Snapchat acting weird or glitchy can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the app to stay connected with friends. Some common Snapchat issues include crashes, frozen screens, stories not loading, camera problems, login issues, filters not working properly, slow performance, and more. While Snapchat glitches are often temporary, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try to get the app working normally again.
Quick Fixes to Try
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, here are some quick and easy fixes to try when Snapchat is being weird:
- Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app
- Restart your phone
- Check for Snapchat app updates and install if available
- Delete and reinstall the Snapchat app
- Clear the Snapchat app cache and data
- Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- Verify time and date settings on your phone are correct
Often a simple restart or reinstall will resolve temporary glitches. If the issues persist, keep reading for more detailed troubleshooting steps.
Investigate Possible Causes
To better resolve Snapchat problems, it helps to understand what’s causing the app to misbehave. Here are some common culprits to consider:
Outdated App Version
Make sure you’re running the latest version of Snapchat. The developers frequently release updates and bug fixes, so keeping the app up-to-date is important. In the App Store or Google Play Store, check that you have the current Snapchat version installed. If not, update and see if that fixes the issues.
Insufficient Storage Space
Snapchat needs free storage space to cache data and function properly. If your phone is low on storage, it can cause performance lags, crashes, and other glitches. Check your available space under phone settings. Delete unused apps and files to free up storage for Snapchat.
Outdated Phone Software
An outdated operating system can introduce compatibility issues with apps. Make sure your phone’s OS and other system software is up-to-date. On an iPhone, install the latest iOS update. On Android, check for system updates in your phone’s settings.
Connectivity Problems
With an internet connection required to use Snapchat, any network issues can interfere with the app. Switch between WiFi and mobile data to see if one offers a better connection. Restart your phone and router if you’re on WiFi. Check for outages with your internet service provider.
Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps like VPNs, ad blockers, or security software can conflict with Snapchat. Try disabling or removing any suspect apps as a test. Also check that you don’t have multiple Snapchat apps installed from unknown sources.
Incorrect Date/Time
Snapchat relies on your device’s date and time settings being correct. If they are inaccurate, it can cause weird app behavior. Go into your phone’s settings and make sure the date and time are set properly.
Too Many Friends/Stories
Having lots of friends and stories added on Snapchat can bog down the app. Try pruning your friends list and updating fewer stories. The app may perform better with fewer accounts and data to load.
Phone Overheating
Heat can affect how smoothly apps run and cause glitches. If your phone feels hot, close background apps. Also try removing your phone case and moving it to a cooler location to prevent overheating.
Bad Software Coding
Sometimes app issues arise from bugs in the programming code itself. Reach out to Snapchat support to see if they are aware of any ongoing widespread issues. Updates will eventually address internal software problems.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you’re still experiencing Snapchat problems after trying the quick fixes, here are some more advanced troubleshooting techniques to try:
Delete and Reinstall the App
A clean reinstall can clear out any corrupted files or cached data causing problems. Delete Snapchat, restart your phone, then reinstall the app from the app store. When you log back in, the app will rebuild fresh files.
Reset Advertising ID
Resetting your advertising ID clears out data used for ads personalization. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Advertising and reset the ID. On Android, go to Settings > Google > Ads > Reset advertising ID.
Wipe App Data and Cache
With the app deleted, open your phone’s settings, select apps/application manager, choose Snapchat, then clear the data and cache. This erases locally stored app data that could be corrupted.
Check for Crashes in Diagnostics
Your phone keeps logs of app crashes that may point to what’s failing. On iPhone, get crash details under Settings > Privacy > Analytics > Diagnostics & Usage. On Android, find debug info under Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage.
Uninstall Updates
If issues started after updating Snapchat, uninstalling the updates can revert you back to a previous working version. On iPhone, tap and hold the Snapchat icon, then tap App Info > Snapchat > Disable Automatic Updates. On Android, open My Apps & Games > Snapchat, then Uninstall Updates.
Contact Snapchat Support
If you still can’t resolve the problems, reach out to Snapchat directly through in-app support, Twitter, or email ([email protected]). They may offer specialized troubleshooting or confirm if a wider issue is occurring.
Common Snapchat Problems and Fixes
Here is a breakdown of some specific Snapchat glitches and potential solutions to try:
Problem | Possible Fixes |
---|---|
App crashes or won’t open |
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Stories won’t load |
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Can’t log in |
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Camera not working |
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Filters not working |
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Overheating phone |
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Battery draining fast |
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Chats out of order |
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Can’t update Snapchat |
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Preventing Snapchat Problems
In addition to troubleshooting current issues, you can take proactive measures to avoid Snapchat glitches in the future:
- Keep the app updated to the latest version
- Maintain sufficient storage space on your phone
- Delete unused apps to free up phone resources
- Regularly restart your phone and router for a fresh slate
- Don’t overload Snapchat with too many friends or stories
- Monitor phone temperature and close intensive apps if overheating
- Clear app cache and data periodically to delete temporary files
When to Get Help
Trying the troubleshooting steps here should resolve most common Snapchat issues. But if you still can’t get the app working properly, it’s time to seek additional help:
- Contact Snapchat support through in-app options or email
- Post on Snapchat user forums for advice from other users
- Take your phone to a repair shop for diagnosis if all else fails
Snapchat’s developers are continually improving the app, so problems are often temporary. With some patience and troubleshooting, you’ll likely have Snapchat working again in no time.
Conclusion
Snapchat can start misbehaving from time to time, leading to a frustrating experience. A sluggish, crashing, or glitchy app can prevent you from using Snapchat’s fun features and connecting with friends. Fortunately, there are many troubleshooting techniques you can try to get Snapchat functioning normally again.
Start with simple fixes like force closing the app, installing updates, switching networks, or restarting your phone. For ongoing issues, try advanced steps like wiping app data, uninstalling updates, deleting and reinstalling the app, or contacting Snapchat support. Identifying potential causes like network problems, outdated software, insufficient storage, or overheating can also help pinpoint solutions.
With some dedicated troubleshooting using the tips here, you can override most Snapchat problems. Just be patient, methodical, and reach out for help from Snapchat or phone technicians if needed. Stick with it and your Snapchat app should be back up and running smoothly.