Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, with over 265 million daily active users. The app makes it easy to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s standout features is the ability to create shortcuts to quickly access different parts of the app.
On Android, you can make a home screen shortcut to open specific Snapchat features or friends. This allows you to bypass the main Snapchat camera screen and go directly where you want to go. Whether you constantly Snap the same friend or frequently use a certain Snapchat feature, a shortcut can save you time.
Benefits of Snapchat Shortcuts on Android
There are several benefits to creating Snapchat shortcuts on your Android device:
- Saves time – Instead of opening the app and navigating to a feature, you can go directly there.
- Convenience – Shortcuts provide quick access to frequently used parts of Snapchat.
- Customization – Tailor shortcuts for your personal Snapchat usage.
- Easy access – Add shortcuts to your home screen for one-tap opening.
Overall, Snapchat shortcuts allow you to optimize Snapchat for how you specifically use it. The shortcuts remove navigational steps and streamline your experience.
How to Make Snapchat Shortcuts on Android
It only takes a few steps to create Snapchat shortcuts on your Android device:
Open Snapchat Settings
First, open the Snapchat app. From the main camera screen, tap your profile icon in the top left corner. This opens your Snapchat profile. Next, tap the gear icon to access Settings.
Find Shortcuts
In Settings, scroll down and select Additional Services > Shortcuts. This screen displays any existing shortcuts you’ve made, plus an option to create a new one using the “+” icon.
Select Shortcut Type
Tap the “+” button to add a new shortcut. You’ll need to select which type of shortcut you want to make:
- Quick Add Friend – Lets you quickly send a Snap to a friend.
- Discover Channel – Opens a specific Discover channel’s content.
- Lens Carousel – Opens your saved Lenses.
- Map – Opens the Snap Map.
- My Profile – Goes directly to your Snapchat profile.
- Quick Send Snap – Opens the camera to quickly send a Snap.
- Recent Updates – Shows your friends’ stories.
- Scan – Lets you scan Snapcodes.
- Settings – Opens your Snapchat settings.
- Spotlight – Browses Spotlight video content.
Select the feature you want a shortcut for. The steps below use the Quick Send Snap option as an example.
Select Recipient
For certain shortcuts like Quick Add Friend or Quick Send Snap, you need to select which friend the shortcut is for. Search for and select the desired friend.
Name the Shortcut
Next, name your shortcut with something descriptive like “Snap [Friend’s Name]”. This name will display on your home screen.
Add to Home Screen
The final step is adding the shortcut to your home screen. Tap Add to add the shortcut. This brings up options for selecting where to place the shortcut on your home screen pages.
Drag the shortcut icon to your desired home screen page. You can move it around on the page as needed. Finally, tap Add to add it to your home screen.
Using Snapchat Shortcuts
Once you’ve made some Snapchat shortcuts, using them is easy:
- From your home screen, tap a Snapchat shortcut icon.
- The shortcut will instantly open and take you directly to the linked Snapchat feature.
- Use and enjoy the feature you shortcutted!
- Close Snapchat when you are done.
The next time you want quick access to that Snapchat feature, just tap its shortcut. This bypasses the need to manually navigate Snapchat to find the specific feature.
Customizing Your Shortcuts
You can customize your Snapchat shortcuts any time:
- Edit – Open Snapchat Settings > Shortcuts and tap a shortcut to edit its name or change the linked feature.
- Delete – Swipe left on a shortcut and tap Delete to remove it.
- Rearrange – Use your home screen editing options to long-press shortcuts and drag them into your desired positions.
- Add More – Return to Settings > Shortcuts and use the “+” button to make additional shortcuts.
Edit your shortcuts any time your Snapchat usage changes. For example, delete old friends when you no longer Snap them. Or make new shortcuts for features you’ve started using frequently.
Troubleshooting Snapchat Shortcuts
If you’re having issues with Snapchat shortcuts, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure Snapchat is updated to the latest version.
- Check that the shortcut links to the intended feature in Snapchat Settings.
- Try deleting the shortcut and creating a new one.
- Ensure the shortcut was added properly to your home screen.
- Confirm that you granted Snapchat access to your home screen when creating the shortcut.
- Restart your Android device and try the shortcut again.
If a shortcut isn’t working properly, recreating it from scratch usually resolves any issues. Also double check Snapchat hasn’t changed where features are located in newer app versions.
FAQ About Snapchat Shortcuts
What do Snapchat shortcuts do?
Snapchat shortcuts let you quickly open specific features or friends within the app from your Android home screen. They bypass navigating through the main Snapchat interface.
How many shortcuts can you make?
There is no limit on the number of Snapchat shortcuts you can create. You can make as many as you need for quick access.
Where do Snapchat shortcuts save on Android?
The shortcuts save to your Android home screen for easy one-tap access. You can add them to any home screen page.
Can you make shortcuts of other apps?
Yes, many apps support customizable home screen shortcuts to quickly open features. Check for a “Shortcuts” menu in your favorite apps.
Do Snapchat shortcuts drain battery?
No, Snapchat shortcuts don’t drain battery. They simply provide quick access to Snapchat features you already use regularly. The app usage remains the same.
Conclusion
Snapchat shortcuts provide a fast way to access your favorite features and friends on Android. With just a few taps, you can customize shortcuts to optimize Snapchat for how you specifically use it.
So whether you love Snap Map, frequently Snap one bestie, or have a Snapchat morning ritual, shortcuts streamline the experience. Spend less time digging through menus and more time Snapping with targeted shortcut access.
For quicker access to Snapchat on Android, shortcuts are the way to go. Just be sure to manage your shortcuts over time as your usage changes. With the right shortcuts in place, opening Snapchat goes from taking multiple taps to just one.