Having trouble hearing videos and snaps on Snapchat? Volume too low even when turned all the way up? You’re not alone. Many Snapchat users have experienced issues with low volume on the app. Here are some potential causes and fixes to help get your Snapchat volume back to normal.
Check Your Overall Device Volume
Before troubleshooting Snapchat-specific issues, check that the overall volume on your device is turned up. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and make sure the ringer and alerts volume is set to your desired level. You can also use the volume buttons on the side of the iPhone to adjust the system volume when not in a call. On Android, go to Settings > Sound and adjust the media, call, ring, and alarm volumes as needed.
Adjust In-App Volume Settings
If your overall device volume is fine, the issue may be specific to Snapchat’s in-app volume settings. Open Snapchat and tap the profile icon in the top left. Go to Settings > Additional Services > Manage. Locate the Volume setting and drag the slider to adjust it. Setting it higher may help increase the sound volume on videos and snaps.
Use Headphones
Trying headphones is an easy way to check if the low volume issue is specific to your device’s speakers. Plug in wired headphones or connect Bluetooth headphones and play a snap or video on Snapchat. If the volume through headphones is normal, then your phone or tablet’s built-in speakers may not play Snapchat audio loudly for some reason.
Check App Permissions
Snapchat requires permission to access your device’s microphone in order to play audio on videos and snaps. If the app lacks this permission, it could prevent sounds from coming through properly. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Snapchat and check that the Microphone permission is enabled. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Permissions and make sure Microphone is allowed.
Force Quit and Re-Launch
A simple force quit and relaunch of the Snapchat app may help resolve temporary glitches that are lowering the volume. On iPhone, double tap the Home button and swipe up on the Snapchat preview to force close it. Then launch Snapchat again from your Home screen. On Android, open the Recents/Overview screen, long press on the Snapchat preview, and tap the X icon to force stop. Then re-launch it normally.
Update the App
Making sure you’re running the latest version of Snapchat will ensure you have any audio bug fixes or improvements that have been released. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and check if Snapchat has any pending updates. On Android, open the Play Store, tap Menu > My apps & games, and update Snapchat if an update is available.
Restart Your Phone
If force quitting Snapchat didn’t help, try fully rebooting your iPhone or Android phone. This will fully clear out any temporary glitches and ensure a clean slate for Snapchat to run on. Power down your phone, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on and try playing a Snapchat video.
Check Playback on Different Networks
Connect your phone to different WiFi networks and cellular data to see if Snapchat audio plays back louder on some networks versus others. Weak mobile signals or slow/congested WiFi could potentially affect audio performance. Try watching Snapchat content on different connections to narrow down the issue.
Clear Cache and Data
Clearing cached data and app data for Snapchat may help resolve inexplicable volume issues. On iPhone, delete and reinstall Snapchat. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage and tap Clear Cache followed by Clear Data. This will wipe the app back to defaults.
Adjust Audio Balance
The left/right audio balance could affect Snapchat volume if it’s skewed too far to one side. On iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and adjust the Left Right Stereo Balance slider as needed. On Android, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio balance and move the audio balance slider.
Check Playback Volume on Other Apps
See if the volume change is isolated to just Snapchat or if other apps are also affected. Open other video/music apps like YouTube, Instagram, Spotify etc and check if the playback volume seems lower than normal across apps. If so, the issue is likely with your device and not specific to Snapchat.
Use Equalizer Settings
You can use built-in equalizer presets to boost certain frequency ranges and increase playback volume. On iPhone, go to Settings > Music > EQ and choose a preset with louder bass or treble like Late Night or Bright. On Android, use the built-in Equalizer under Settings > Sound.
Adjust Microphone Settings
Some users have reported Snapchat volume improving after adjusting microphone settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Snapchat > Microphone and try changing the microphone access to Always instead of While Using The App. On Android, make sure no battery optimization is enabled for Snapchat which could affect audio.
Check Physical Hardware
Inspect your smartphone’s physical ports, speakers, and microphones to make sure there’s no debris, dust, or damage preventing normal audio functioning. Carefully clean out the charging port, headphone jack, and speaker grilles using compressed air. Also check that microphone holes are clear of debris.
Factory Reset as Last Resort
If you still can’t resolve Snapchat volume issues after trying other troubleshooting, a factory reset of your iPhone or Android may be necessary to wipe out any system-level problems. Backup important data first, then reset your device to factory defaults. Re-download Snapchat and check if volume is back to normal.
Contact Snapchat Support
If low Snapchat volume persists after trying the above steps, reach out directly to Snapchat Support for additional help. Be prepared to provide details on when the issue started, what troubleshooting you’ve tried, your device model, and any other relevant information. They may be able to provide tailored troubleshooting advice or determine if it’s a bug.
