Snapchat updates arrive automatically on most phones, but you can also check manually and install them right away
Snapchat pushes new versions to your phone through your device's app store — either Google Play on Android or the App Store on iPhone. Most of the time, your phone downloads and installs updates in the background without you doing anything. If you want to update right now instead of waiting, you can open your app store, search for Snapchat, and tap the update button if one appears. The process takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.
The reason you might want to update manually is speed: new versions often fix security problems or bugs that affect how the app works. Waiting for the automatic background update means you are using an older version until your phone decides to install it, which could be days later. Checking manually takes less than a minute and puts you on the latest version right away.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone), search for Snapchat, and tap "Update" if the button appears instead of "Open".
- Automatic updates happen in the background, usually when your phone is plugged in and on WiFi, but manual updates let you control the timing.
- New Snapchat versions fix security issues and bugs, so updating within a few days of release is worth doing.
- If no update button appears, you already have the latest version installed on your phone.
Checking for updates on iPhone
Open the App Store app on your iPhone — it is the blue icon with a white square. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner (it looks like a circle with your photo or initials). Scroll down to find Snapchat in the list of apps. If an "Update" button appears next to Snapchat, tap it. The app will read and install; you will see a progress bar while it works.
If you see "Open" instead of "Update", you are already on the latest version. The App Store also has an "Update All" button at the top of the profile screen if you want to update all your apps at once. Updates on iPhone usually take two to five minutes depending on the file size and your internet speed.
Checking for updates on Android
Open Google Play — the app with a colorful triangle icon. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Manage apps and device". Go to the "Manage" tab. Scroll through the list or use the search box to find Snapchat. If an "Update" button appears, tap it. The app will read and install automatically.
Android updates work the same way as iPhone: if you see "Open" instead of "Update", the latest version is already installed. Some Android phones also let you turn on automatic app updates in Google Play settings, which means Snapchat will update itself without you checking. Go to your profile picture, then "Settings", then "Network preferences", then "Auto-update apps" and choose "Auto-update apps over WiFi" or "Auto-update apps" to let it happen anytime.
Why your phone might not show an update button
If you do not see an "Update" button next to Snapchat, it usually means one of three things: you already have the latest version, the update has not rolled out to your region yet, or your app store is not showing the newest version information. App stores release updates in waves — not everyone gets them on the same day. A new Snapchat version might be available in California but not yet in Texas, for example.
If you think you are behind, try closing your app store completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app store needs to refresh to show new updates. You can also check Snapchat's official Twitter or blog to see what version is current; if your version number matches what they list, you are up to date. Your version number appears in your phone's settings under "About" or in the app store listing for Snapchat.
What happens during a Snapchat update
When you tap the update button, your phone downloads the new version file from Snapchat's servers. This usually takes one to three minutes on a normal WiFi connection. Once the read finishes, your phone installs the new version, which means replacing the old app files with the new ones. During installation, you might see a loading screen or progress bar. The app will restart automatically when it is done.
You do not lose your account, photos, or settings during an update — those are stored on Snapchat's servers, not in the app itself. Your login stays active, and you will see your friends list and saved snaps exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is the app code running on your phone, which is why updates are safe to do anytime.
Turning on automatic updates so you do not have to check manually
On iPhone, open Settings, scroll down to find App Store, and tap it. Turn on "App Updates" under the Automatic Downloads section. This tells your phone to read and install app updates automatically when you are on WiFi and your phone is plugged in. You will not see any notification; the update just happens in the background.
On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Network preferences, then Auto-update apps. Choose "Auto-update apps over WiFi only" if you want to save mobile data, or "Auto-update apps" if you want updates to happen anytime. With automatic updates on, you will always have the latest Snapchat version without thinking about it. The trade-off is that you have less control over when the update happens, but most people find that worth the convenience.
Troubleshooting when an update will not install
If you tap the update button and it does not progress, or if you see an error message, try these steps in order. First, close the app store completely — swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPhone or tap the back button on Android. Open it again and try the update once more. Second, make sure you are on WiFi or have a strong mobile signal; weak connections can interrupt downloads. Third, restart your phone by turning it off and back on, then try updating again.
If the update still will not work, you might not have enough storage space on your phone. Go to Settings and check how much free space you have. Snapchat updates usually need at least 100 to 200 megabytes free. If you are low on space, delete old photos, videos, or apps you do not use, then try the update again. If none of this works, uninstall Snapchat completely and reinstall it fresh from the app store — this is the nuclear option but it solves most installation problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating Snapchat delete my account or my saved messages?
No. Your account, friends list, memories, and saved snaps are stored on Snapchat's servers, not on your phone. Updating only changes the app code on your device. You will log back in and see everything exactly as it was.
Can I use Snapchat while it is updating?
No. While the update is downloading and installing, Snapchat will not open. The app is usually unavailable for two to five minutes. Once the installation finishes and the app restarts, you can use it normally.
What if I do not want to update Snapchat right away?
You can keep using the older version. However, new updates often fix security problems, so waiting more than a week or two is not recommended. If you have automatic updates turned off, you control when it happens — just check your app store every few days.
Does updating Snapchat use a lot of data?
Updates range from 20 to 100 megabytes depending on what changed. If you are on a limited mobile data plan, it is better to update over WiFi. Both iPhone and Android let you set updates to WiFi only in their settings.
Why does Snapchat update so often?
Snapchat releases new versions roughly every one to two weeks. These updates add new features, fix bugs that users report, and patch security problems. Frequent updates are normal for popular apps — it means the company is actively maintaining the app and responding to problems.