Snapchat updates automatically on most phones, but you can check manually if you're waiting for a specific feature

Snapchat pushes updates through your phone's app store — either Google Play on Android or the App Store on iPhone. Most of the time, your phone downloads and installs these updates in the background without you doing anything. If you want to check right now whether an update is available, or force an update to install when ready, you can do that in a few taps.

The process is slightly different depending on whether you use iPhone or Android, but both take less than a minute. You're looking in the same place where you originally downloaded Snapchat.

Key Takeaways

  • Snapchat updates arrive through Google Play on Android or the App Store on iPhone, usually installing automatically in the background.
  • On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll to Snapchat, and tap Update if one is available.
  • On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon in the top right, select Manage apps and device, go to the Updates tab, find Snapchat, and tap Update.
  • If no update button appears, you already have the latest version installed.
  • Snapchat typically releases updates every one to two weeks, though some weeks may skip if no new features are ready.

How to check for updates on iPhone

Open the App Store app on your home screen. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner — it looks like a circle with your photo or initials inside. You'll see a list of apps that have updates waiting. Scroll down until you find Snapchat. If an Update button appears next to it, tap that button. If you don't see an Update button, you're already running the latest version.

The update will read and install automatically once you tap Update. You don't need to do anything else. Snapchat will stay on your home screen the whole time, and you can use it as soon as the installation finishes — usually within a few seconds to a minute depending on the update size and your internet speed.

How to check for updates on Android

Open Google Play, which is the app store on Android phones. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Manage apps and device from the menu. Go to the Updates tab at the top. Scroll through the list until you find Snapchat. If an Update button appears next to it, tap that button to read and install the latest version.

Like on iPhone, the update installs in the background. You can keep using your phone while it's happening. Once it finishes, Snapchat will be ready to use with the new version.

What happens if automatic updates are turned off

Some people turn off automatic app updates to save data or battery. If you've done that, Snapchat won't update on its own. You'll need to manually check the app store and tap Update whenever a new version comes out. The steps above work whether automatic updates are on or off — you're just checking the same place either way.

If you want to turn automatic updates back on so you don't have to check manually, you can do that in your app store settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and toggle Automatic Updates on. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select Settings, go to Network preferences, and choose to update apps over Wi-Fi or over any network.

How to know if a new update is actually available

Snapchat releases updates roughly every one to two weeks, though the schedule isn't fixed. There's no way to know exactly when the next update is coming. If you check the app store and don't see an Update button next to Snapchat, that means you have the current version — there's nothing waiting to read.

You can see what version you're running by opening Snapchat, tapping your profile icon in the top left, tapping the settings gear in the top right, scrolling down, and looking at the version number at the bottom. If you want to know what changed in a new update, Snapchat usually lists the changes in the app store listing under "What's New" or "Release Notes."

Why updates sometimes take time to reach everyone

Even though Snapchat releases a new version, it doesn't arrive on every phone at the exact same time. The app stores roll out updates gradually over a few hours or days. This means your friend might get a new feature before you do, even though you both checked for updates on the same day. That's normal and not a problem with your phone.

If you're waiting for a specific feature you saw someone else using, and you've already checked for updates and installed everything available, you just need to wait a bit longer. The update will reach your phone within a few days.

Troubleshooting when updates won't install

If you tap Update and nothing happens, or the button keeps reappearing after you tap it, try these steps. First, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or have a strong cellular signal. Updates need a stable internet connection. Second, restart your phone — turn it off completely and turn it back on. Third, try checking for the update again.

If the problem continues, you can try uninstalling Snapchat and reinstalling it fresh from the app store. This is rare, but sometimes a corrupted installation prevents updates from working. Before you uninstall, make sure you know your login information so you can get back into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an older version of Snapchat if I don't want to update?

Not for long. Snapchat's servers are updated at the same time the app is, so old versions stop working after a few days. You'll see an error message telling you to update. You can't use Snapchat without running a recent version.

Will updating Snapchat delete my messages or account?

No. Updates only change the code that runs the app. Your account, messages, and saved snaps stay exactly where they are. Updating is completely safe.

Why is Snapchat asking me to update every time I open it?

This usually means the update didn't install properly the first time. Go back to your app store, find Snapchat, and tap Update again. If it keeps happening, restart your phone and try once more. If it still doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall Snapchat fresh.

Do I need Wi-Fi to update Snapchat, or can I use cellular data?

You can use either Wi-Fi or cellular data. Wi-Fi is usually faster and doesn't count against a data limit, but cellular works fine if that's what you have available. Make sure your signal is strong either way.