There are a few possible reasons why your Snapchat message may show as delivered but the recipient hasn’t received it yet:
Their Connection is Slow or Unstable
If the recipient has a slow internet connection or poor cell reception, it may take longer for the Snapchat server to deliver the message to their device. The “delivered” status only means that Snapchat has sent the message from their server, not that it has reached the recipient’s phone.
Give it some time and try sending another message – the previous one should come through once their connection improves. This is a common reason for “delivered” but not “received” messages.
They Have Do Not Disturb Mode Enabled
Many users enable Do Not Disturb or mute notifications for specific conversations. This means they won’t get a sound/vibration alert when you send a Snap, even if it shows as delivered.
The message will be waiting for them when they open the app, so it’s not lost. They just didn’t get the instant notification you expected. Try sending another Snap or message outside the app to confirm.
Their Phone is Offline
If the recipient’s phone is switched off, in airplane mode, or without an internet connection, your Snap will remain stuck in Snapchat’s queue. It will show “delivered” but won’t actually reach their device until it comes back online.
This usually resolves itself within hours once they reconnect. You could also try calling/texting to confirm if their phone is accessible.
They Haven’t Opened the Snapchat App
Even if your message reaches their phone, the recipient needs to open the Snapchat app for the message to display as “received.” If they haven’t launched the app after you send the Snap, it will remain in limbo.
Try sending a follow up message in the app, or text/call them to get their attention. Once they open Snapchat, your previous Snaps should show as received.
Your Message is Stuck in a Queue
In rare cases, technical glitches may cause a message to get stuck in Snapchat’s delivery queue with “delivered” status. Typically, killing and restarting the app can resolve this.
As a workaround, ask the recipient to force quit and relaunch Snapchat. This usually prompts delivery of any stuck messages. If issues persist, try deleting and reinstalling the app.
Their Account is Temporarily Deactivated
If the recipient temporarily deactivated their Snapchat account, your messages will remain in limbo with “delivered” status until they reactivate it. You won’t be able to contact them on Snapchat until then.
Try sending them a message through another app or channel to confirm. There’s not much else you can do except wait for them to reactive their account.
They Blocked You
If the recipient has blocked you on Snapchat, your messages will always show “delivered” but will never be received. They won’t get any notification from you.
Unfortunately the only fix is to get unblocked, which requires communication outside the app. If you think you may have been blocked by accident, reach out on another platform.
Their Snapchat is Glitching
Like any app, Snapchat is susceptible to occasional glitches that may affect message delivery. A bug could cause “delivered” Snaps to not be received properly.
Try closing Snapchat completely then reopening it. If issues persist, report the problem to Snapchat. General technical glitches are usually resolved quickly as they affect many users.
Their Phone Storage is Full
If the recipient’s phone storage is completely full, new Snaps won’t be able to save to their device. The message delivery may fail even though Snapchat marked it “delivered.”
Suggest that they clear up storage space then force quit and relaunch Snapchat. This should allow pending Snaps to finally download. Freeing up storage often fixes these delivery issues.
You’re Caught in a Spam Filter
In extreme cases, Snapchat may flag your account for spammy behavior and filter your messages. This prevents delivery even though they are “delivered” on your end.
Avoid actions that might seem like spam, such as mass messaging. Contact Snapchat Support if you feel wrongly flagged. Getting removed from spam filters requires Snapchat’s intervention.
Conclusion
A “delivered” snap stuck in limbo is usually just a temporary glitch. Give it some time, retry sending the message, and have the recipient force quit and relaunch the app. If issues persist, troubleshoot potential connectivity or account problems.
As a last resort, report delivery problems to Snapchat, especially if messages seem to be falsely filtered as spam. With some patience and effort, most “delivered” but not “received” quirks can be resolved.
Troubleshooting Steps for Common Issues
Here is a summary of troubleshooting steps you can take if your Snapchat says delivered but not received:
For Recipient Connection Issues
- Wait several minutes then retry sending the Snap
- Check the recipient’s internet/cell signal and availability
- Send a test message via different app to confirm connectivity
For Inactive Recipient
- Send another Snap to get their attention
- Text/call recipient asking them to open Snapchat
- Ensure recipient app is not muted or in Do Not Disturb
For App/Account Issues
- Ask recipient to force quit and relaunch Snapchat
- Make sure recipient account is active and not deactivated
- Uninstall/reinstall Snapchat to clear any bugs
- Check for any blocks on recipient account
For Technical Difficulties
- Report unresolved delivery issues to Snapchat
- Clear recipient phone storage if completely full
- Contact Snapchat Support if spam filtered incorrectly
With some combination of these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to solve most situations where your Snap says delivered but hasn’t been received yet. Be patient, double check basics, and reach out for technical assistance if needed.
When to Worry About “Delivered” but Not “Received” Status
In most cases, a Snapchat message with a “delivered” status but not “received” status is just facing a minor holdup and will eventualy go through. However, there are a few scenarios where it may be cause for concern:
If Issue Persists for Hours
If your Snap has remained in “delivered” limbo for over 12+ hours, something is likely stuck. The recipient may have connectivity issues or need to troubleshoot their Snapchat app.
If Recipient is Unreachable on Other Channels
If the recipient is not responding to calls, texts, etc., their phone could be offline entirely or experiencing major technical problems.
If Sent During Important Conversation
A stalled message can be worrisome if you’re in the middle of an urgent, timely conversation and suddenly get no reply.
