Opening snaps on Snapchat’s web version can be a bit tricky compared to the mobile app, since the web interface has fewer features. However, it is still possible to view and open snaps on a computer through the Snapchat website. Here are the steps to open snaps on Snapchat for web:
Get Started
First, go to snapchat.com and log in to your Snapchat account. You can log in by entering your username and password on the homepage. Once you’re logged in, you’ll see your Snapchat inbox.
Open Unread Snaps
Any new, unopened snaps will show up at the top of your inbox. Hover over the unopened snap and click on it to open it. The snap will open and automatically play through once. Keep in mind you can only view snaps once on the web version before they disappear.
View Opened Snaps
To view snaps you’ve already opened, click on the three horizontal lines menu icon in the top left corner. A sidebar will open up – click on the bubble icon to go to your inbox. Here you’ll see your full message history, including both unopened recent snaps and previously opened snaps within the past 30 days.
Scroll down to find any opened snaps you want to view again. Click on the snap you want to re-open. However, keep in mind that you can only re-view an opened snap once on the web before it disappears forever, so view it while you can!
Save Opened Snaps
Unfortunately, there is no way to save opened snaps on the Snapchat web version. On mobile, you can press and hold on a snap to save it before it disappears. But this feature is not available online.
Your only option is to take a screenshot of the opened snap before viewing it again. This will let you save the snap permanently. Just press the Print Screen or snip tool keyboard shortcut to capture the image on your screen.
View Snaps From Friends
By default, your Snapchat inbox shows all snaps you’ve received, both from friends and subscribers. To view just friend snaps:
- Click the three line menu icon
- Select the Friends icon
- Choose a friend’s name under Recent
- View that friend’s snap in your inbox
This filters your inbox to show only snaps from that particular friend. You can repeat these steps to view snaps from any friend.
View Snaps From Groups
Snapchat’s web version also lets you view snaps you’ve received from Groups you are part of:
- Click the three line menu
- Select the Groups icon
- Pick a Group
- View snaps sent to the Group under the Group’s chat
This will show all snaps and messages sent to that Group chat by any members. Open individual snaps the same way as above.
View Memories
Memories are saved Snapchat images and videos you have previously taken in the app. To view Memories on the web:
- Click the three line menu
- Select the Memories icon
- Pick a folder like Snaps or Camera Roll
- Open and view any saved snaps
This will display your collection of Memories. However, you cannot edit or manage Memories on the web – you can only view them.
View Stories
The Snapchat web version also lets you watch Stories from friends and publishers:
- Click the three line menu
- Select the Stories icon
- Click a friend’s story circle to watch their story
- Click a publisher name under Subscriptions to watch their story
Stories will automatically play through when opened. You can also skip stories by clicking the right arrow button.
Take Snaps
Unfortunately, you cannot use your webcam to take new snaps within the Snapchat web interface. The web version has no camera access to capture videos or photos.
You will need to use the Snapchat mobile app on your smartphone if you want to take new snaps to share. The web version only supports viewing existing snaps.
Save Snaps and Stories
There is no built-in way to download and save entire stories or snaps on Snapchat for web. As mentioned above, your only option is to take screenshots as snaps are viewed.
Some third party browser extensions claim to allow saving Snapchat videos. However, be very careful as many are fake or contain viruses!
Conclusion
Viewing snaps on Snapchat’s website takes some getting used to, but follows the same general idea as the mobile app. Hover over unopened snaps and click to view once. Re-open already viewed snaps to watch again before they disappear. Take screenshots if you want to save anything permanently.
While limited compared to mobile, the web version offers the core Snapchat experience of sharing temporary photos and videos with friends and groups. Just don’t expect to be able to capture or save snaps on the website itself.
Common Troubleshooting Issues
Using Snapchat on the web can sometimes run into problems. Here are some common troubleshooting issues and fixes:
Can’t Log In
If you are having trouble logging into Snapchat on the web, first make sure you are going to the correct URL: https://snapchat.com. Double check that you are entering the right username and password – it must match the login for the mobile app.
If your password is definitely correct, try resetting your password by clicking “Forgot Password” on the login screen and following the reset instructions emailed to you. Make sure to also check for typos or caps lock being on accidentally.
Page Won’t Load
If Snapchat web fails to load at all, first refresh the page in your browser. Also try clearing your browser cache and cookies for the Snapchat website. Check that other websites are working normally, as it may be an internet connectivity issue.
If Snapchat is still not loading, try accessing it in a different web browser like Chrome or Firefox. Some browser extensions and security software can also block pages from loading.
