Snapchat Not Working On iPhone? Here’s The Real Fix (For iPad Too)!

Snapchat won’t work on your iPhone or iPad and you don’t know what to do. One minute you were sending selfies of your cat to your friends, but now the app won’t work at all! In this article, I’ll explain why Snapchat is not working on your iPhone or iPad and show you how to fix the problem for good!

Before We Begin, Make Sure The App Is Up To Date

Snapchat may not be working on your iPhone or iPad if you haven’t downloaded the most recent app update. Developers are always working to improve the functionality of their apps and they release updates to add new features, fix software bugs, and increase security measures to help protect users.

To check for a Snapchat update, open the App Store and tap on your account icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down to see a list of apps with available updates. If Snapchat is on the list, tap Update to its right.

check for updates to apps

Restart Your iPhone Or iPad

When you turn off your device the right way, it allows all of the programs that operate your iPhone or iPad to shut down naturally, which can sometimes fix a minor software bug.

If your iPhone or iPad has Face ID, simultaneously press and hold either volume button and the side button (iPhones) or the Top button (iPad). Release both buttons when slide to power off appears. If your iPhone or iPad doesn’t have Face ID, press and hold the power button until slide to power off appears.

turn off your iphone

No matter which iPhone or iPad you have, swipe the red and white power icon from left to right to shut down your device. Wait about a minute, then press and hold the side, Top, or power button again until your iPhone or iPad turns on again.

Turn Wi-Fi Off And Back On

Your iPhone or iPad needs an internet connection in order to send or receive images on Snapchat. It’s possible there’s a connectivity issue preventing your iPhone or iPad from connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Similar to restarting your iPhone or iPad, turning Wi-Fi off and back on again can sometimes fix a minor software issue.

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Tap the switch the right of Wi-Fi to turn it off. Wait a few seconds, then tap the switch next to Wi-Fi to turn it on again.

make sure wifi is on

Connect Your iPhone Or iPad To A Different Wi-Fi Network

If Snapchat is not working on your Wi-Fi network, connecting your iPhone or iPad to a different network. Try a friend’s Wi-Fi network, or use the free public Wi-Fi at your local library or coffee shop.

It’s a good idea to try using your iPhone’s cellular data connection to. If Snapchat works when connected to a different Wi-Fi network or Cellular data, there’s probably an issue with your Wi-Fi network, not Snapchat or your iPhone or iPad.

Check out our other article to learn how to troubleshoot issues with your Wi-Fi network.

Try Cellular Data Instead

If Wi-Fi isn’t working, try using Cellular Data instead. Open Settings and tap Cellular. Make sure the switch next to Cellular Data is on.

turn on iphone cellular data

Open Snapchat and see if it’s loading. If not, move onto the next step!

Check If Snapchat Servers Are Down

If nothing has worked so far, check if Snapchat is not working for other iPhone and iPad users. Sometimes, apps experience major crashes, servers go down, or developers do routine maintenance, all of which may limit your ability to use Snapchat on your iPhone or iPad.

To check if other people are experiencing the same problem, search Google for “is Snapchat down” and check the various user reporting websites for common issues. Snapchat’s Support account on Twitter is also a good place to check for app issues.

Check For A Snapchat Update

Make sure the version of Snapchat on your iPhone or iPad is up to date. App developers regularly release updates to fix known bugs and introduce new features.

Open App Store and tap on your account icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down and check if Snapchat is on the list of apps with available updates. Tap Update if a Snapchat update is available.

check for updates to apps

Uninstall And Reinstall Snapchat

Deleting and reinstalling an app gives it a completely fresh start. It’s possible a Snapchat file has become corrupted, preventing it from working properly.

To uninstall Snapchat on your iPhone or iPad, press and hold on its app icon until the menu appears. Tap Remove App -> Delete App -> Delete.

delete snapchat on iphone

To reinstall Snapchat, open the App Store and tap the Search tab at the bottom of the screen. Type “Snapchat” into the search box. Tap the reinstall button to the right of Snapchat. It’ll look like a cloud with an arrow pointing down.

Once Snapchat has reinstalled, open it on your iPhone or iPad and see if it’s working again.

Selfie Celebration: Snapchat Is Fixed!

You’ve successfully fixed Snapchat on your iPhone or iPad and you can start sending selfies to your friends once again. We hope you’ll share this article on other social media platforms so your friends and family can know what to do when Snapchat is not working!

About Author

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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O Ye
1 year ago

I hate Snapchat 😡😡😡

Tory
3 years ago

I have done everything this website has said to do but my snap is still not working it will give me notifications from Snapchat but it won’t let me send anything or view what others have sent me.

Claire Smith
3 years ago
Reply to  Tory

same did it ever get fixed ?

Jayden
2 years ago
Reply to  Tory

Literally same.

Crystal
3 years ago

So I can send pics/filters on wifi but can’t send messages.. Keeps saying failed. I have wifi connection and everything else is working on wifi. I deleted app, reset wifi, restarted phone, everything that everyone suggested when I googled it and still nothing. I called my carrier provider and all is good on their end and they can see I have a good connection here.

Chloe
2 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

Did you ever get it fixed, mine is doing the same

O Ye
1 year ago
Reply to  Chloe

Never 👎