Our world revolves around social networking sites and applications. Snapchat is one of these mobile applications that has helped millions of people to stay in touch with their friends. Considering the number of users Snapchat has worldwide, the tiniest glitch in the application can cause unnecessary trouble to the application users. For example, one of the most common issues with Snapchat is the error in the Snapchat loading screen. Imagine reaching out to your phone to get that perfect Snap, and the application gets stuck at ‘Tap to Load’. Needless to say, it can be pretty frustrating.
A large number of users have reported trouble in loading Snapchat. The reason behind the “Snapchat tap to load” glitch can often be due to slow servers, internet issues, or limited space on the device. In other cases, one might need to troubleshoot the error. Let us look at common ways to fix the infamous “Snapchat Loading screen” error.
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What is the Snapchat Loading Screen Error?
As we mentioned earlier, the most common cause of encountering a ‘Tap to Load’ screen is when you are facing connectivity issues. This issue disables the loading of pictures and videos onto the chat. In some cases, users face a black screen when they are about to take pictures.
Poor internet connectivity or slow Snapchat servers can mess with the smooth usage of the app. The users may find themselves caught in a similar situation every time their data runs out. Even though the causes may seem straightforward, the issue may confuse most of us at the moment.
The few factors that can cause your Snapchat to get stuck with the never-ending loading symbol are:
- Poor internet connection and speed
- An issue with the Snapchat servers
- Outdated version of the Snapchat application
- Battery Saver mode is turned on
- Presence of a bug in the device
- Snapchat cache is corrupted
- An issue with the WiFi settings at your place
Let us look into each issue that can cause a loading Snapchat home screen.
Snapchat Won’t Load – Ways to Fix
Before we delve into the various ways of getting the loading Snapchat screen fixed, it is essential to note the device you are using. The efficacy of any fix mentioned below depends on the version of Snapchat and the device on which it is installed. The fixes that we have put together for you can work irrespective of the environment. Be it iOS, Android or Windows, try them to eliminate the annoying Snapchat loading error.
1. Restart your device
This is the method we all resort to when something goes wrong with our devices. Restarting your device allows your mobile to reboot, fixing all the minor errors. Android users can switch off their phone or reboot it. The iOS users need to press and release the volume up and down key and press the power button once the screen goes black.
2. Check the Internet connection
In most cases, users face difficulties loading Snapchat on their devices due to internet issues on their side. Now, one can either face a bandwidth issue or a connectivity issue as a whole. First, make sure to check your WiFi connection for the strength of the signal. Now, your WiFi connection may not necessarily always be the problem.
Do you use a data plan for your mobile network? If yes, then take care to check the data plan as well. The data subscription may be edging towards expiry in some instances, so make sure to check the validity of your plan as well. This is the first step one should enquire into when Snapchat won’t load on their phones.
If there is no issue with the WiFi connection, there may be an issue with the Domain Name System. Therefore, users need to change their DNS in case their DNS is not stable. Go through the given steps to change the DNS.
- Navigate to your mobile settings available on the top right side of the screen.
- Tap on the WiFi options under the Connection section.
- Select your WiFi and select the Advanced option.
- Make the change from DHCP to Static under the IP Settings section.
- On DNS 1 and DNS 2, remove the last IP. For example, type in 8.8.8.8. and 8.8.4.4., respectively.
- Save the changes made.
3. Turn off the Data Saver
If your Snap won’t load, chances are that you have the Data Saver option switched on. The Data Saver option saves the amount of data you consume. Thus, it often tends to shut down the normal functioning of Snapchat to control outflow or inflow of high volumes of data. Your device having Data Saver on could mean that the data usage is being restricted.
This could very well be the reason you are stuck with the Snapchat loading error. Similar errors could include Tap to Retry, Not Sending Message, and Unable to Send messages.
4. Clear the Snapchat Cache
Before we understand this step, we must know what cache is – Cache is a small part of the memory in a CPU that copies every piece of information or data used by the application. Once you download Snapchat from the App Store, the cache starts collecting all the data used by the app. As a result, there can be errors in the app’s functioning when the cache is full.