Can’t See Stories
If you aren’t seeing any Stories from friends and publishers, even though you know there should be some available, try logging out and back into Snapchat. After logging back in, click on the Stories page again and it should show updated content.
Also ensure you have an internet connection and the page has fully refreshed. On mobile, you may need to update to the latest version of the Snapchat app.
Can’t See Memories
If you aren’t seeing any Memories on the web, double check that you have actually saved snaps and videos within the mobile app. The Snapchat website can only display Memories that exist – if your Memories are empty on mobile, they will be empty on web too.
Try viewing Memories on mobile to confirm you have samples saved. If needed, open the mobile app and save any new snaps to Memories in order to view them on web.
Poor Video Quality
Snapchat’s web player defaults to lower quality settings for bandwidth reasons. If snaps and stories appear blurry or pixelated, try adjusting the video quality:
- Click the settings gear icon
- Select a higher resolution like 720p
This will reload the page in higher definition. Check that your internet speed can support HD streaming to avoid buffering issues.
Tips for Using Snapchat on Web
Here are some useful tips for having the best experience using Snapchat through a web browser:
Use Google Chrome
Snapchat recommends using their website with Google Chrome for the best compatibility. Chrome has the necessary features to run Snapchat web smoothly.
Quick Login with QR Code
On the login page, click the QR code icon to quickly scan and log in on mobile without typing your password. This syncs the web session with your phone.
Preview Snaps
Hover over a snap in your inbox and hold your mouse button down to preview the snap for a couple seconds before opening it.
Pin Friends
Pin important friends to the top of your Friends list so they are easy to find. Click the three line menu, choose Friends, click the friend, then select Pin.
Enable Push Notifications
In Settings, turn on push notifications to get notified of new snaps and messages on your computer. A browser tab doesn’t need to be open.
View Location Information
When receiving location-tagged snaps, hover over the snap and click the map icon to see the location on a map.
Snapchat Web Limitations
While Snapchat on the web shares the core functionality of the mobile app, it does have some limitations to be aware of:
- Can’t capture new photos/videos
- Can’t add captions/stickers
- Can’t save opened snaps
- Can’t access some creative tools
- Can’t access Snap Map
- Can’t access Snap Games
- Can’t access Lenses/Filters
- Can’t access Stories Archive
- Can’t manage Memories
The website is designed for viewing snaps easily on a bigger screen rather than the full creation experience. For capturing, editing, and managing snaps, the mobile app is still required.
Conclusion
Accessing Snapchat on the web is perfect for times when you want to conveniently view and respond to friend snaps from a laptop or desktop computer screen. While functionality is limited compared to mobile, it offers the core Snapchat inbox experience in an easy browser-based format.
Now you can stay connected with friends and groups by seamlessly watching snaps online or on your phone. So next time you want to check your Snapchat inbox on a bigger screen, just head to snapchat.com and log in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Snapchat on a computer?
Yes, you can access Snapchat on a desktop computer by visiting snapchat.com and logging into your account. This provides a web-based version of Snapchat with the core features.
How do I view old snaps on Snapchat web?
Click the inbox icon, then scroll down through your message history to find previously opened snaps. Click on an opened snap to view it one more time before it deletes.
Can I download my snaps on Snapchat web?
Unfortunately there is no built-in way to save or download whole snaps or stories from Snapchat’s web interface. You will need to use a screenshot capture tool to save individual snaps.
Why can’t I log into Snapchat web?
If you can’t log in, double check your username and password match what you use on mobile. Also try resetting your password if needed. Make sure to allow cookies and try another browser.
Can I post a story from Snapchat web?
Posting new stories is not currently possible on the Snapchat website. You need to use the mobile app to capture and upload stories.
How do I find my friends on Snapchat web?
Click the Friends icon to see your full friends list. You can also search for friends using the search bar. Pin important friends so they appear at the top.
Can I edit my Bitmoji on Snapchat web?
Unfortunately, Snapchat’s web version does not support editing or managing your Bitmoji avatar. You need to use the mobile app to customize your Bitmoji.
Is Snapchat for web the same as mobile?
The web version includes the core Snapchat inbox features, but has limitations compared to mobile. You can’t capture, edit, save, or post new snaps from the website.
Table Comparing Snapchat Web vs Mobile App
| Feature | Snapchat Web | Snapchat Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| View snaps and stories | Yes | Yes |
| Take photos and videos | No | Yes |
| Apply filters and lenses | No | Yes |
| Save snaps and stories | Screenshot Only | Yes |
| Create and share stories | No | Yes |
| Chat and video call | Yes | Yes |
| Memories gallery | View Only | View and Manage |
| Snap Map | No | Yes |
| Snap Games | No | Yes |