Despite the growing threat from Instagram and TikTok, Snapchat remains the go-to social media platform for teens. However, it is by no means perfect. Snapchat users usually face issues like snaps not loading, notifications not working, and cannot log errors. Sometimes app not working on Wi-Fi. Here are the best ways to fix Snapchat not working on Wi-Fi.
Snapchat only working on mobile or cellular data can confuse you. Sometimes you may want to connect to high-speed Wi-Fi for better Snapchat experience, but the app not working on Wi-Fi can lead to poor user experience.
1. Check the Wi-Fi network
First, you need to check the Wi-Fi network on your phone. You can forget the connected Wi-Fi network and reconnect again. If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi without internet, read our troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.
2. Connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency
Most modern smartphones and routers support dual-band Wi-Fi. You will need to opt for the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency for better internet speeds and longer Wi-Fi range. You need to search for 5G (not to be confused with 5G cellular network) in your Wi-Fi name and connect to it.
3. Disable Low Data Mode for a Wi-Fi Network (iPhone)
It stops automatic updates and background tasks if you have enabled low data mode for a specific Wi-Fi network. Snapchat may not work as expected when low data mode is enabled for a Wi-Fi network. Follow the steps below to disable it.
Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.
2nd step: Select Wi-Fi and press the “i” button next to a connected Wi-Fi network.
Step 3: Disable the “Low data mode” toggle.
4. Force Quit Snapchat (Android)
You can force stop the Snapchat app on Android and try using it over Wi-Fi again.
Step 1: Long press the Snapchat app icon and press the “i” button to open the app info menu.
2nd step: Select Force stop and confirm your decision.
5. Clear Snapchat Cache
Snapchat collects cache in the background to improve app load times and user experience. The app can only work on Wi-Fi when it collects good cache. Here’s how you can clear your Snapchat cache and try again.
android
Step 1: Open the Snapchat app info menu (refer to the steps above).
2nd step: Select ‘Storage and cache’.
Step 3: Clear Snapchat cache from the following menu.
iPhone
iPhone users should use the Snapchat app to clear the app cache. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open Snapchat on your iPhone.
2nd step: Select your profile in the upper right corner.
Step 3: Select the Settings cog in the upper right corner.
Step 4: Scroll down to Account Actions and clear the cache.
6. Wi-Fi Network Blocked Social Media Apps
Are you trying to access Snapchat through your school or college Wi-Fi network? Most educational institutions block social media apps including Snapchat on their network. In such cases, you cannot use apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or Snapchat on a Wi-Fi network. You will need to use your phone’s mobile/cellular data to use Snapchat without problems.
7. Check Snapchat Status
If Snapchat servers are having a rough day, the app will not work on mobile data or Wi-Fi. You can head to Downdetector and search for Snapchat. When others face the same problem, you see high failure graphs and user feedback confirming the problem. You have no choice but to wait for Snapchat to fix the issues on their end.
You can follow Snapchat on social media platforms like Twitter to get the latest updates.
8. Update Snapchat
An outdated version of the Snapchat app could be the cause of the app not working on Wi-Fi issues. Snapchat regularly releases updates with new features and fixes bugs. You will need to go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store to install the pending Snapchat update on your phone.
9. Lock Snapchat in the background
Most Android phone makers like Vivo, Oppo, and Samsung kill apps running in the background to preserve battery life. If the system shuts down Snapchat frequently, you may not receive new alerts or updates over Wi-Fi. You can lock Snapchat in the background to make an exception.
Step 1: Open the multitasking menu.
2nd step: Long press the Snapchat app icon and select Lock.
Send Snaps wherever you are
You should also check your home or office Wi-Fi plan. If you’ve exceeded the monthly data, none of the apps will work on your Wi-Fi connection. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments below.