Having Snapchat calls constantly cut out can be incredibly frustrating. There are a few key reasons why Snapchat calls may not work properly or get disconnected repeatedly.
Unstable Internet Connection
The most common reason Snapchat calls cut out is an unstable internet connection. Snapchat relies on a strong and consistent internet connection to maintain high quality video calls. Any disruption in your internet connectivity can cause the call to freeze, pixelate, or drop entirely. This issue is especially common on mobile networks like 4G or 5G, which naturally fluctuate more than broadband WiFi. Moving closer to your router or switching to a stronger mobile network may help stabilize your connection.
Here are some signs your internet connection is unstable and disrupting Snapchat calls:
- Low WiFi signal strength
- Switching between WiFi and cellular data
- Low cellular signal strength (only 1-2 bars showing)
- Dropped WiFi connection requiring reconnection
- Pixelated or blurry video quality
- Stuttery or laggy audio
- High ping times and latency
Run a speed test to quantify your internet speeds. Snapchat calls need at least 3-5 Mbps download speeds and 1 Mbps upload speed over a low-latency connection for smooth performance. If your test shows lower speeds or high ping times above 100ms, that points to an unstable internet connection as the culprit.
Outdated App Version
Another common source of Snapchat call issues is an outdated app. Snapchat releases frequent updates to fix bugs, patch security flaws, and improve call performance. However, the app does not automatically update on all devices. Using an old version that has not received the latest optimizations can lead to problems with call connectivity and quality.
Here are some signs your Snapchat app version may be outdated:
- You have automatic app updates disabled
- You are not prompted to update when launching Snapchat
- Frequent crashes or visual bugs and glitches
- Calls cut out even with strong internet
Go to your device’s app store, search for Snapchat, and check if any pending updates are available. The latest version as of October 2023 is v11.65.Updating to this release may resolve any call issues caused by an outdated app.
Insufficient Storage Space
Snapchat requires free storage space on your device to cache media and optimize performance. Lacking sufficient storage can lead to degraded app performance, including calls dropping or cutting out randomly. Videos and photos exchanged in a call quickly consume storage without enough room to save them.
Here are some signs you may be low on free storage space:
- Less than 500MB free space on your Android device
- Less than 150MB free space on your iOS device
- Frequent “storage full” warnings
- Difficulty receiving or downloading media files
- Slow app performance and frequent crashes
Check your available storage in your device settings. Try clearing cached data for Snapchat and other apps you rarely use. As a last resort, delete unnecessary files, photos, or videos to free up storage space for optimal Snapchat performance.
Background App Refresh Disabled
Snapchat uses background app refresh on iOS devices to keep the app updated with new messages, stories, and other content. If this is disabled, it can disrupt call connectivity since the app is not actively syncing new data.
Here are some signs background app refresh is disabled:
- Snapchat does not update with new snaps or stories until opened
- Calls immediately cut out when Snapchat is put in the background
- Notifications for new messages are delayed or absent
Go to your iOS Settings > General > Background App Refresh and ensure Snapchat is enabled. You can also toggle the main Background App Refresh switch on if it is disabled.
Restrictive Security Software
Some security, privacy, and parental control apps intentionally limit Snapchat functionality, which can inadvertently block calls. Features like firewalls, VPNs, content filters, and location spoofing can prevent Snapchat from connecting properly during calls.
Here are some signs restrictive security apps are disrupting Snapchat:
- Calls cut out when certain apps are enabled
- Connection issues started after installing a security app
- Snapchat is missing from VPN or firewall allowed app lists
- Location services are disabled or spoofed
Try disabling any recently installed security apps and see if Snapchat call performance improves. You can also whitelist Snapchat within app settings to exclude it from restrictions. Otherwise, the privacy tradeoff may continue blocking calls.
Poor Cellular Coverage
Weak cellular signal causes the same connectivity problems as WiFi dead zones. Low signal strength from your mobile carrier makes it difficult to maintain a call, leading to choppy audio, frozen video, and dropped connections.
Here are some signs of poor cellular coverage:
- Only 1 bar or less of cell signal
- Mobile data cuts out completely
- Calls consistently drop in certain locations
- Frequent “Searching for service” messages
Use your carrier coverage map to check if you are in an area with poor or limited service. Switching mobile networks or moving to a location with a stronger signal may help. You can also enable WiFi calling through your carrier to route calls over WiFi where cellular signal is weak. This requires a strong, fast home internet connection.
