Having issues with Snapchat glitching or not working properly can be super frustrating. Here are some common reasons why Snapchat may be glitching for you and tips to try and fix it.
Server or App Issues
One of the most common reasons Snapchat can start glitching is because of problems on Snapchat’s end. The app itself could be having issues, or Snapchat’s servers could be down or overloaded. This can lead to problems like:
- Stories not loading
- Chat messages failing to send
- Snapstreaks freezing or resetting
- Poor image/video quality
- General slowness and lagginess
Unfortunately, when Snapchat is having widespread technical issues, there’s not much you can do besides wait it out. Snapchat will work to resolve any bugs with the app or problems with their servers as quickly as possible.
You can check Snapchat’s status page to see if they’re currently experiencing an outage or other issues with the app.
Update Snapchat
If you haven’t updated Snapchat to the latest version available, that could be a cause of glitches. Snapchat is constantly releasing updates to fix bugs and improve performance and features.
Not being on the most current version means you may experience issues that have already been patched. Open your device’s app store, search for Snapchat, and check that you have the latest version installed. Then test to see if the problems persist.
Outdated Device Software
Similarly, if your device’s operating system itself is outdated, it may struggle to run Snapchat properly. Make sure your iOS or Android firmware is up-to-date for the best Snapchat experience.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install the latest iOS updates from Apple. For Android, go to Settings > System > System Update on Pixel devices or Settings > Software Update on Samsung, LG and others.
Close and Reopen the App
For minor glitches, sometimes simply closing out of Snapchat entirely and reopening it can help. Completely quitting the app forces it to reload, which may resolve minor bugs you’re experiencing.
To fully quit Snapchat on iPhone, double click the home button and swipe up on the Snapchat preview to close it. On Android, open the app switcher/recent apps menu and swipe Snapchat off the screen.
Restart Your Phone
If force quitting Snapchat doesn’t help, restarting your phone is the next step. This will close all apps and completely reboot your device, freeing up memory and letting Snapchat launch fresh.
To restart an iPhone 8 or earlier, hold down the Power button until the “slide to power off” prompt appears. For iPhone X or later, hold the side button and either volume button until the slider shows. On Android, hold down the power button until the restart option appears.
Check Your Internet Connection
Since Snapchat is an online app, if you have a poor internet connection it can definitely cause issues. Troubleshoot your WiFi settings or cellular data to make sure you have a strong signal.
If using WiFi, make sure you’re connected to the correct network and the connection is strong. Try moving closer to your router or resetting it. With cellular data, check your signal strength – you may need to move to get better reception.
Reinstall Snapchat
If you’re still experiencing Snapchat glitches, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can potentially help. This gives you a clean slate, removing any corrupted files that may be causing problems.
Before reinstalling, make sure your Snapchat Memories are backed up to your camera roll. Your friends list and settings will sync automatically when you log back in, but Memories will be deleted.
To uninstall on iPhone, long press the Snapchat icon until it starts wiggling, then tap the X to delete. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Snapchat > Uninstall. Then redownload Snapchat from the app store and log in.
Clear App Cache and Data
If you don’t want to fully reinstall, clearing the app cache and data for Snapchat may help. This will delete temporary files and force the app to start fresh.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select Snapchat, then tap Offload App. This will clear the cache without deleting the app itself. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Update Your Phone
If your phone itself is quite old, its hardware may simply struggle to run Snapchat properly. Apps like Snapchat require relatively modern processors and ample RAM to work smoothly.
Consider upgrading your iPhone to at least an iPhone 7 or iPhone 8. For Android, aim for at least a device with 3GB RAM and an octa-core processor. Newer phones will provide a much better Snapchat experience.
Free Up Storage Space
Similarly, if your phone is almost out of storage space, Snapchat performance can suffer. Try freeing up space by deleting large files and offloading photos/videos.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see and delete large apps/media. On Android go to Settings > Storage to check usage and free up space as needed.
Reset Phone Network Settings
As a last resort, resetting your network settings may help if you’re still having Snapchat issues. This will wipe saved WiFi networks and reset cellular data, which could resolve software glitches.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset Options > Reset WiFi, Mobile Data & Bluetooth. You’ll have to re-enter WiFi passwords and cellular data settings after resetting.
Contact Snapchat Support
If none of these troubleshooting tips resolve your Snapchat glitches, reach out to Snapchat support. They may be able to provide specialized help or further troubleshooting steps.
In the Snapchat app, go to your profile > Settings > Support > Contact Us and describe your problem. Be sure to include details like your phone model, Snapchat version, and the specific glitch you’re experiencing.
Conclusion
Snapchat glitches can often be annoying but are usually fixable. Update the app and your device software, check your internet connection, restart your phone, reinstall Snapchat, or clear cache and data. For persistent issues, upgrading your phone’s hardware or contacting Snapchat support may be necessary. With some targeted troubleshooting, you should be able to get Snapchat working smoothly again.