Snapchat not working or crashing unexpectedly can be really frustrating. There are a few common reasons why Snapchat may suddenly stop working properly on your device.
Internet Connectivity Issues
One of the most common reasons for Snapchat crashing or not working is poor internet connectivity. Snapchat requires a stable internet connection to send and receive snaps, videos, messages and stories. Here are some internet connectivity issues that can cause problems with Snapchat:
- Weak WiFi signal – If you are connected to a WiFi network with a weak signal, you may experience connectivity problems. Try moving closer to your wireless router.
- Slow internet speed – Snapchat requires a reasonably fast internet connection to function properly. If your internet download and upload speeds are too slow, it can cause issues.
- Cellular data problems – Using Snapchat over a cellular network can also lead to problems if you have a weak signal, slow data speeds, or hit your monthly data limit.
- VPN connections – Some virtual private network (VPN) connections can interfere with Snapchat. Try disabling your VPN and connecting directly to see if that helps.
Check your internet connectivity and try troubleshooting your WiFi, cellular data or VPN to see if that resolves the issues with Snapchat.
Outdated App Version
Another common reason for Snapchat issues is having an outdated version of the app installed. Snapchat releases updates and bug fixes for their apps regularly. If you are running an old version of Snapchat, it may have bugs or compatibility problems that cause crashing or other issues.
Go to your device’s app store and check for any Snapchat app updates. Installing the latest version can potentially fix problems you are having. Also make sure your device’s operating system is updated to the current version.
Too Many Friends and Stories
Having a very large friends list and watching many stories on Snapchat can sometimes overwhelm the app, especially if you are using an older device. Too many incoming snaps and videos can cause lag, freezing, crashing and other performance problems.
Try culling your Snapchat friends list to remove any contacts you don’t regularly interact with. Also be selective about whose stories you consistently watch. Reducing the amount of incoming snaps can help improve general performance.
Device Storage Issues
Snapchat stores cached data and stories on your device. If your phone or tablet is low on storage space, it can cause Snapchat crashes and slowness when trying to save new videos and photos.
Check your device storage and delete any unused apps, photos, videos and files to free up space. Also go into Snapchat’s settings and clear out any cached data. Having adequate free space can help Snapchat run faster and prevent issues.
Phone Overheating
Using Snapchat for an extended period of time, especially recording or viewing videos, can cause some devices to overheat. The heat buildup can throttle the phone’s processor speed and lead to errors.
Let your phone cool off periodically if using Snapchat for a long stretch of time. Overheating can degrade device performance over time, so don’t ignore the warning signs.
Force Quit and Reopen
Sometimes Snachat may just freeze up or act buggy for no obvious reason. When it seems like it’s a general glitch, try force quitting the Snapchat app and reopening it. Force quitting will completely shut down the app and clear any temporary problems.
On an iPhone, double click the home button and swipe up on the Snapchat preview to force quit. On Android, open your recent apps list and swipe the Snapchat app preview to the side.
Reinstall Snapchat
If you continue having persistent issues with Snapchat crashing, freezing, lagging or not sending snaps properly, trying reinstalling the app. This will completely remove Snapchat and do a clean install of the latest version.
Make sure your data is backed up, then delete and reinstall Snapchat. Wipe the app cache after reinstalling. Logging back into Snapchat may resolve any lingering bugs causing problems.
Restart Your Phone
As a general troubleshooting step for mobile app issues, try restarting your iPhone or Android phone. This will clear out any temporary glitches and give Snapchat a clean slate.
Close Snapchat fully, restart your device, then launch Snapchat again. A restart can fix random bugs that adding up over time and restore stability.
Update Your Phone’s Software
Keeping your phone’s operating system updated is always a good idea for compatibility with apps like Snapchat. The developers optimize Snapchat for the newest iOS and Android software.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone to update iOS. On Android, check System > Advanced > System Update to get the latest Android OS version.
Check Snapchat Server Status
In some cases, server problems on Snapchat’s end could be causing widespread outages and issues. Check Snapchat’s System Status page or Downdetector to see if others are reporting problems.
If their servers are down or experiencing degraded performance, you will have to wait for Snapchat to resolve the problem. Follow SnapchatSupport on Twitter for updates.
Reset Network Settings
For iOS users, resetting your network settings may help if Snapchat is having trouble connecting properly. Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Reset Network Settings. This will wipe any bad WiFi or cellular data connections causing conflicts.
Clear App Cache and Data
Clearing the cache and app data for Snapchat can delete any corrupt files that may be disrupting usage. On iPhone, delete and reinstall Snapchat. On Android go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage and choose to Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Check for Restrictions
On iOS devices, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure there are no restrictions set for Snapchat. Any usage limits could prevent Snapchat from working properly.
Disable Battery Saver
Some Android devices have aggressive battery saving modes that can interfere with apps. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and disable it or whitelist Snapchat to exclude it from optimizations.
Update Camera Drivers
Problems with Snapchat’s camera features may be related to out of date camera drivers or firmware. Search your device manufacturer’s website for camera or firmware updates you can install for your specific phone model.
Use a Different Network
As a connectivity test, try using Snapchat over a different WiFi network or switch to mobile data. This can confirm if problems are related to your home WiFi specifically or your device.
You can also try using Snapchat on another phone on the same network. If it works fine, your original device may have an issue unrelated to the network.
Factory Reset Your Phone
For persistent Snapchat issues that you can’t resolve, a factory reset of your iPhone or Android may be necessary. This will wipe your device and start it with a clean slate.
Backup your phone fully before resetting then restore your data. Reinstall Snapchat after the reset to see if that corrects the problems.
Contact Snapchat Support
If you still can’t get Snapchat working after trying the above steps, you will need to reach out to Snapchat Support for additional troubleshooting help.
In the Snapchat app, go to Settings > Support > Contact Us and explain your issue. Be sure to include details like your phone model, OS version and Snapchat version.
Conclusion
Snapchat crashing or having problems is often due to connectivity issues, outdated software or storage limitations. Try troubleshooting your network connections, updating the app, restarting your device and clearing caches. For ongoing issues, a factory reset may be needed. Contact Snapchat Support if you need more help resolving problems.