeling. Here are some potential reasons this can happen:
- Violated terms of service – Any activity violating Snapchat’s rules could lead to a ban, like sending inappropriate messages.
- Spam or illegal activity – Accounts used for spamming others or illegal activities will quickly get suspended.
- Copyright violations – Posting content that infringes on copyright laws can result in account suspension.
- Hacked account – If your account is hacked and the hacker violates rules, your account can get banned.
- Bug or error – Sometimes a ban is triggered accidentally due to a technical glitch.
If you believe a ban was unjustified, first follow Snapchat’s account suspension appeal process. Explain your situation and that the activity was a mistake. As long as you did not intentionally violate any major rules, Snapchat should reinstate your account.
Slow Performance
When Snapchat starts lagging, it can really hamper the experience. A few troubleshooting tips for improving performance:
- Close background apps – Shut down any unused apps running in the background that are taking up RAM.
- Update Snapchat – New versions often contain optimizations to improve speed.
- Restart your phone – Power cycling the device clears out temporary glitches.
- Check internet connection – Weak cellular or WiFi connections can slow things down.
- Update device software – Make sure your phone or tablet is running the latest OS version.
- Free up storage space – Having little free space left causes performance lag.
If Snapchat is still persistently slow even after trying the usual troubleshooting, your device hardware may be due for an upgrade.
Stuck Loading Screen
Few things are more annoying than an app stuck endlessly loading. For Snapchat loading screen issues, try this:
- Force quit the app – Completely close out Snapchat and restart it.
- Restart your device – A reboot clears out stuck processes causing freezes.
- Check internet connection – Poor internet makes loading screens hang indefinitely.
- Update Snapchat – Newer versions fix loading screen bugs and optimize performance.
- Delete and reinstall Snapchat – A clean reinstall removes any corrupted files.
- Clear cache and data – Wipe Snapchat’s cache and app data from your phone settings.
If a loading issue is network-related, switching to a stronger WiFi or cellular data connection can get things moving again. For hardware issues causing freezes, lowering visual quality settings may help.
Overheating Phone
It’s normal for using Snapchat to cause your phone to get a bit warm. But if your device is getting dangerously hot, attempt these fixes:
- Close background apps – Keeping too many apps open overworks your phone’s CPU.
- Lower screen brightness – Dim the brightness to reduce GPU workload.
- Disable live location sharing – Constant live location tracking causes overheating.
- Update Snapchat and iOS/Android – Older versions may have inefficiencies causing excess heat.
- Remove phone case during use – Cases can block heat dissipation vents.
- Replace battery – Degraded batteries often overheat and should be replaced.
If your phone gets too hot while using Snapchat even after troubleshooting, it may simply be that your device hardware is due for an upgrade.
Conclusion
While bugs and issues can be annoying, there are troubleshooting steps you can take in most cases to get Snapchat working properly again. Updating the app, restarting your device, reinstalling Snapchat, and checking internet connections will resolve many common problems. For continued issues, reporting details directly to Snapchat’s support team will help them isolate and patch the bug.