10 Easy Fixes for Snapchat Stuck on Loading Picture [2023]

Many users across multiple platforms have reported the issue of pictures and snaps not loading on Snapchat. Being regular users, we here at Appuals can relate to this frustrating issue very well. In this guide, we are going to provide you with the best solutions you can apply to get back to a seamless experience. So without further ado let’s dive straight into it.

Why is Snapchat Stuck on Loading Picture?

There can be multiple reasons why pictures are not loading on Snapchat. We have shortlisted a few of them below:

  • Poor Internet Connection
  • Temporary Glitches
  • Overloaded Cache
  • Disabled Permissions
  • Outdated App Version
  • Use of VPN
  • Software Related Issues

Whatever the cause of this issue might be, you will surely get the appropriate solution from our list of fixes.

Solutions to Resolve This Issue

Make sure to follow the solutions in chronological order as they have been specifically written as such.

Note: All of these solutions also apply for Snaps not loading on Snapchat.

1. Snapchat Server Down

The first thing you should do before trying out anything is to check if Snapchat’s server is down. You can easily check this by asking a friend or family member if they are also facing this issue. In case they are, you can conclude that Snapchat’s server is down and wait until it is up and running again.

You can check the current status of Snapchat on Downdetector to see whether there’s an outage happening, or the issue is isolated to only you.

READ MORE: How to Delete your Snapchat Account? ➜

2. Check Internet Connection

The next thing you should do is check your internet connection. A slow internet connection will make it difficult to load pictures on Snapchat. This is very easy to detect as you will face issues on other apps and services as well. Just to be sure, go to Speedtest.net on your mobile or browser to test your internet speed.

It is also possible that your connection is working fine but for some reason still causing this issue, especially if you are using mobile data. Connect to a different network and see if that resolves the issue. In case it does restart your Wi-Fi router or turn off and then on the mobile data.

SEE ALSO: How To Change Your Wi-Fi Name & Password ➜

3. Restart Snapchat Application

This issue could have also been caused due to software glitches in the application. These glitches can be resolved by simply restarting the application. Whether you are on an Android or iPhone, go to your Recents (by swiping up from the bottom of the screen) and swipe up on Snapchat to remove it from there. Now launch the app again and hopefully, this issue gets resolved.

Snapchat in recents

4. Clear App Cache

Cache is temporary memory that stores data to improve user experience by loading things faster (how ironic). An overloaded cache hinders the performance of applications and leads to such issues. Unlike other applications, Snapchat has a built-in feature that you can use to clear the app cache. The steps are as follows:

  1. Launch the Snapchat application and tap on the Profile icon.
    profile icon
  2. Now tap on the gear-shaped icon to proceed to Settings.
    settings icon
  3. Once in Settings, scroll down until you reach Account Actions, and select Clear Cache.
    clear cache under account actions
  4. Confirm the action by tapping on Continue.

5. Update the Application

Such issues can be caused by using an older version of the application. To update your application to the latest version, follow these steps:

Updating Snapchat on Android

  1. Open the Play Store and search for Snapchat.
  2. Select the application from the list, once it opens up, check if there is an Update option available.
    Snapchat Update Option
      
  3. If there is, tap on the option. This will update your application to the latest version. If it says “Open” instead then there’s no update.

Updating Snapchat on iPhone

  1. Launch the AppStore and click on your account icon located at the top right of the screen.
    Account on the App Store
  2. Scroll down until you reach the Upcoming Automatic Updates.
    Update List on Snapchat
  3. If Snapchat is present here, click on Update next to it. 

6. Enable Permissions

Sometimes especially after an update, some crucial permissions required by Snapchat get disabled. As a result, Snapchat is unable to function properly, and this issue can arise. Make sure that permissions such as Camera, Microphone, and Storage are enabled.

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Snapchat application and tap on the Profile icon.
    Tap on the profile icon
  2. Now tap on the gear-shaped icon to proceed to Settings.
    Tap on Settings
  3. Once in Settings, scroll down until you reach Account Actions, and select Permissions.
    Permissions under Account Actions
     
  4. Here you’ll see the list of permissions Snapchat needs. Tap the “Tap to enable” option to go into Settings and give proper access.

7. Resend the Photo

It is also possible that the image sent got corrupted and hence couldn’t be received at your end. The only thing you can do is to ask the other user to resend the photo if they have it saved or if it’s visible to them in the chat.

READ MORE: How to Contact Snapchat Support in 2023 [4 Different Ways] ➜

8. Clearing the Conversation

If you have been continuously facing this issue from a specific chat, you should clear the conversation with that user. Follow steps 1-3 of Solution 4 but instead of Clear Cache, select Clear Conversation. Now select the user whose chat you want to clear and confirm it. Here’s how:

  1. Launch the Snapchat application and tap on the Profile icon.
profile icon
  1. Now tap on the gear-shaped icon to proceed to Settings.
Tap the Settings icon
  1. Once in Settings, scroll down until you reach Account Actions, and select Clear Conversation.
Tap on Clear Conversation
  1. Confirm the action by tapping on Clear.

9. Disable VPN

Using a VPN can also cause this issue. In case you are using a VPN, disable it and check if the issue persists. If the issue gets resolved, avoid using a VPN while using Snapchat in the future. You can also try a different VPN and if that doesn’t cause any issues shift to it.

READ MORE: What is the Difference Between a Proxy and VPN? ➜

The chances of this are slim, however, it is also possible that your mobile software is behind this issue. We here at Appuals love to experiment a lot to provide readers with the most effective methods. One of our team members reported that he faced this issue after flashing a Custom ROM on his phone. However, this is not limited to custom ROMs, official software updates can also cause this issue.

In such cases, you should wait for the release of a newer version which may fix this issue. Meanwhile, you can use Snapchat on a different device to have a normal user experience.

Custom ROMs

Conclusion

There you have it, the most effective solutions for resolving this frustrating issue. If you are still facing this issue, check out our guide on how to contact Snapchat support. Feel free to drop down any query below. Until next time. Ciao

FAQs

What is the ideal internet speed for using Snapchat?

Any speed higher than 4Mbps will be ideal for using Snapchat.

Does clearing the app cache delete any data from my account?

No, clearing the app cache does not delete any data such as saved images, or snaps from your conversations.

Does clearing the conversation remove saved data from the chat?

No, clearing the conversation does not remove any saved data from the chat.

Can using a VPN cause picture loading issues on Snapchat?

Yes, disable the VPN and check if the issue persists. If resolved, avoid using a VPN with Snapchat in the future or switch to a different VPN.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kamil Anwar


Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.