You are not alone if Snapchat won’t open or crashes right away when it does open. Similar problems with the Snapchat app, where it either won’t launch or crashes right away, are being reported by a lot of users. This is not unusual since the app has previously had several problems similar to this. One may lose valuable snap streaks because of this and it could be heartbreaking.
Although this specific problem is not exclusive to iOS or Android, the root causes and their solutions differ differently depending on the operating system of your smartphone.
10 Reasons Snapchat Won’t Open and the Solutions
The following are the reasons why Snapchat won’t open and each is discussed with the possible fixes and solutions.
- Snapchat is down and not working
- Local Snaps Sync Issues
- Outdated Snapchat
- Buggy Devices
- Poor or Unavailable Internet Connection
- App network permission issues
- Snapchat App Cache issues
- App preferences issues (Android only)
- Limitations on content and privacy (iOS only)
- Outdated Phone Operating System
Snapchat is down and not working.
As Snapchat is designed to accommodate its hundreds of millions of users, this doesn’t happen very frequently, but you may check to see if its server is down when your Snapchat doesn’t open.
Using Snapchat’s official Support Twitter account, where the business is quite active and often posts server trouble alerts, is one of the easiest methods to find out whether the app is down. Additionally, you may use third-party services like Downdetector to double-check Snapchat’s server.
Local Snaps Sync Issues
Close the app and reopen it if you can access Snapchat but it isn’t functioning for you. Try exiting and reentering your account to see if the problems continue. By doing this, the issue will likely be resolved by resyncing your local snaps with the server. In some cases, reinstalling the software after it has been removed also helps. Furthermore, you may try logging out of Snapchat and back in again if you want to take this technique a step further.
Outdated Snapchat
Running an outdated version of an app is mostly OK, but it may sometimes cause problems, particularly when substantial changes are made to the program. Verify for updates if you think it’s worthwhile. Check for new updates by opening the Google Play or App Store. Snaps that you missed will be waiting for you when you come back to Snapchat.
Updating Snapchat on Android
Opening the Play Store and following the instructions listed below will allow you to upgrade Snapchat on Android.
- Go to the Play Store and click the hamburger menu symbol in the top-left corner.
- Tap on My apps and games.
All of the applications that need to be updated may be seen here. The Snapchat wont open problem should be fixed if you upgrade the Snapchat app, which you should be able to do.
Updating Snapchat on iOS
The procedures listed below may be used to update the applications on your iPhone or iPad by opening the App Store.
The profile symbol is located in the top-right corner of your App Store homepage.
On the next page, scroll down a little to view a list of every update for the app that is currently available.
The Update button next to Snapchat should be selected if an update is available.
Buggy Devices
The gadget should be restarted, as is the case with many technological issues. The same reasoning applies when Snapchat isn’t functioning. Your Snapchat problems can go right away if you reset your smartphone. The Power button must be pressed and held to restart your device. Continue to the next solution if that doesn’t work.
Poor or Unavailable Internet Connection
If Snapchat or a certain snap isn’t loading, the issue may be with your internet connection. Any other internet-using program might be tested, or you could launch your browser and attempt to access Google.com to quickly ascertain whether this is the case. When everything else fails, the problem is probably with your internet connection.
Try switching from data to Wi-Fi and vice versa if you are currently using data. Moving closer to your router is another option you have. Even if your internet is functional on other devices, restarting the router can help. A VPN may need to be turned off when using Snapchat if you’re one of them. Any third-party programs, including VPNs, might cause Snapchat to cease functioning.
Furthermore, if you’re connected by Wi-Fi, there’s a potential the network manager has blocked some services, including Snapchat. This often occurs in public spaces like schools, libraries, and other establishments where it is preferred to prevent Wi-Fi usage for amusement. To utilize these applications, you would need to get permission from the administrator, or you could just consume data.
We often accidentally disable mobile data, which is another problem. Ascertain that the Settings allow you to access mobile data.
Android data activation instructions:
- Launch the Settings application.
- Click on Network & Internet.
- Choosing SIMs.
- On/off the mobile data.
App network permission issues
Snapchat may lack the necessary rights to operate even though your internet connection is reliable and functions in other applications. When you see a dark screen instead of the camera image, for instance, this often occurs. One or more of the following permissions may be required: Phone, Location, and Storage. Snapchat’s permissions may be easily checked inside the app.
How to edit permissions in Snapchat:
- Open Snapchat.
- Open your profile by tapping the symbol for your avatar.
- Select Settings by clicking the cogwheel in the top-right corner.
- Toggle Permissions. In the part devoted to privacy, it is.
- Missing permissions will indicate “Tap to enable.” The system settings will be shown, allowing you to change every program permission.
Allow Snapchat to utilize all it needs by granting it access to the permissions menu.
Snapchat App Cache Issues
An app’s ability to run smoothly may often be affected by app cache. Utilizing Snapchat’s in-app settings for iOS and Android devices as well as the device settings for Android, use the two techniques listed below to clear the cache.
Clear cache via app settings
To remove the app cache, launch the Snapchat app and follow the instructions below.
- At the screen’s top-left corner, tap the profile symbol.
- In the top-right corner of the screen on the next page, hit the Gear (Settings) symbol.
- To clear the cache, choose Account Actions > Clear Cache at the bottom of the next page.
Clear cache via Android settings
For instructions on how to remove the Snapchat app cache, open the settings menu on your Android smartphone.
- Tap on Apps & notifications
- If you’ve used Snapchat lately, it will be shown at the top of the following page under Recently opened applications. Click the See all applications button if it doesn’t. Select the name of the program whose cache you wish to remove after finding it.
- Press the Storage & cache button on the next page.
- Choose Clear Cache next.
App preferences issues (Android only)
Your App preferences might have run into trouble, making your Snapchat and other apps malfunction. Another option to solve the Snapchat crashing problem is to reset the app preferences. All app settings return to their factory defaults as a result. That said, no app data will be removed.
Below are the steps for resetting app preferences on Android:
- Select Apps & notifications from the settings menu on your phone.
- Click on Show all applications.
- Click on the top-right, three vertical dots.
- Choosing Reset app preferences from the dropdown menu.
Limitations on content and privacy (iOS only)
It is possible that your iOS device has limitations on content and privacy enabled. This feature is usually used for parental control on iOS. It allows specific apps to be blocked or limited for kids. Follow the instructions below to open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and lift any limitations.
- Tap the Screen Time subsection after finding it.
- Afterwards, click Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Pick Content Restrictions from the menu now.
Outdated Phone Operating System
If nothing else works, it could be a phone issue. When Snapchat wont open, try checking for a software update, if one is available.
Updating Android
Follow the instructions below after opening the settings on your smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Tap on Advanced.
- Tap on System Updates to check for any available updates.
Updating iOS
Follow the instructions below after opening the settings on your smartphone.
- Tap on General.
- To look for and apply any outstanding updates, choose Software Update.