Snapchat Not Working? Fix Snaps Not Sending and Login Errors
When Snapchat can’t send snaps or refresh chats, the app is having trouble reaching Snapchat’s servers. Snapchat’s help center says this may be caused by a network issue, such as poor data reception or Wi-Fi access. Switch networks, restart the app and update it. If Snapchat fails on every network and for your friends too, it may be down.
Our live Snapchat status page shows what our own checks see right now.
How do I check if Snapchat is down?
Snapchat’s help article on the message “Could not refresh messages. Please try again later.” says the error appears when the app has difficulty connecting to Snapchat’s servers. The same article says that if Snapchat is having server issues, it will update its system status. Until you see that, test your own side first.
- Open our Snapchat status page and look at the latest check.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or the other way around, and try again.
- Try Snapchat for Web in a browser on a computer. If it works there, the phone app is the problem.
- Ask a friend on a different network whether their snaps send.
If several apps fail at once, the problem is probably your connection, and our down-or-just-me guide walks through the checks.
Why won’t my snaps send or load?
Snapchat’s article My Snaps won’t send or load lists these steps. Work through them in order:
- Update Snapchat from the App Store or Google Play. Snapchat suggests updating on both your phone and the recipient’s.
- Move to a place with better cellular service or connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Clear the cache. On iPhone, open Settings from My Account, tap Clear Data, then Clear Cache, and confirm. On Android, open Settings from My Account, tap Clear Cache, then Continue.
- Restart your phone. Snapchat suggests turning it fully off for one minute before turning it back on.
Clearing the cache does not delete your Memories, Snaps or Chats. Snapchat describes it as a way to free up storage space on your device.
If a feature still won’t work, report it. In My Account, tap the gear icon to open Settings, scroll to Support and Safety, tap Bugs and Suggestions, then Report a Bug.
What do Snapchat login error codes mean?
Snapchat explains its login codes in I get an error message logging in to Snapchat. Most of them are not outages.
| Code | What Snapchat says it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| C13A, C14A, C14B, C16A, SS14A-D01, SS14A-D02 | Service unavailable: Snapchat can’t complete the login right now, often because of poor network connectivity | Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data and try again |
| C02A | Unknown error | Update the app, switch networks, close and reopen, clear the cache |
| SS01, SS03, SS08 | Access temporarily disabled after repeated failed attempts or other unusual activity | Check your login details, wait 48 hours, then try on a stable Wi-Fi network |
| SS02 | Too many login attempts; you are temporarily blocked from logging in to that account on that device | Stop and wait before trying again |
| SS04 | Account locked | Go to accounts.snapchat.com and select Unlock |
| SS06, SS18, SS07 | Device banned: SS06 and SS18 for abuse or repeated guideline violations, SS07 for too many accounts linked to the device | Snapchat Support can’t unban a device; you can still request your data at accounts.snapchat.com |
| SS10 | The device doesn’t meet Snapchat’s integrity requirements | Log in from a different device |
If you see a message that your username, email or mobile number was not found, check the spelling, try a different login method, or reset your password. Use only the official Snapchat app from the App Store or Google Play, and never give your password or a login code to anyone who messages you about your account.
What does “your network is blocked” mean on Snapchat?
Snapchat’s help center says you may see this when it has detected suspicious activity from your IP address, the address of your internet connection. Other causes it lists are using a VPN, or spam or other prohibited activity coming from your connection, possibly from someone else on the same network. Snapchat says the block is usually temporary.
- Wait and try again later.
- Switch to a different Wi-Fi network.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and use mobile data.
- If you use a VPN, turn it off and try logging in again.
Shared networks, such as school, dorm or public Wi-Fi, carry traffic from many people, so mobile data is the quickest test. Our guide to apps that work on mobile data but not Wi-Fi covers other causes.
Why is Snap Map not loading or showing old locations?
Snap Map depends on your phone’s location permission. Snapchat says that with the “Always” permission, your location stays on the map until you turn sharing off or it expires. With “Only while using” permission, your location expires after 24 hours.
- You see a friend only if you are mutual friends and they share their location with you.
- Ghost Mode hides your location from others. You can change it in the Snap Map settings, under the gear icon at the top of the map.
- Snap Map uses mobile data when you are not on Wi-Fi, so a weak signal can leave it blank.
If the map does not load at all, use the same steps as for snaps: switch networks, restart, update and clear the cache. Then report the bug through Support and Safety.
Bottom line
Snapchat’s help center ties many sending and login problems to the network or the account. Switch networks, update, clear the cache and restart before anything else. Match a login code to the table, and wait when Snapchat says to wait. If Snapchat fails everywhere and for friends too, check our status page.
FAQ
Does clearing the Snapchat cache delete my Memories?
No. Snapchat says clearing the cache won’t delete your Memories, Snaps or Chats.
How long does a Snapchat temporary lock last?
For codes SS01, SS03 and SS08, Snapchat says to wait 48 hours before you log in again. For SS02, it says to wait a while.
Why won’t Snapchat log in on school Wi-Fi?
The network may be filtered, or Snapchat may have flagged the shared connection. Try mobile data and turn off any VPN.
Is Snapchat down right now?
Check our Snapchat status page, then test mobile data and Snapchat for Web. If all fail and friends see the same, an outage is likely.