Use Third-Party Apps
Some users have reported using third-party apps like Snap Volume+ to manually increase Snapchat volume beyond the built-in limit. However, be cautious as third-party apps can sometimes violate Snapchat’s terms of service if manipulating the app. Proceed at your own risk.
Conclusion
Low Snapchat volume can be frustrating, but the issue is often fixable. Try adjusting in-app settings, making sure permissions are enabled, updating the app, clearing cache/data, changing audio balance, using headphones or equalizer presets, factory resetting your device, and contacting Snapchat Support if needed. With some diligent troubleshooting, you should be able to get your Snapchat audio back up to maximum volume.
| Troubleshooting Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Check overall device volume | Adjust system volume via Settings or volume buttons |
| Adjust in-app volume | Drag Snapchat internal volume slider to increase |
| Use headphones | Test wired or Bluetooth headphones |
| Check app permissions | Make sure Microphone is allowed |
| Force quit and relaunch | Force close and restart Snapchat app |
| Update the app | Install latest version from app store |
| Restart your phone | Reboot device fully |
| Check different networks | Test WiFi and cellular data |
| Clear cache and data | Wipe app data back to defaults |
| Adjust audio balance | Center the left/right balance |
| Check other apps | See if issue is just Snapchat |
| Use EQ presets | Boost bass/treble ranges |
| Adjust microphone settings | Try different mic access settings |
| Inspect hardware | Clean ports, speakers, mics |
| Factory reset device | Wipe system back to default |
| Contact Snapchat support | Get help directly from Snapchat |
| Try third-party apps | Use at your own risk |
General Tips for Snapchat Volume
Here are some additional tips for getting optimal sound and volume on Snapchat:
- Allow Snapchat to access your microphone when not using the app – this enables optimal audio performance
- Use over-ear headphones for louder, more immersive sound
- View snaps and stories when you have a strong WiFi or LTE signal
- Keep your device’s operating system updated to latest version
- Disable any battery saver settings that may restrict app performance
- Restart your phone on a regular basis to clear out bugs
- Monitor Snapchat reviews for new issues and updates
Why Overall Volume Can Be Low
There are some general reasons why volume may seem lower than expected on your iPhone or Android device:
- System volume is simply turned down too low
- App lacking microphone permission access
- Physical speakers are dusty, damaged, or otherwise impaired
- Headphone jack or charging port has debris or corrosion
- Audio balance skewed too far left or right
- Hearing/ear health conditions or normal aging hearing loss
- Low battery power mode restricting performance
- Bugs or glitches after a major operating system update
Checking overall phone volume, inspecting physical device hardware, adjusting accessibility settings, and keeping software updated are some best practices for maintaining adequate volume across all apps and media.
Testing Snapchat Audio
Here are some specific ways you can thoroughly test Snapchat audio performance to narrow down issues:
- Play variety of snaps, stories, playlists to check different content
- Listen with speaker and headphones to isolate issue
- Try volume at different levels and listen closely for distortion
- Compare to volume on other social and streaming apps on device
- Record a video snap and play it back to hear microphone input
- Listen to snaps on WiFi and cellular data to test networks
- Ask friends if your sent snaps seem quiet to them too
Documenting your testing methods will help if you need to contact Snapchat support later on. Narrowing down where exactly audio volume is lacking can also guide you to the right troubleshooting steps.
Snapchat Support Resources
If you’re still struggling with fixing Snapchat volume, here are some official support resources to contact:
- Snapchat Support Website – FAQs, forums, troubleshooting guides
- Snapchat Support Contact Form – Direct email/form support requests
- @SnapchatSupport – Twitter support team
- In-app Support – Send feedback right within Snapchat app
Snapchat’s team is generally responsive to volume-related issues and can provide individualized troubleshooting advice based on your details. Sending debugging logs from within the app can help them investigate further.
Third Party Apps to Increase Volume
While use of third-party apps involves some risk, here are a few that some users have reported effectively boosting Snapchat volume beyond system limits:
- Snap Volume+ (iOS)
- Increase Snapchat Volume (Android)
- Volume Booster & Music Player (iOS)
Use caution with third-party apps and make sure to uninstall if they cause problems. Official solutions are ideal if possible.
Summary of Key Snapchat Audio Fixes
Here’s a quick recap of top ways to troubleshoot and fix low Snapchat volume:
- Check overall device volume settings
- Adjust Snapchat’s internal volume slider to maximum
- Allow microphone permission access
- Update Snapchat app to latest version
- Restart phone fully to clear out bugs
- Test on different WiFi/cellular connections
- Inspect device hardware for dust, debris etc
- Factory reset phone if still not resolved
- Contact official Snapchat Support team
Following structured audio troubleshooting and utilizing Snapchat’s available resources will typically resolve playback issues. Users should see Snapchat videos and snaps playing back at maximum, audible volume after debugging.