Where Snapchat updates come from and how to find them
Snapchat updates arrive through your phone's app store — the Apple App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android. You do not read them from Snapchat's website or from a link in the app itself. The app store is the only safe place to get updates, because it verifies that the file is actually from Snapchat and not a fake version designed to steal your login or data.
Your phone can check for updates automatically, or you can check manually whenever you want. Most people have automatic updates turned on without realizing it, which means Snapchat may already be updating in the background. If you want to see what version you have right now, or force an update to happen when ready, you need to go into your app store and look at Snapchat specifically.
Key Takeaways
- Snapchat updates come only from the Apple App Store or Google Play, never from links inside the app or from Snapchat's website.
- You can check for updates manually by opening your app store, searching for Snapchat, and tapping the Update button if one appears.
- If you have automatic updates turned on in your phone's settings, Snapchat will update on its own when connected to WiFi, usually overnight.
- Snapchat releases updates roughly every one to two weeks, but the exact timing varies and you may not see the update when ready after release.
How to manually check for a Snapchat update on iPhone
Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner — it looks like a circle with your photo or initials in it. Scroll down until you see "Available Updates" and tap it. Look for Snapchat in the list. If an Update button appears next to Snapchat, tap it to read and install the new version right away.
If you do not see an Update button next to Snapchat, you already have the latest version. The App Store will show you the version number below the app name if you want to check what you have installed. Once the update finishes installing, you can open Snapchat normally and start using the new features.
How to manually check for a Snapchat update on Android
Open Google Play on your Android phone. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Manage apps & device." Go to the "Manage" tab and scroll through the list to find Snapchat. Tap on Snapchat, and if an Update button appears, tap it to install the new version.
If there is no Update button, you are already running the latest version. Google Play shows you the version number on the Snapchat page if you want to verify what you have. The update will read and install automatically once you tap the button, and you can use Snapchat again as soon as it finishes.
Setting up automatic updates so you do not have to check manually
If you want Snapchat to update without you having to do anything, you can turn on automatic updates in your phone's settings. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name at the top, go to Media & Purchases, then Automatic Downloads. Turn on "Apps" and make sure "WiFi" is selected. This tells your phone to read app updates automatically whenever you are connected to WiFi.
On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select Settings, then Network Preferences. Choose "Auto-update apps" and select "Auto-update apps over WiFi only" to avoid using your phone's data plan. Both methods mean Snapchat will update in the background, usually overnight, without you having to remember to check.
Why you might not see the update right away even though it is released
Snapchat releases updates to different phones at different times, even though they all come from the same app store. This is intentional — the company rolls out updates gradually so that if something breaks, only some users are affected instead of everyone at once. You might see a friend with the new version while you still have the old one, and that is normal.
Updates also take time to read and install depending on your internet speed and how large the update file is. A typical Snapchat update is between 50 and 200 megabytes, so on a slow connection it may take several minutes. If you are on a metered data plan, waiting until you are on WiFi before updating is a good idea to avoid using up your monthly allowance.
What to do if the update button does not appear or the update fails
If you have checked the app store multiple times and still do not see an Update button, your phone may not be compatible with the newest version of Snapchat. Older phones running older versions of iOS or Android sometimes cannot run the latest app version. Check what version of iOS or Android your phone is running — go to Settings on iPhone or Settings on Android — and compare it to Snapchat's system requirements, which are listed on the app store page.
If an update starts but fails partway through, try closing the app store completely and opening it again. Make sure you are on a stable WiFi connection, because updates interrupted by a weak signal often fail. If it fails a second time, restart your phone and try once more. If the update still will not work after restarting, uninstall Snapchat completely and reinstall it fresh from the app store — this usually solves persistent update problems.
Understanding what happens when you skip updates for a long time
If you ignore updates for several months, Snapchat may eventually stop working at all. The app relies on servers that Snapchat controls, and those servers are updated regularly too. When the server and app versions get too far apart, the app cannot communicate with the servers anymore and you will see error messages or a blank screen when you try to open it.
Snapchat also patches security problems through updates. If you are running a version from several months ago, you may be vulnerable to bugs that let someone access your account or your photos. Updating regularly keeps your account safer and ensures the app keeps working. You do not need to update the moment a new version appears, but updating within a week or two of release is a good practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Snapchat while an update is installing?
No. While an update is downloading or installing, the app is locked and you cannot open it. The process usually takes a few minutes depending on file size and your internet speed. Once the installation finishes, you can open Snapchat normally.
Will updating Snapchat delete my messages or memories?
No. Updates only change the app code, not your stored data. Your messages, Memories, and account information stay exactly as they are. The update is safe to install without worrying about losing anything.
What if I do not want the new update because I like the old version?
You cannot prevent updates permanently if you have automatic updates turned on. You can turn off automatic updates in your phone's settings to delay updates, but eventually you will need to update to keep the app working. Snapchat does not offer older versions of the app to read.
Do I need WiFi to update Snapchat or can I use mobile data?
You can use either WiFi or mobile data to read an update. WiFi is faster and does not count against a data limit, so it is the better choice if you have it available. If you only have mobile data, the update will still work, but it may take longer and use part of your monthly allowance.
Why does Snapchat ask for permission to update after I tap the Update button?
Your phone is asking you to confirm that you want to use storage space and data to read the file. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental large downloads. Tap Confirm or OK to proceed with the update.