Many Snapchat users have noticed that the timer icon has disappeared from their Snapchat app, preventing them from setting timed snaps. This can be frustrating if you frequently used the timer to control how long your snaps were viewable. Fortunately, getting the timer icon back is an easy process on both iOS and Android devices.
What is the Snapchat Timer?
The Snapchat timer allows users to determine how long a snap will be viewable after it’s opened by the recipient. When sending a snap, you can set a timer of 1 to 10 seconds, allowing the snap to be viewable for that duration once opened. After the time limit is reached, the snap disappears from the recipient’s device.
The timer feature gives Snapchat users more control over their snaps. For example, you may want to set a 1 second timer on a funny selfie so your friend only gets a quick peek. Or you could give a 10 second timer for snaps that need a little more time to be appreciated.
By default, snaps have no timer and will remain viewable until closed by the recipient. The timer gives you options between instant disappearance and indefinite viewability.
Why Did the Timer Disappear?
There are a few reasons why the Snapchat timer icon may have disappeared from your app:
- A bug or glitch in a Snapchat update caused the timer button to disappear
- Your app failed to load the timer icon properly
- A connectivity issue prevented the timer icon from loading
- Your app needs to be updated to the latest Snapchat version
In most cases, the disappearance of the timer is just a minor technical issue and can be easily fixed by force quitting and restarting the Snapchat app. However, an outdated version of Snapchat could also be the culprit.
How to Get Timer Back on iPhone and iPad
Here are the steps to get the timer icon back on Snapchat for iOS:
- Close the Snapchat app by double pressing the Home button and swiping up on the Snapchat preview.
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- At the top right, tap your profile icon.
- Scroll down and tap “Update” next to Snapchat to update to the latest version.
- Once updated, open Snapchat and check if the timer has returned next to the send button when composing a snap.
- If updating did not bring back the timer, force quit the Snapchat app by double pressing Home and swiping up on Snapchat, then relaunch the app.
Updating Snapchat to the latest version typically resolves any missing icons or features. And force quitting the app often fixes minor glitches as well. Following these steps should make the timer reappear in the latest Snapchat release.
Additional Troubleshooting on iPhone
If updating and force quitting Snapchat does not restore the timer icon, try these additional troubleshooting steps on iPhone or iPad:
- Restart your device – Press and hold the Power button, then slide to turn off. Turn your device back on after 30 seconds.
- Check app permissions – Open Settings > Snapchat and ensure camera, microphone, and notifications are enabled.
- Free up storage space – Delete old photos/videos and uninstall unused apps to free up device storage.
- Delete and reinstall Snapchat – Delete the app and download it again from the App Store.
With these extra steps, your Snapchat app should function normally again with the timer icon available.
How to Get Timer Back on Android
For Snapchat on Android devices, use these troubleshooting tips:
- Force close Snapchat – In Settings go to Apps > Snapchat > Force Stop to close out of the app
- Clear cache and data – In App Info go to Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data
- Check for updates – Open the Play Store, go to My Apps and check if Snapchat needs updating
- Restart your Android device
- Reinstall Snapchat – Delete the app and reinstall it from the Play Store
After force closing the app and clearing cached data, check for any available updates. Updating to the latest version should restore full app functionality. A restart will also help clear out any software issues. And reinstalling the app can often fix small glitches as well.
Additional Troubleshooting on Android
For any persistent timer issues on Android, also try these steps:
- Check app permissions – Make sure Snapchat has access to Camera, Microphone, Storage, etc.
- Try a different network – Connect to a different WiFi network or switch to mobile data
- Free up storage space – Delete old photos/videos and uninstall unneeded apps
- Reset app preferences – In Settings go to Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Data > Manage Space > Reset App Preferences
With a combination of force closing, updating, restarting, reinstalling, and resetting app preferences, you should see the Snapchat timer icon return on any Android device.
Preventing the Timer Icon From Disappearing Again
Once you’ve regained access to the Snapchat timer, you can take these steps to prevent it from disappearing again in the future:
- Keep Snapchat updated – Install app updates as soon as they become available in your device’s app store.
- Reboot regularly – Power your device off and back on once a week to clear out any developing glitches.
- Free up storage space – Low storage capacity can cause app issues, so delete unused files and apps.
- Back up data – Regularly back up your device’s data in case you need to reset the phone and restore.
- Report timer issues – Notify Snapchat Support if the timer disappears again after troubleshooting.
Staying on top of app updates, managing device storage, and doing occasional reboots will help minimize software issues. And reporting any persistent timer problems will make Snapchat aware of bugs.
Why Snapchat Removed the Timer
In some cases, Snapchat has intentionally removed or limited the timer icon on user accounts. Here are some reasons why Snapchat may restrict access to the timer feature:
- Abusive use – Sending snaps with extremely short timers repeatedly can be considered abusive behavior.
- Inappropriate content – The timer may be limited if your account has been used to spread inappropriate content.
- Ban evasion – Attempts to create new accounts after being banned can result in restrictions.
- Third-party apps – Using unauthorized third-party apps alongside Snapchat can cause account limitations.
If Snapchat has purposefully removed your ability to use the timer, you would need to improve your account’s standing to regain access. Avoid actions that violate Snapchat’s Community Guidelines and ensure you are using the official Snapchat app.
Contacting Snapchat Support
If you are still unable to get the Snapchat timer back after exhausting the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you may need to contact Snapchat Support for additional help.
To reach Snapchat’s customer service team, visit support.snapchat.com and click the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page. Here are some ways you can get in touch with support:
- Chat – Initiate a live chat session with a Snapchat support team member.
- Email – Send an email to [email protected] describing your timer issue.
- Twitter – Tweet @snapchatsupport to report your timer problem.
- Phone – Call 1-844-249-SNAP from within the United States to speak with a representative.
When contacting Snapchat Support, provide details on when the issue started, what troubleshooting steps you’ve tried, and the device you are using. Support can investigate why the timer disappeared and help restore your account’s functionality.
Conclusion
Losing the ability to set a snap timer in Snapchat can be annoying. But in most cases, the timer icon can be easily recovered with a few app restarts, updates, and reinstalls. Keep Snapchat updated, maintain adequate device storage, and reboot your phone regularly to avoid issues with the timer going away.
Contact Snapchat Support if troubleshooting does not restore your timer after following this guide. With some help from customer service, you should be able to set timed snaps again in no time.