It can be frustrating when your Snapchat messages fail to send. There are a few potential reasons why this might happen and some troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.
Check Your Internet Connection
The most common reason Snapchat messages won’t send is problems with your internet connection. Snapchat requires an active internet connection to send and receive snaps, chat messages, and make video calls.
Here are some things you can try:
- Make sure you have cellular data or WiFi enabled on your phone. Turn airplane mode off.
- Restart your phone – This will refresh the connection.
- Check if other apps are having connectivity issues. Try loading a website to see if the internet is working.
- Toggle WiFi off and on or connect to a different WiFi network.
- Toggle cellular data off and on. Move to a location with better signal strength.
- Update the app and operating system as outdated software can cause problems.
- Delete and reinstall the Snapchat app if connectivity issues persist.
If none of these options work, contact your cellular provider or internet service provider. There may be an outage or another underlying network issue.
Server or App Issues
Problems within the Snapchat app or servers can also prevent messages from sending properly. Issues like server maintenance, unexpected downtime, bugs, and glitches can all interfere with sending snaps.
A few things to try:
- Check the Snapchat System Status page to see if there are any known issues.
- Update to the latest version of the Snapchat app.
- Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app.
- Uninstall and reinstall Snapchat to clear any corrupted files.
- Try sending a message using cellular data instead of WiFi or vice versa.
- Create a new Snapchat account and attempt to send a snap.
If many users are experiencing the same sending failure, it likely indicates a wider problem on Snapchat’s end. Be patient and try again later.
Account Restrictions or Bans
In some cases, your own Snapchat account may be facing restrictions that prevent sending messages. This can happen if you violate Snapchat’s Terms of Service or Community Guidelines.
Potential account issues include:
- Temporary sending ban – Usually lasts 24 hours. Caused by frequently sending snaps to users who don’t add you back.
- Permanent suspension – Result of serious or repeated violations of Snapchat’s policies. Very difficult to reverse.
- Limited account – Due to suspicious activity. Requires resetting password or completing CAPTCHA challenge.
- Locked account – Happens if you enter incorrect password too many times. Simply reset password.
If your account has been banned or locked, you’ll receive an on-screen notification explaining the restriction when attempting to send a message. Follow Snapchat’s instructions to restore your account access.
Recipient Has You Blocked
If someone has blocked your account, your snaps and chats to that person will not go through. Unfortunately there is no way to tell if someone has blocked you on Snapchat.
Some signs include:
- Your messages instantly show as ‘pending’ but never change to ‘delivered’ or ‘opened’.
- The recipient suddenly stops opening your snaps or responding to chats.
- Your messages to them remain on ‘sent’ and never change status.
- You disappear from their Friends list.
If you think someone has blocked you, your only options are to ask them directly or simply stop contacting them on Snapchat.
Recipient’s Account Is Deleted or Disabled
If the recipient of your message has deleted their Snapchat account or been banned by Snapchat, your messages to them will fail to send.
Ways to check if their account is gone:
- Searching their username brings up “No results found”.
- Visiting their profile shows “Couldn’t find this Snapchatter”.
- They disappear from your Friends list.
Unfortunately there is nothing you can do in this case as you are unable to contact an inactive account. You will have to communicate with this person through another method or social media platform.
Chat Feature Disabled
While you can send photo and video snaps to any user, Snapchat’s chat feature requires both parties to be friends in order to message each other.
If you aren’t friends with someone, your chat messages will not go through. You’ll have to send them a friend request and have them accept it before being able to chat.
Similarly, if either user disables chat, messages between you will be blocked. Make sure you both have chat enabled if you want to send text messages.
Scope and Size Limits
Snapchat does place certain limits on what you can send:
- Image/video snaps – Max file size of 5MB, max duration of 60 seconds.
- Chat messages – Up to 1000 texts. Excess texts are deleted.
- Group chats – Max 31 participants.
If your snap or chat exceeds these restrictions, Snapchat will be unable to deliver the message. Make sure your files and conversations are within the size and length limits.
How to Prevent Snapchat Messages From Failing to Send
Following these tips can help avoid Snapchat messaging problems in the future:
- Check for connection issues and troubleshoot your internet if needed.
- Keep the app updated to the latest version.
- Don’t violate Snapchat’s Terms of Service to avoid account restrictions.
- Double check that the recipient has not blocked you.
- Confirm the recipient’s account is still active.
- Only chat with friends and keep chats under 1000 texts.
- Send snaps under 60 seconds and 5MB in size.
What to Do If Your Message Still Won’t Send
If you continue having issues getting a message through, here are some final steps to try:
- Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app.
- Turn your phone off completely then back on again.
- Uninstall and reinstall Snapchat.
- Clear the app cache and data from your phone’s settings.
- Try sending on cellular data instead of WiFi or vice versa.
- Contact Snapchat Support for additional help.
Conclusion
Snapchat messages failing to send is usually due to connection problems, account restrictions, size limits, or issues with the recipient’s account. To troubleshoot, check your internet, update the app, follow Snapchat’s policies, and ensure the recipient hasn’t blocked you or deleted their account. With some diligence, you should be able to get your Snapchats sending smoothly again.