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Why can’t I enable Snapchat filters?

Why can’t I enable Snapchat filters?

Snapchat filters allow users to add fun effects and animations to their photos and videos in the app. The filters have become incredibly popular, with many Snapchatters using them on a daily basis. However, sometimes the filters stop working properly. If you are wondering why your Snapchat filters are not enabling, there are a few potential reasons and fixes to try.

Your Snapchat App Needs an Update

One of the most common reasons Snapchat filters may not be working is because your app needs an update. Snapchat releases new filters and lenses on a regular basis, so you need the latest version of the app to access all of the newest effects.

To update your Snapchat app on an iOS device, go to the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Pull down to refresh, and if any updates are available for Snapchat, you will see the option to update. On Android phones, open the Google Play Store, go to the menu and tap “My Apps & Games.” If an update is available for Snapchat, you will see the option to update the app.

Once your Snapchat app is updated to the latest version, try accessing filters again. This should resolve any issues caused by having an outdated version of the app.

Your Snapchat Filters Are Hidden

Another possible reason your Snapchat filters aren’t working is because they are hidden. Snapchat occasionally moves filter and lens options around in the app, so they may not be where you expect them to be.

To find hidden Snapchat filters, open the Snapchat camera. Tap and hold on your face to bring up the lenses carousel. Swipe through the lenses until you find one that says “Try more lenses!” Tap on this icon, and it will bring up another menu of dozens of filters to swipe through.

Many users don’t realize there is a whole second menu of hidden filters in Snapchat that you need to swipe over to access. If you are missing filters you used to use, they may just be in this hidden section.

Your Snapchat Filter Favorites Are Turned Off

Snapchat allows you to favorite lenses and filters so they are easily accessible in a separate menu. However, sometimes this favorites filter menu gets turned off, hiding your favorite lenses even if they are still available.

To turn your favorites back on, go to your Snapchat profile and tap the Settings gear icon. Go to the “Additional Services” menu and make sure “Favorites” is toggled on. This will make your favorite lenses accessible again via the star icon in the filter carousel.

You Have Filter Restrictions Enabled

Snapchat has restrictions settings that allow you to limit access to certain lenses and filters if you are a parent who wants to control your child’s experience in the app.

If you have enabled lens or filter restrictions, it will prevent certain effects from showing up for you or others on your family account. Check your Snapchat settings to make sure you don’t have restrictions turned on accidentally.

Your Location Permissions Are Disabled

Some Snapchat lenses and filters rely on your location data to work properly. For example, there are special location-specific filters for major cities, landmarks, and events. There are also lenses that use your location to animate weather effects and other augmentations.

If you have location services disabled for Snapchat, these special geofilters and lenses will not be available. On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and make sure Snapchat has location access enabled. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > App Permissions > Location and make sure location access is turned on for Snapchat.

You Need to Allow Camera Access

Since Snapchat lenses and filters rely on analyzing images from your camera, the app obviously needs camera permissions. If you somehow have camera access disabled, none of the AR lenses will work.

On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera > Snapchat and make sure camera access is enabled. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > App Permissions > Camera and make sure Snapchat has camera access allowed.

Your Device is Outdated

Most Snapchat lenses and filters rely on advanced AR technology powered by your device’s camera and processor. If your smartphone is very old, it may not be capable of running the complex AR effects.

Try updating your device’s operating system to the latest version available to ensure compatibility with Snapchat’s AR platform. If it is more than a few years old, you may need to upgrade your smartphone to a newer model to access all filters.

Conclusion

Snapchat filters not working can be frustrating, but the issue is usually caused by something simple like an outdated app, hidden menus, disabled settings or permissions, or an older device. Follow the troubleshooting tips above to get your favorite lenses and filters working again.

The most common fixes are updating Snapchat, turning on hidden filter menus, enabling geofilters in your settings, allowing camera and location access, and upgrading your phone if it’s outdated. With the right settings and troubleshooting, you can get access to all the fun that Snapchat lenses and filters have to offer.

Reason Fix
Outdated App Update Snapchat to latest version
Hidden Filters Find “Try More Lenses” menu
Favorites Turned Off Enable Favorites in Settings
Filter Restrictions Check and adjust Restrictions settings
Location Permissions Enable Location Access for Snapchat
Camera Permissions Enable Camera Access for Snapchat
Old Device Consider upgrading device

Some other things you can try if the above fixes don’t work:

  • Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app
  • Clear the Snapchat app cache and data
  • Restart your smartphone
  • Re-install the Snapchat app
  • Use a different internet connection (WiFi instead of cellular data or vice versa)

For any filters tied to specific locations, events, or holidays, make sure they are still actively available in Snapchat. Some are only available for limited times.

Also, check Snapchat’s support pages or contact them if issues persist after trying the above steps. They may have additional troubleshooting advice or be able to identify any bugs preventing filters from working.

With some effort, you should be able to get your favorite Snapchat lenses and filters working again. The versatile AR effects are one of the most fun parts of Snapchat, so take the time to troubleshoot and get them back!