Snapchat can be a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family back home when traveling abroad. However, many users encounter issues using Snapchat while overseas due to different internet and data regulations in other countries.
Common Issues Using Snapchat Abroad
There are a few main reasons why Snapchat may not work properly when you are in another country:
- Limited data or internet connectivity
- Restrictions from local mobile carriers
- Snapchat account or app restrictions
- Issues with VPN or proxy services
Let’s explore each of these issues in more detail.
Limited Data or Internet Connectivity
One of the most common reasons Snapchat can fail abroad is limited internet access. When traveling overseas, you may find:
- Slow or unreliable WiFi hotspots
- Costly data roaming charges from your home carrier
- Throttled or capped data speeds on local SIM cards
- Coverage gaps in rural areas
Since Snapchat requires a stable internet connection to send and receive snaps, spotty connectivity can cause it to lag or fail unexpectedly. This issue is most noticeable when trying to use data-heavy Snapchat features like video calls, group video chats, filters, lenses or downloading stories.
Restrictions from Local Mobile Carriers
Some mobile carriers abroad also intentionally restrict or block access to Snapchat due to bandwidth limitations, censorship regulations or commercial motivations. For example:
- Some carriers may throttle social media speeds
- Snapchat could be censored in countries with restrictive internet policies
- Local carriers might favor their own messaging apps over third-party apps like Snapchat
If you notice connectivity issues only with Snapchat but not other apps, carrier-imposed restrictions could be to blame.
Snapchat Account or App Restrictions
Less commonly, Snapchat itself may restrict accounts or app access in certain regions or situations. For instance:
- Snapchat may limit accounts linked to banned devices or flagged for terms of service violations
- The Snapchat app could be restricted in countries where it is not officially available or supported
- Snapchat rolling out a new release can temporarily cause login issues
Try logging in on a friend’s device on the same network. If your account works but your device doesn’t, your specific device or account could be restricted by Snapchat for some reason.
Issues with VPNs and Proxies
To get around internet restrictions abroad, some users connect to Snapchat using a VPN or proxy service. However, this doesn’t always work flawlessly:
- Snapchat can detect VPN usage and ban accounts for breaching terms of service
- Some countries actively block popular VPN services
- Free or low-quality VPNs often have slow speeds, connectivity drops and data limits
- Switching locations with a VPN can trigger temporary Snapchat lockouts
A VPN can be a double-edged sword – bypassing some restrictions but causing other connectivity issues with Snapchat at the same time.
How to Troubleshoot Snapchat Issues Abroad
If Snapchat isn’t functioning properly overseas, here are some tips to troubleshoot common problems:
Check Snapchat Server Status
First, check Snapchat’s server status page to see if there are any known widespread outages or issues in the region you are visiting. This can determine if the problem is isolated to your device or account.
Connect to Stable WiFi
Try using a fast, reliable WiFi network like at your hotel or a cafe instead of mobile data. Connecting via WiFi can help determine if your mobile carrier is blocking or throttling Snapchat.
Disable VPN
If using a VPN, disable it and test Snapchat over the local mobile network. Snapchat may have throttled your account for suspicious VPN activity. Just don’t forget to turn your VPN back on for security after testing.
Update the Snapchat App
Go to your device’s app store and check for any Snapchat app updates. Sometimes new versions resolve bugs or connectivity issues in certain regions.
Use Snapchat Lite
Try installing Snapchat Lite instead. This is a lightweight version of Snapchat for regions with limited internet. It has fewer features but uses less data.
Clear Cache and Data
In your device settings, clear out the cache and app data for Snapchat, then re-launch the app. This wipes temporary files that could be corrupted.
Reset Network Settings
On an iPhone, reset your network settings under Settings > General > Reset. This clears any problematic network configs or APN data.
Contact Support
If the steps above don’t work, reach out to Snapchat Support for personalized troubleshooting. You can contact them via chat or email.
Using a Local SIM Card
One of the best ways to improve Snapchat connectivity abroad is using an inexpensive local SIM card instead of roaming on your home cellular plan. Here are some benefits of using a local SIM:
- Avoids costly roaming fees from your provider back home
- Provides affordable data rates tailored to local networks
- May offer better coverage than roaming on a foreign network
- Gets around any home carrier restrictions on using Snapchat
When purchasing a local SIM, look for carriers that offer generous data packages, high-speed options like 4G/LTE, and unlimited messaging if possible. Some travel-friendly picks include:
| Country | Top Local SIM Card Options |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | LycaMobile, Lebara Mobile, Vodafone |
| Japan | UQ Mobile, IIJmio |
| Australia | ALDImobile, Woolworths, Lebara |
| Mexico | Telcel Amigo, Unefon |
| France | Lebara, LycaMobile, Orange Holiday |
| Italy | LycaMobile, TIM Holiday |
Just pop in the SIM, top up your balance, and you’ll have a Snapchat-friendly mobile plan tailored for the country.
Using Snapchat Features Selectively
To conserve your data and bandwidth abroad, consider limiting your use of Snapchat features that consume the most data:
- Avoid long video calls or group video chats
- Save snaps and stories to view when on WiFi
- Set stories to download on WiFi only in Snapchat settings
- Don’t use bandwidth-heavy lenses or geofilters
- Download maps and memories over WiFi beforehand
- Temporarily disable Snapchat background app refresh
Stick to text chats, quick photo snaps, audio messages and other light messaging when using mobile data. This can make Snapchat more functional on limited networks.
Using Third-Party Messaging Apps
If Snapchat consistently fails abroad even after troubleshooting, consider temporarily using a different messaging app that may be better optimized for slow networks and travel. Top choices include:
- WhatsApp – Uses less data and works well internationally
- Facebook Messenger – Compresses images and video for smaller file sizes
- LINE – Popular in Asia, offers generous international plans
- WeChat – China’s top messaging app with voice/video calls
- Telegram – Encrypted messaging with media compression options
These apps can let you stay in touch back home and share photos privately without using as much data as Snapchat. You can resume using Snapchat after returning home.
Using Snapchat on WiFi Only
If mobile data is extremely limited where you are traveling, consider only using Snapchat when connected to WiFi hotspots. Steps to take:
- Disable cellular data for Snapchat in device settings or turn on Airplane mode
- Only launch Snapchat when connected to WiFi networks
- Download any snaps or stories when on WiFi to view offline later
- Use other messaging apps like WhatsApp when not on WiFi
This prevents Snapchat from eating up costly mobile data in the background or generating roaming charges.
Conclusion
Getting Snapchat to work properly abroad can be frustrating, but a few simple tricks can improve functionality.
Check for any known Snapchat outages, connect to fast WiFi whenever possible, disable your VPN, update the app, and clear cached data. If issues persist, contact Snapchat’s support team.
The most reliable fix is purchasing an affordable local SIM card with a generous data allowance. You can also conserve data by avoiding bandwidth-heavy Snapchat features and sticking to lighter messaging options.
Consider using alternative messaging apps like WhatsApp or limiting Snapchat to WiFi-only if mobile data remains limited. With a few adjustments, you can stay snapping and chatting with friends back home while overseas.