Outdated Device Software
Like apps themselves, your device’s operating system also requires regular software updates for optimal performance. Old iOS or Android versions often have unpatched bugs that affect Snapchat call connectivity and quality.
Here are signs your device software is outdated:
- You have disabled automatic OS updates
- Your device is more than 1-2 versions behind latest OS
- You cannot update due to old, unsupported hardware
- General device performance has declined over time
Update your device to the latest iOS or Android version available. This will install system-level fixes and improvements that can alleviate Snapchat call issues. If your hardware is too old, it may be necessary to upgrade your device entirely for the latest performance optimizations.
Account Bans or Restrictions
Snapchat may ban accounts or restrict functionality for policy violations. Banned users cannot use Snapchat calls or other social features, only retaining basic chat ability in “ghost mode.” Call issues can also arise if your account is temporarily locked for suspicious activity.
Here are signs your account may be banned or restricted:
- Unable to start or accept calls
- Notification you are in “ghost mode”
- Friends report being unable to call you
- Multiple login attempts trigger temporary lockout
Check your account standing under Snapchat Settings. Resolve any recent policy violations that could have triggered a ban. You can also try logging out and back in to reset your account state if recently locked out.
Glitchy Snapchat Servers
Server outages and downtime at Snapchat’s end can also prevent calls from going through. Heavy load on Snapchat’s infrastructure during peak usage periods may degrade performance across the service.
Here are signs of wider Snapchat server problems:
- Calls failing for all friends/groups, not just you
- General slowness and bugs across Snapchat
- Reports of Snapchat outages on DownDetector
- Inability to log in to Snapchat entirely
Check third-party sites like DownDetector to confirm if Snapchat is experiencing an outage in your area. Unfortunately all you can do is wait for Snapchat engineers to resolve the problem on their end before call quality improves.
Phone Model Compatibility Issues
Some smartphone models with unique camera setups or outdated software have known issues with Snapchat compatibility, including call connectivity problems.
Here are signs of phone model specific incompatibility:
- Calls constantly drop on one device model only
- Pixelated or mirrored camera feed during calls
- Consistent app crashes on a model after updates
- Snapchat acknowledges issues with your model
Search online and Snapchat’s help forum to check if your phone model has reported bugs. Updating your device software may resolve these isolated incompatibilities. In severe cases, switching phone models entirely may be the only solution.
Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these troubleshooting steps to identify why your Snapchat calls are cutting out:
- Restart your phone and reconnect to WiFi
- Force close and re-launch the Snapchat app
- Check your internet speeds with a speed test
- Update Snapchat to the latest version
- Free up storage space – at least 150MB on iOS, 500MB on Android
- Enable Background App Refresh on iOS
- Disable any new security apps to test if they are the cause
- Move location or enable WiFi calling if in an area with poor cellular signal
- Update your device operating system if out of date
- Check account restrictions and violations
- Confirm if wider Snapchat outages are occurring
Following structured troubleshooting steps can quickly isolate the root cause and point you to the solution. Start with simpler fixes like app restarts and updates before testing more complex issues. If problems persist across devices, ask friends if calls are working normally for them to determine if the issue is isolated to your account.
Preventing Snapchat Call Issues
You can take proactive measures to prevent Snapchat call problems in the future:
- Use Snapchat primarily on stable WiFi – Avoid reliance on cellular networks prone to congestion and dead zones.
- Disable battery saver settings – These often disrupt background data and connectivity.
- Update apps and OS regularly – Schedule auto-updates on your device and Snapchat.
- Clear cache before calls – Prevent built up junk data from affecting performance.
- Avoid multitasking – Switch off other apps that can disrupt bandwidth.
- Review account standing – Follow all Snapchat rules and community guidelines.
Building these habits minimizes the chance of technical disruptions during calls. But despite best efforts, Snapchat call issues can still arise occasionally due to quirks of mobile networks and apps. Just be patient and systematically troubleshoot the problem whenever connectivity falters.
Conclusion
Snapchat calls cutting out can stem from a myriad of causes – some out of your control. Flaky cellular signals, server hiccups, and device software flaws are common culprits. But in many cases, simple fixes like switching WiFi, updating Snapchat, or freeing up storage provide an instant solution. With structured troubleshooting, you can quickly zero in on why your particular Snapchat calls are disconnecting and take steps to restore smooth performance.