Snapchat’s Discover feature allows you to view curated content from media publishers, brands, and Snapchat creators. Sometimes Discover can stop working properly and fail to load new content. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try if Discover is not working on Snapchat:
Check Your Internet Connection
The first thing to check is whether you have an active internet connection. Open another app or website to confirm your internet is working. Discover requires an internet connection to load new content. If you have no internet access, Discover will fail to update. Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data to restore your connection.
Restart The Snapchat App
If your internet is working, try force quitting and relaunching the Snapchat app. On iOS, double press the home button and swipe up on the Snapchat preview to close it. On Android, open the app switcher and swipe the Snapchat app preview upward to close. Then reopen Snapchat to refresh Discover. Restarting the app can clear any temporary glitches.
Update The Snapchat App
Your version of Snapchat could be outdated and need an update. Open the App Store on iOS or Play Store on Android to check for Snapchat updates. Install any available updates and then reopen Snapchat. The latest version may fix Discover issues. Also ensure your device’s operating system is updated.
Check Your Location Services
Snapchat uses your device’s location services to provide relevant Discover content. Go into your device settings, privacy settings, or Snapchat settings to confirm location services are enabled for Snapchat. Granting location access allows Discover to show you geo-targeted content.
Try Deleting And Reinstalling Snapchat
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Snapchat app as a last resort. This will give you a clean slate and remove any corrupted files that could impact Discover. Backup your Memories before uninstalling. Then re-download Snapchat from the app store and log back in to check if Discover loads properly.
Contact Snapchat Support
If you still can’t get Discover working after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to Snapchat’s customer support. Describe the issue you’re experiencing and any steps you’ve taken to fix it. They may be able to provide specialized support to get Discover functioning again.
Why Does Discover Stop Working?
There are a few common reasons why Snapchat’s Discover feature may stop loading new content:
Connectivity Issues
As mentioned above, any disruption to your internet connection can prevent Discover from updating. Check that you don’t have weak Wi-Fi, or if you’re on cellular data, that you have adequate signal strength. Loss of connection temporarily makes Discover unusable.
Outdated App Version
Failing to keep Snapchat updated to the latest version can introduce bugs and break features like Discover. Always install Snapchat app updates as soon as they become available to enjoy the best experience.
Account Restrictions
In some cases, Snapchat may intentionally restrict certain accounts from accessing Discover if they violate guidelines. If your account is locked for spam or abusive behavior, Discover can be disabled as part of the restriction.
App Glitches
Like any app, Snapchat can sometimes malfunction due to random glitches. Closing and relaunching the app typically resolves temporary issues. Reinstalling Snapchat can also fix software bugs.
Unsupported Device
Discover may stop working if you’re using a very old, outdated device that Snapchat no longer supports. You’ll need a relatively modern iPhone or Android phone to properly run Discover.
How To Refresh Discover Content
If Discover is working again but seems stuck showing the same content, try manually refreshing:
Swipe Down To Refresh
The easiest way to refresh Discover and load new content is to simply swipe down on the Discover screen. This triggers a manual refresh just like swiping to refresh in other apps.
Close And Reopen Discover
Alternatively, tap the X icon to fully close out of Discover, then tap the Discover icon again to reopen it. This forces Discover to fully reload.
Force Quit Snapchat
Force quitting Snapchat from your device’s app switcher menu and then relaunching it essentially achieves the same effect, forcing a full refresh of Discover.
Enable Auto-Update
You can let Discover auto-refresh by enabling Auto-Update in Snapchat’s settings menu. This will periodically update Discover content automatically throughout the day.
Discover Not Loading Specific Channels
If most Discover channels are working but one or two aren’t loading new content, the issue may be channel-specific. A few things can cause individual Discover channels to fail:
Unpin The Channel
Tap and hold the problematic channel tile, then unpin it from your Discover feed. Then re-find and repin the channel. This resets the connection and often fixes loading issues for individual channels.
Channel Experiencing Technical Issues
The publisher may be having technical problems on their end preventing them from updating their Discover channel. Check the channel’s social media pages for outage alerts. All you can do is wait for the publisher to fix their content.
Channel Removed From Discover
Snapchat may stop featuring a Discover channel if they no longer meet content guidelines or advertising policies. If a channel completely disappears, it likely means Snapchat removed them and you’ll have to find a new channel to follow.
Internet Blocking The Channel
If you’re on a restricted internet connection that blocks certain domains, it could prevent specific Discover channels from loading. Try accessing Discover from a different Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Why Was I Banned From Snapchat Discover?
Snapchat can ban accounts from accessing Discover if you violate their terms:
Spam Or Abusive Behavior
Accounts that spam Snapchat friends or engage in abusive, dangerous, or harassing behavior may find themselves banned from Discover as punishment. This includes sending unwanted snaps to strangers.
Impersonation
Trying to impersonate a celebrity, public figure, or brand will get your Discover privileges revoked. Snapchat takes impersonation very seriously.
Minors Seeing Adult Content
Accounts registered to users under 18 are limited to seeing Snapchat’s Official Stories in Discover, not publisher content. Trying to view 18+ Discover content as a minor can lead to a ban.
Illegal Activity
Uploading snaps that depict illegal drugs, violence, hacking, or other criminal activity can get your entire Snapchat account banned, including Discover access.
How To Get Unbanned From Discover
If you’ve been wrongly banned from Snapchat Discover, you can appeal the decision:
Email Snapchat Support
Explain why you feel the Discover ban was unjustified. Provide additional context showing you didn’t violate Snapchat’s rules. Be polite in your email.
Avoid Further Violations
While banned, be extra cautious not to break any other Snapchat rules. Further violations will only extend your Discover ban.
Wait Patiently
It may take Snapchat’s support team some time to investigate and respond to Discover ban appeals. Wait a few days or weeks for their decision.
Create A New Account
If your appeal is denied, your only option may be starting a brand new Snapchat account. Avoid past behaviors that got you banned.
Discover Not Working FAQs
Why is my Snapchat Discover not loading?
Discover not loading is typically caused by internet connectivity issues, an outdated Snapchat version, device compatibility problems, or Snapchat glitches. Refreshing content and force restarting the app can often fix loading problems.
Why are some Discover channels missing?
Individual Discover channels may disappear if Snapchat removes them for policy violations or the publisher has technical issues. Trying repinning missing channels to refresh them.
How do I request someone on Discover?
You cannot request specific people to be featured on Snapchat Discover, as Snapchat curates the lineup of Discover partners. You can send suggestions to Snapchat by emailing them at [email protected].
Can you swipe left and right on Snapchat Discover?
Yes, you can horizontally swipe left or right across channels on the Discover screen to browse different content. Swiping up on Discover previews opens the full screen channel viewer.
Why am I not getting any Discover content?
If Discover shows no content at all, your account may be restricted from accessing it due to terms violations, you may have connectivity issues, or your app requires an update. Troubleshoot the problem accordingly.
Conclusion
Snapchat Discover not loading is a common frustration but the problem can typically be resolved through refreshing content, force quitting the app, reinstalling Snapchat, ensuring location services are enabled, and checking for any internet connection issues. Individual Discover channels failing to load may indicate channel-specific problems. Ensure you have the latest Snapchat version and retry loading Discover a few times before contacting support for additional help getting your personalized content feed back up and running.