10 Easy Fixes for Snapchat Stuck on Loading Picture

Many users across various platforms have reported the issue of pictures and snaps not loading on Snapchat. As regular users ourselves, the team at Appuals understands how frustrating this problem can be. There can be several reasons why pictures are not loading on Snapchat. Here are some common causes:

  • Poor internet connection
  • Temporary software glitches
  • Overloaded app cache
  • Disabled permissions
  • Outdated app version
  • Using a VPN
  • Other software-related problems

In this guide, we’ll share the most effective solutions to help you get Snapchat working smoothly again.

Note: These solutions also apply if Snaps are not loading on Snapchat.

1. Snapchat Server Down

The first step is to check if the Snapchat server itself is down. Ask a friend or family member if their Snapchat is working. If others are experiencing the same issue, it’s likely a server problem on Snapchat’s end. In this case, you’ll need to wait for Snapchat to fix it.

You can also check the current status of Snapchat on Downdetector to see if there’s an ongoing outage, or if the problem is affecting only you.

2. Check Internet Connection

Next, check your internet connection. A slow or unstable connection can cause snaps and pictures not to load. This is usually easy to spot if you’re having issues with other apps as well. To be sure, visit Speedtest.net on your phone or browser to check your internet speed.

Sometimes your connection may appear to be working, but there could still be data issues, especially on mobile networks. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network and see if the problem goes away. If the issue resolves, consider restarting your Wi-Fi router or toggling your mobile data off and back on.

3. Restart Snapchat Application

Sometimes, simple software glitches in the app can cause snaps or pictures not to load. Restarting the app can often resolve these minor bugs. On both Android and iPhone, open your recent apps (usually by swiping up from the bottom of your screen) and swipe Snapchat away to close it fully. Then, open it again and check if the issue is resolved.

Snapchat in recents

4. Clear App Cache

App cache is temporary storage meant to help apps load faster, but if it becomes overloaded, it can slow down or disrupt the app’s performance. Thankfully, Snapchat lets you clear its cache from within the app.

  1. Open the Snapchat app and tap the Profile icon.
    Profile icon
  2. Tap the gear Settings icon.
    Settings icon
  3. Scroll down to Account Actions and tap on Clear Cache.
    Clear cache under Account Actions
  4. Confirm by tapping Continue.

5. Update the Application

Outdated apps can cause all kinds of issues, so it’s important to keep Snapchat updated. To update your app to the latest version.

Updating Snapchat on Android

  1. Open the Play Store and search for Snapchat.
  2. Select Snapchat from the results, and if you see an Update button, tap it to install the latest version.
    Snapchat Update Option
  3. If you only see “Open” instead, your app is already up to date.

↪ Updating Snapchat on iPhone

  1. Open the App Store and tap your account icon in the top right.
    Account on the App Store
  2. Scroll to find the Upcoming Automatic Updates section.
    Update List on Snapchat
  3. If Snapchat appears there, tap Update next to it.

6. Enable Permissions

Sometimes, especially after an update, some crucial permissions for Snapchat are turned off. Without these, Snapchat cannot work properly and might not load pictures. Make sure essential permissions like Camera, Microphone, and Storage are allowed.

  1. Open Snapchat and tap your Profile icon.
    Tap on the profile icon
  2. Tap the gear Settings icon.
    Tap on Settings
  3. Scroll down to Account Actions and select Permissions.
    Permissions under Account Actions
  4. You’ll see a list of permissions Snapchat needs. Tap “Tap to enable” to open your device settings and grant access.

7. Resend the Photo

If an image isn’t loading, it’s possible it got corrupted during sending. If possible, ask the sender to resend the photo, especially if they have it saved or can still view it in the chat.

8. Clearing the Conversation

If you keep experiencing this issue in a specific chat, you should try clearing the conversation with that user. Follow steps 1-3 from Solution 4, but choose Clear Conversation instead of Clear Cache. Then, select the user’s chat and confirm.

  1. Open Snapchat and tap your Profile icon.
Profile icon
  1. Tap the gear Settings icon.
Tap the Settings icon
  1. In Settings, scroll down to Account Actions and tap Clear Conversation.
Tap on Clear Conversation
  1. Confirm by tapping Clear.

9. Disable VPN

Using a VPN can sometimes interfere with Snapchat and cause problems loading pictures or snaps. If you’re using a VPN, try disabling it and see if Snapchat starts working again. If disabling the VPN fixes the issue, it’s best to avoid VPNs while using Snapchat, or try switching to a different VPN service that doesn’t cause problems.

While it’s less common, sometimes your phone’s software could be the source of the issue. For example, one of our testers noticed this problem after installing a Custom ROM, but even official updates can sometimes cause problems too.

If this might be your case, you can either wait for a future update that fixes the problem or use Snapchat on a different device in the meantime.

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.