Is your Snapchat exceptionally slow? The reason behind this could be a large amount of cache stored on your device. Luckily, clearing cache is no big deal at all. There are two ways to clear the cache. One is via the Android settings, and the other is via app settings.
Clear the cache using the Android settings:
- Go to Apps and Notifications > See All Apps and find the Snapchat option on the list.
- Tap on Snapchat > Storage and Cache > Clear Cache to clear all the cached files.
Clear the cache using app settings:
- Open the Snapchat application.
- Look for the Profile icon at the top left of the screen and tap on it.
- Select Settings (gear icon) at the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down to the next page and look for the Clear Cache option present under the Accounts Action.
Once you have performed the steps, close the application and re-launch it.
5. Update the Snapchat Application
Have you been on the receiving end of update messages from Snapchat? Worry not, as you are no exception. Any application releases its recent versions from time to time on the App Store. Similarly, you can find updates for Snapchat on the App Store. An update can effectively fix any bug or issue that the present version may be causing with your device.
All you need to do is make your way to the App Store and look for an update option under the Snapchat app. Once the app is updated, open the application to check if the action has resolved the Snap loading screen issue. When you run an outdated version of Snapchat, it can lead to slow performance, software full of bugs, and issues where the application for Snapchat is always loading.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall Snapchat Application
Has none of the steps worked for you so far? Then it is time to consider this solution. Uninstalling and reinstalling the application is an alternative to the option mentioned above. When the Snapchat application version gets outdated, it might have loads of bugs. Thus, the installed application requires an update or a reinstallation. Uninstall and reinstall the app and then log in with the same credentials to check if the loading screen error on Snapchat has resolved itself.
7. Clear the Conversations
In some instances, it helps to clear the conversations on the application for the images and snaps to load successfully. Snapchat users often refrain from performing this step as they are afraid that they may lose their data. However, there is no need to worry as clearing conversations does not delete any data or messages in the application. Follow the given steps to clear conversations on your Snapchat.
- Open Snapchat
- Tap on Settings or the gear icon.
- Navigate to Clear Conversation under Privacy Section.
- Select the cross mark next to the Snapchat connection in whose chat you have faced the error loading Snapchat issue.
- Tap Clear.
8. Re-add your Snapchat Friends
Removing and adding your friends can count as an extreme step, but it often proves to be effective. Once done with it, you can enjoy Snapchat as usual with your friends and connections. However, do keep in mind that this method will erase all the previously received or sent Snaps. Therefore, one must follow through only if they are okay with the same. Go ahead with the steps mentioned below to fix the Snapchat’ Tap to Load’ error.
- Open Snapchat.
- Navigate to your profile.
- Select a person under My Friends whom you wish to remove and re-add.
- Look for the line with three dots.
- Select Remove Friend.
Alternatively, you can also long-press the person you wish to re-add and then remove them. After successfully completing this step for all your friends on Snapchat, you can enjoy a fresh Friends list. Your Snapchat loading screen error will be fixed, too, in all probability.
9. Check for Functioning Snapchat Servers
You would be surprised to know the number of times Snapchat servers can cause the Snapchat’ Tap to Load’ glitch. Have you faced the endless loading icon which ended up solving itself in a matter of few minutes? This is a classic case of Snapchat’s servers being down.
Snapchat has billions of users all over the world. As a result, the team working behind the application has to keep providing services day in and day out. Even though the effort behind the application is relentless, it is challenging to predict unforeseen outcomes. Sometimes the application may need more resources, while other times, there may be limited server space.
No matter what the cause, Snapchat faces server issues just like any other web application. If you suspect the problem on Snapchat’s side, check with the official website to know more.
Conclusion
The Snapchat loading screen is an issue that most Snapchat users face. As a result, if you have been losing your sleep worrying about the apparent malfunction, it is time to go through our guide carefully. We give you options that will allow you to sort out the loading Snapchat screen error quickly and easily. Believe it or not, you can get back to using Snapchat without much of a hassle!
