Snapchat Stuck on Loading Screen? 10 Fixes to Try

When the ghost won’t go away

Does Snapchat get stuck on a black screen when you open it? Or do you see a “Loading” or ” Tap to Load” indicator while tapping on a conversation or snap? This tutorial covers several ways to fix that.

The Snapchat app on iPhone and Android will exhibit frequent loading screens when it fails to communicate with its servers. Many reasons—such as a slow internet connection, server outages, and a corrupt app cache—can cause that.

Work your way through the suggestions and solutions below to troubleshoot the Snapchat loading screen issue on the iPhone and Android.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

It’s best to start by checking if there’s anything wrong with the internet on your iPhone or Android. Load or play something in a browser or perform a speed test atFast.com.

If the connection appears slow, try the following fixes:

2. Force-Quit to Fix Snapchat

If there’s nothing wrong with the internet, try force-quitting and relaunching the Snapchat app. Usually, that helps resolve random glitches preventing the app from communicating with its servers.

Bring up the phone’s app switcher (swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap theApp Switcherbutton) and swipe theSnapchatcard out of the screen. Then, wait for a couple of seconds and re-open the app.

3. Reboot Your iPhone or Android

Rebooting your iPhone or Android phone is another quick way to resolve odd problems in Snapchat and other apps.

To reboot any iOS device, open theSettingsapp, tapGeneral>Shutdown, and turn off the device. After 10 seconds or so, hold down thePowerbutton until you see the Apple logo appear to turn the phone on again.

On an Android device, hold down thePowerbutton (some devices may also require holding theVolume Upbutton) and tapRestart.

4. Check Snapchat’s Server Status

Rarely, the “Loading” or “Tap to Load” screens can show up if the Snapchat servers are down. VisitDown Detectorand check Snapchat’s system status. If it appears unreachable, wait it out until Snapchat resolves the issue.

5. Disable Data Saver on Snapchat

Snapchat’s Data Saver mode helps conserve bandwidth, but it’s also the underlying reason behind many loading screen problems. Check if the feature is active and disable it.

  1. Open Snapchat and tap your bitmoji at the top left of the screen. Next, tapSettingson the top right.

  2. Scroll down to theAdditional Servicessection and tapManage. On Android, tapData SaverunderPrivacy Control.

  3. Turn off the switch next toData Saverif active.

6. Disable Your Phone’s Data Saving Mode

Snapchat’s Data Saver mode aside, your iPhone or Android also has built-in data saving functionality that can restrict apps from effectively communicating with the internet. Locate and disable it.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and tapWi-FiorCellular.

  2. Tap theInfoicon next to the Wi-Fi SSID or selectCellular Data Options.

  3. Disable the switch next toLow Data Mode.

  4. Open theSettingsapp and tapNetwork & Internet.

  5. TapData Saver.

  6. DisableUse Data Saver. Or, tapUnrestricted dataand turn on the switch next toSnapchat.

Note: The steps will appear differently on custom versions of Android.

7. Clear Snapchat Cache Files

A corrupt app cache is another reason Snapchat gets stuck at a loading screen. So, try deleting it. You can do that via Snapchat’s Settings pane.

  1. OpenSnapchat, tap your profile icon, and tapSettings.

  2. Scroll down to theAccount Actionssection.

  3. TapClear Cache>Clear.

Optionally, tap theClear Conversationsoption and clear any conversations that fail to load. That will not delete any saved or sent messages.

On Android, you can also clear the Snapchat app cache via the system’s Settings app. To do that:

  1. Open the AndroidSettingsapp and tapApps>See all apps>Snapchat.

  2. TapStorage & cache.

  3. TapClear Cache.

8. Update the Snapchat Application

Newer Snapchat updates almost always include fixes for known issues. Try installing them if the problem persists. To do that, search forSnapchaton Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store and tap theUpdatebutton if you see one.

9. Reinstall Snapchat on Your Phone

If none of the fixes above help, you must uninstall and reinstall Snapchat. That can resolve issues with a potentially corrupt app installation. In iOS, long-press theSnapchaticon on the Home Screen or App Library and tapRemove App>Delete Appon iPhone.

On Android, hold and drag the app into theTrashat the top of the screen. Follow that by reinstalling the app via the App Store or Play Store.

10. Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings

If none of the suggestions above help, it’s possible to resolve any underlying network-related issues preventing Snapchat from communicating with its servers. That warrants a network settings reset.

Note: You must manually re-join any saved Wi-Fi networks after a network reset. Your phone will automatically apply its cellular settings; contact your carrier if it doesn’t.

  1. Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone.

  2. TapGeneral>Transfer or Reset iPhone>Reset.

  3. TapReset Network Settings.

  4. Enter your iPhone’s device passcode and Screen Time passcode.

  5. TapResetto confirm.

Note: The steps below will appear slightly different on custom versions of Android.

  1. Open theSettingsapp. Then, scroll down and tapSystem>Reset Options.

  2. Tap ResetWi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

  3. TapReset settingsto confirm.

Snap Away

Snapchat’s loading screen errors are generally easy to resolve. Repeating some of the more straightforward fixes—such as force-quitting the app or clearing its cache—will likely sort out the problem if you ever run into it later. Also, keep the Snapchat app up-to-date to minimize the chances of running into the issue.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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