If Recipient Typically Responds Quickly
When someone consistently views and replies to Snaps instantly, a long silence after a “delivered” message is abnormal.
If Issue is Repeatedly Occurring
Frequent problems with Snaps getting stuck as “delivered” may indicate a consistent issue needing investigation.
In these situations, proactively troubleshoot and escalate the problem, as there may be a deeper underlying cause. Persistence is key – continue retrying delivery or seek help to resolve delivery failures.
Preventing “Delivered” but Not “Received” Problems
While you can’t control Snapchat glitches, here are some tips to avoid delivery issues where possible:
- Ask recipients to check app notifications are not muted
- Suggest closing and reopening Snapchat if it seems glitchy
- Remind recipients to maintain enough storage space on their phone
- Avoid spammy mass-messaging that could trigger filtering
- Confirm you haven’t been blocked by the recipient
- Be patient right after sending, as delivery takes time
- Double check own connectivity before assuming recipient’s app faulty
Preemptively following best practices around delivery, notifications, and connectivity can prevent many stuck “delivered” messages.
When to Contact Snapchat Support
After exhausting all basic troubleshooting, consider reaching out to Snapchat Support if:
- An important message is stuck as “delivered” for over 24 hours
- You experience repeated delivery failures and glitches
- You believe your account is incorrectly flagged for spam
- Blocking/deactivation issues are preventing delivery
- Technical issues are confirmed to be on Snapchat’s end
Customer support can investigate, provide specialized fixes, and escalate persistent delivery problems. Have details ready including username, message content, and troubleshooting steps tried.
Delivery Confirmations Outside Snapchat
Keep in mind Snapchat’s delivery system is closed and can only confirm your message reached their servers – not the recipient’s phone.
For true confirmation, consider also sending a quick text, call, or message through another app:
- “Hey, just sent you a Snap”
- “Did you get that Snap I sent?”
- “Can you confirm once you’ve seen my Snap?”
This provides an extra assurance your message got through, via a different channel outside of Snapchat.
Understanding Snapchat Message Statuses
Snapchat has three main message status indicators:
Sent
Snap has left your device and is enroute to Snapchat’s servers. It has not yet reached their systems.
Delivered
Snapchat’s servers have received the message and it is queued for delivery to the recipient. It has not yet reached their phone.
Opened
Recipient has actively opened and viewed the Snapchat message.
“Received” status is not displayed, but assumed once the Snap moves past “delivered.”
Knowing these distinctions helps understand where delivery may be failing if your Snap gets stuck.
Why the Delivery Process Matters
With most messaging apps, a “delivered” status means the message reached the recipient’s phone.
Snapchat is unique in that “delivered” only means it reached their servers. The app has no way to confirm the message actually made it to the specific device.
This delivery system explains why Snaps can get stuck in “delivered” limbo, and taking the extra step to confirm receipt outside the app is important.
Can You See if Someone Opened a Snap Without Them Knowing?
No, there is no way to covertly see if someone has opened or viewed your Snapchat message without also notifying them.
By default, Snapchat alerts a sender when a recipient opens their Snap. The opened Snap shows up in the feed with “Opened” beneath the message.
There is no setting or workaround that allows secretly viewing this opened status – it will always reveal you saw the Snap.
What the Recipient Sees
On the recipient’s end, they will see the following if you view their opened Snap:
- Your name added under “Viewed by” list
- Opened Snap shifted to “Viewed Snaps” instead of “Received Snaps”
These signals immediately tell them you have seen the Snap, maintaining Snapchat’s emphasis on transparency.
When Status Doesn’t Update
If your Snap remains on “Delivered” but doesn’t eventually change to “Opened,” it likely means:
- The recipient has not actually viewed the Snap yet
- Your connection timed out before you saw the updated status
- There was an issue loading the new status
Give it some time and retry – once they view it, the opened status should appear.
Third-Party Apps and Viewer Tracking
Some third-party apps claim they can identify Snapchat viewers without notifying the recipient. However, this violates Snapchat’s terms and conditions.
Any third-party service that scrapes Snapchat data or manipulates opened statuses is operating in violation of Snapchat guidelines. These apps access Snapchat in unauthorized ways.
Rather than risk account suspension, it is better to simply ask the recipient directly if they have viewed your Snap. The official Snapchat app provides no covert way to check.
Strategies to Increase Snap Views
While there’s no way to secretly check, you can encourage recipients to open Snaps faster using some best practices:
- Send at optimal times – Try weekday evenings when people are winding down.
- Tag them in text – Include “@theirusername” so they get notified.
- Ask a question – Prompt a response rather than a statement.
- Use emojis and captions – Add text and stickers for context.
- Follow up if needed – Politely remind them if it’s time-sensitive.
While not foolproof, these tips can help boost view rates organically and prompt recipients to prioritize opening Snaps.
Summary
Delivered but not received Snapchat messages are usually just temporary hiccups that resolve within hours. Give it some time and reach out by a different method if concerned. Most issues stem from device connectivity or inactive users – not Snapchat errors.
Remember Snapchat can only confirm “delivered” to their servers, not to the recipient’s phone. Take extra steps like texting confirmation. Avoid third-party apps that claim to track openings secretly – notify is always on.
With good communication habits, attentive recipients, and occasional troubleshooting, Snapchat delivers a solid messaging experience. A bit of patience goes a long way when awaiting those cherished viewed receipts.