A few days ago, I opened Snapchat to reply to a snap, but the app refused to cooperate. Sometimes it crashed as soon as it opened, sometimes snaps wouldn’t send, and other times the camera screen stayed completely black. At first, I thought the problem was with my phone. I restarted it, but Snapchat still wasn’t working properly.
If you are facing similar issues Snapchat not opening, snaps not sending, app crashing, camera not working, or showing a black screen you’re not alone. Snapchat problems are very common and usually caused by simple issues like internet connection problems, app bugs, outdated versions, or phone storage and cache issues.
The good news is that most Snapchat issues are easy to fix. In this complete troubleshooting guide, I’ll explain why Snapchat stops working and share step-by-step solutions that actually work.
Common Snapchat Problems Users Face
Snapchat can stop working in different ways. Some of the most common problems include:
Snapchat app not opening
Snapchat crashing again and again
Snaps not sending or stuck on “Sending”
Snapchat camera not working or black screen
Snapchat showing “Something went wrong” error
Snapchat not loading stories or chats
Each of these problems usually has a fix, and you don’t need to panic or reinstall your phone.
Why Is Snapchat Not Working?
Before fixing the issue, it’s important to understand the reasons behind it.
1. Poor Internet Connection
Snapchat needs a stable internet connection. Slow mobile data or weak Wi-Fi can stop snaps from sending or loading.
2. Outdated Snapchat App
Using an old version of Snapchat can cause compatibility issues with newer servers.
3. App Cache or Data Issues
Corrupted cache files can cause crashes, black screens, or loading problems.
4. Phone Storage or RAM Problems
Low storage or RAM can prevent Snapchat from running smoothly.
5. Snapchat Server Issues
Sometimes Snapchat servers are down, and the problem is not on your device.
6. Background Restrictions or Battery Saver
Battery saver modes and background restrictions can stop Snapchat from working properly.
Step-by-Step Fix: Snapchat Not Working
Follow these solutions one by one. Most users fix the problem without trying all steps.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
This should always be your first step.
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
Turn airplane mode ON for 10 seconds, then OFF
Try opening a website or YouTube
If your internet is unstable, Snapchat may fail to load or send snaps.
2. Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can fix temporary system glitches.
Power off your phone
Wait 30 seconds
Turn it back on
I’ve personally fixed Snapchat crashes many times just by restarting my phone.
3. Check If Snapchat Is Down
Sometimes Snapchat servers are down globally.
Ask a friend if Snapchat is working for them
Try Snapchat on another device
Search “Snapchat down” on Google
If servers are down, the only solution is to wait.
4. Update Snapchat to the Latest Version
Outdated apps often stop working properly.
Open Play Store or App Store
Search for Snapchat
Tap Update if available
Updates usually fix bugs, crashes, and performance issues.
5. Clear Snapchat Cache (Android)
If you’re using Android, clearing cache is very effective.
Steps:
Settings ,,, Apps ,,, Snapchat ,,, Storage ,,, Clear Cache
⚠️ Do not clear data unless necessary.
This removes corrupted temporary files without deleting your account.
6. Close Background Apps
Too many apps running in the background can affect Snapchat.
Close unused apps
Avoid heavy multitasking
Free up RAM
Snapchat works best when enough memory is available.
7. Check Snapchat Camera Permissions
If the camera shows a black screen:
Go to Settings ,,, Apps ,,, Snapchat ,,, Permissions
Allow Camera, Microphone, and Storage
Without proper permissions, Snapchat camera won’t work.
8. Disable Battery Saver or Background Restrictions
Battery saver modes can limit Snapchat’s functionality.
Turn off Battery Saver
Allow Snapchat to run in background
Disable data restrictions
This often fixes snaps not sending or loading.
9. Log Out and Log Back In
Refreshing your account session can fix errors.
Log out from Snapchat
Close the app
Log back in after 1–2 minutes
This helps resolve syncing and loading problems.
10. Free Up Phone Storage
Low storage can cause Snapchat to crash.
Delete unused apps
Clear large videos and files
Empty trash folder
Snapchat needs free space to cache media properly.
11. Reinstall Snapchat (Last Option)
If nothing works:
Uninstall Snapchat
Restart your phone
Reinstall from official app store
This gives Snapchat a fresh start and fixes deep issues.
What NOT to Do When Snapchat Is Not Working
Avoid these mistakes:
❌ Don’t install modded Snapchat apps
❌ Don’t use VPN repeatedly
❌ Don’t clear app data unnecessarily
❌ Don’t spam login attempts
These actions can cause account locks or permanent bans.
Tips to Prevent Snapchat Problems in the Future
Keep Snapchat updated
Use stable internet
Avoid VPN usage
Keep enough phone storage free
Don’t use third-party Snapchat apps
Restart phone occasionally
Following these tips keeps Snapchat running smoothly.
FAQs
Why are my snaps stuck on “Sending”?
This usually happens due to poor internet or background data restrictions.
Why does Snapchat crash when I open it?
Corrupted cache, outdated app version, or low phone storage are common causes.
Why is Snapchat camera showing a black screen?
Camera permission issues or app bugs usually cause this problem.
Does reinstalling Snapchat delete my account?
No. Reinstalling only removes the app, not your account or data.
Final Words
When Snapchat stops working, it can feel frustrating—especially if you use it daily to stay connected with friends. But in most cases, the problem is technical and temporary, not permanent. By following the step-by-step solutions above, you can fix Snapchat issues quickly without risking your account.
If this guide helped you, you may also want to read:
Snapchat Account Locked – How to Unlock Snapchat Account