Have you recently found that Snapchat is not working? This could be due to various factors, such as a poor network connection, an outdated app version, geographical restrictions, or excessive cache buildup. Next, we will go over each solution in detail and explain why they are necessary to help you completely resolve any issues with Snapchat.
Check Your Internet Connection
If your Snapchat is not working, it might be because it doesn’t connect to the Internet. You can check if your Wi-Fi or cellular network works.
If they don’t, restart the Wi-Fi router or modem, or reconnect your phone to the cellular network to fix the network issue.
Check If Snapchat Is Down
If the Snapchat still won’t work after connecting to a good network, it might be because its public server is down. You can ask if your friends or family can use Snapchat. If they can’t, it is most likely that Snapchat is not working for anyone.
You can also go to Downdetector’s Snapchat page to check the server status of Snapchat. However, if the server is fine, check for other methods.
Use a VPN
If you travel to other countries such as China, you will encounter the “Snapchat not working” issue due to geo-restrictions. So, if your Snapchat can’t open even if its server and network connection have no problem, it might be restricted in your region. You can use a VPN to fix this issue.
However, we recommend you use a robust and fast VPN (e.g., LightningX VPN) because it can help you unblock Snapchat from anywhere. Some VPNs don’t have strong protocols and algorithms, they are not able to unblock geo-limitations.
Tip:
LightningX VPN has fast connection speed and robust encryption ability. It is one of the best VPNs for Snapchat. It offers over 2,000 servers in 50+ countries including Japan, China, Russia, etc. You can use it on Windows/macOS/Android/iOS/TVs/Linux. It supports 3 simultaneous devices to connect. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial.
Restart Snapchat
Sometimes a simple restart can help fix the “Snapchat not working” issue. If your Snapchat accumulates a large amount of temporary cache after running for a long time, it may crash. You can force close and restart it to fix the issue.
This method can help fix many problems with Snapchat on Android, iPhone, and PC. However, if it can’t troubleshoot the issue, try the next solution.
Clear the Cache on Snapchat
If there’s too much cache on your Snapchat, it might cause Snapchat to lag or even not work. To fix this problem, you can clear the cache on the Snapchat web or app.
Snapchat web:
To delete the cache on the Snapchat web, clear your browser’s cache. If you are using Chrome, follow the steps below.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Select “Settings”.
- Scroll down and click “Privacy and security”.
- Click “Clear browsing data”.
- In the present dialog, check “Cached images and files”.
- Click “Clear data”. Now the browser cache including the Snapchat cache is cleared.
Snapchat app:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Tap on your profile icon (avatar) in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to go to Settings.
- Scroll down to find the “Account Actions” section.
- Tap on “Clear Cache” and confirm the action. Now the cache on the Snapchat app is successfully cleared.

Grant App Permission
If there’s a “Snapchat camera not working” issue, it might be because you restrict the permission for Snapchat to access your system.
To fix this problem, you can manually permit Snapchat. Here’s how to grant Snapchat permission on Android and iPhone.
Android
- Go to “Settings” on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications”.
- Find and tap on Snapchat.
- Tap on “Permissions”.
- Select “Camera” and select “Allow”. Now your Snapchat is allowed to access the camera on your Android phone.
iPhone
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap “Privacy & Security”.
- Tap “Camera”. You’ll see apps that have requested camera access.
- Find Snapchat and toggle the switch next to it to enable camera access.
Log Out and into Snapchat
If the Snapchat not working issue persists, try logging out and into your account to fix the issue. Here’s how to do it.
- Open Snapchat on your Android or iPhone.
- Tap on the profile icon in the top-left corner.
- Tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Scroll down to the bottom and tap on “Log Out”. Confirm the action and you’ll be successfully logged out of Snapchat.

Update Snapchat
Updating Snapchat can fix a bunch of problems such as not receiving notifications, no sound, the camera not working, etc. Here’s how to update Snapchat on your Android and iPhone.
- Go to the Google Play store on Android or App Store on an iPhone.
- Search for Snapchat and see if there’s an update button next to it.
- Tap on the update button to update Snapchat.
Reinstall Snapchat
If there’s anything wrong with the Snapchat update, reinstall it to fix the problem. The method will also clear other glitches on Snapchat.
For Android users
- Find the Snapchat app on your home screen.
- Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
- Tap “Uninstall” and confirm by selecting “OK”. Now the Snapchat app is removed from your Android phone. You can go to the Google Play store to reinstall it.
For iPhone users
- Locate the Snapchat app on your home screen.
- Press and hold the Snapchat icon until a menu appears.
- Tap “Remove App” > “Delete App”.
- Confirm by tapping “Delete”. Now the Snapchat app is deleted from your iPhone. You can go to the App Store to download and install it.
However, this will clear your logging information. But even if you don’t remember the password for logging into Snapchat, you can use your email for assistance.
Restart Your Device
You can also restart your device to fix the issue with Snapchat not working. This will help clear the temporary glitches and flush the system resources.
If you use an Android phone, long-press the power button on one side and slide the “Restart” option.
If you use an iPhone, press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears. Then drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
Contact Snapchat Support
If none of the above solutions can fix the problem with your Snapchat, contact the official support. Just head to help.Snapchat.com and see if there’s an answer to your question.