Where to find and install the new Snapchat update
The way you get a new Snapchat update depends on your device. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll down to find Snapchat, and tap Update if one is available. On Android, open Google Play Store, search for Snapchat, and tap Update. Both stores show you the version number and what changed in that release.
You do not have to wait for an update notification. You can check for updates yourself at any time by going to the app store on your phone. If no Update button appears, you already have the latest version installed.
Some phones let you turn on automatic updates so new versions install without you doing anything. On iPhone, go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and choose Automatic. On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps, and select Auto-update apps over any network or Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users update Snapchat through the App Store by tapping their profile icon and selecting Update next to Snapchat.
- Android users update through Google Play Store by searching for Snapchat and tapping the Update button.
- You can check for updates yourself instead of waiting for a notification to appear on your phone.
- Turning on automatic updates in your phone's app store settings will install new versions without you taking action.
- Your phone needs internet connection and enough storage space for an update to read and install.
What happens when you update Snapchat
When you tap Update, your phone downloads the new version from the app store. This usually takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed and how large the update is. During the read, you can use other apps, but Snapchat itself will not work until the installation finishes.
Once the read completes, the app store automatically installs the new version. You may see a progress bar or a spinning circle. When it finishes, the Update button changes to Open, which means the new version is ready to use. Tap Open to launch Snapchat, or just open it from your home screen like normal.
The first time you open the updated app, it may ask you to log in again or accept new permissions. This is normal. You may also see a message explaining what new features or changes came in this version.
Why your update button might not appear
If you do not see an Update button next to Snapchat in your app store, you have the latest version already installed. App stores only show the Update button when a newer version exists that your phone can run.
Sometimes an update is available but has not rolled out to your region yet. Snapchat and other apps often release updates in waves, so your phone might get the new version a few days after others do. If you want to check whether an update is coming, you can look at the app's page in the store — it usually shows the most recent version number and release date.
If Snapchat crashes or does not work properly, updating often fixes the problem. If you have not updated in several weeks, that is usually the first thing to try.
Storage and connection requirements for updates
Your phone needs free storage space to read and install an update. If your phone is almost full, the update may fail or get stuck. Check how much space you have by going to Settings on iPhone (Settings > General > iPhone Storage) or Android (Settings > Storage). If you are low on space, delete old photos, videos, or apps you do not use, then try updating again.
You also need an active internet connection. Updates read over Wi-Fi or mobile data, though Wi-Fi is faster and uses less of your data plan. If your connection drops during the read, the app store will pause and resume when you reconnect — you do not have to start over.
What to do if an update fails or gets stuck
If an update gets stuck on a progress screen, force-close the app store. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) and swipe up on the App Store. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Force Stop. Then open the app store again and try updating Snapchat once more.
If the update keeps failing, restart your phone completely. Turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears temporary files that might be blocking the read. After restarting, open the app store and try the update again.
If you still cannot update, check that you have enough free storage and a strong internet connection. If the problem continues, uninstall Snapchat completely and reinstall it fresh from the app store. This downloads the latest version from scratch instead of trying to update the old one.
Understanding what changed in each update
When you open the app store page for Snapchat, scroll down to find What's New or Release Notes. This section lists the changes in the newest version — new features, bug fixes, or performance improvements. You do not need to read this to use the app, but it tells you what to expect when you open Snapchat after updating.
Some updates add visible new features like new filters or camera tools. Other updates fix problems behind the scenes that you will not see but that make the app work better. Both types are worth installing because they keep Snapchat running smoothly and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating Snapchat delete my messages or memories?
No. Updating only replaces the app code on your phone. Your messages, memories, and account information stay exactly as they are. Your login and all your saved content remain after the update finishes.
Can I use Snapchat while an update is installing?
No. While the update is downloading and installing, Snapchat will not open. You can use other apps on your phone normally. Once the installation finishes and you see the Open button, Snapchat is ready to use again.
What if my phone is too old to get the new update?
Older phones running very old versions of iOS or Android may not support the latest Snapchat version. If no Update button appears and you know a new version exists, your phone's operating system may be too old. You can still use the older version of Snapchat that your phone supports, but you will not get the newest features.
Do I have to update Snapchat, or can I keep using the old version?
You can keep using an older version, but updates fix security problems and bugs. Snapchat may eventually stop supporting very old versions, which means the app could stop working. Updating regularly keeps the app find and running smoothly.
How often does Snapchat release new updates?
Snapchat releases updates regularly, sometimes multiple times per month. You do not need to check manually if you have automatic updates turned on — your phone will install them in the background. If you prefer to update manually, check the app store every week or two.