Snapchat Filters Not Working: Snapchat has a lot to love, but one of our favorites is the availability to use filters. If you’re on Snapchat, you’ve probably made fun of your friends, swapping faces or adding bunny ears to your images. However, some users have reported problems with their Snapchat filters and lenses won’t work.
Last year, an update was the reason for the problems with Snapchat filters. After the company became aware of this bug, it quickly released another update to correct the problem. The company recently released an update that changed the way you can access filters. However, if you’re still having trouble with the Snapchat filter, here’s what to do to make sure you can keep playing with your best friends.
See Our Guide How To Fix Snapchat Won’t Load Snaps or Stories
What causes the “Snapchat Filters not Working” error?
The error could be caused by a number of reasons; for example,
- Your internet connection is poor.
- You do not have access to these filters in your area.
- You are using an old version of your app.
- You have chosen to use the feature in the dark.
Snapchat Filters Not Working? Here are some Solutions
There have been numerous reports of Snapchat filters won’t work on Androids and iPhones. This issue is common across all platforms. If you are also experiencing the same, follow this article to fix Snapchat filters not working.
Solution 1: Update your device
Snapchat filters may not appear within the app if you are running an outdated version of the software. Older versions of your phone software and newer versions of Snapchat will not work well together and vice versa. This problem affects both Android and iOS users and a simple software update is one of the fastest ways to solve this problem.
If you are on an iOS device, you must do the following to start the software update:
Settings> General> Software update
In case there are pending updates, they will appear in the Software Update window. The Settings app itself will also indicate a pending update shown within a red circle in the app. Once you finish updating your device, launch Snapchat to see if you can use the filters.
If you are using an Android device do this:
Settings> Software update> Check for updates> Tap ‘OK’> Install update if one is available.
Menu> Settings> About phone> Software update
Depending on the version, one of the two options above will take you to the latest version of Android if you don’t already have it.
Once the software is updated on any of the models; check if your Snapchat filters are working. Otherwise, continue following the steps listed below.
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Solution 2: Update Snapchat
Your mobile device may not be the only thing that needs updating. As mentioned above, Snapchat issues have been fixed through updates in the past. You should know that most Snapchat updates are monthly so keeping up with the latest updates is essential to run the app smoothly.
For our Android users, check the Google Play Store to see if you are using the latest version of Snapchat. – Once in the Google Play Store, you can type “Snapchat” in the search bar or touch the “Updates” option at the top.
The same goes for iOS users, only they will have to check the App Store to see the new versions of Snapchat. – From the App Store, tap “Updates” at the bottom right. Scroll down to Snapchat and tap “Update.”
Solution 3: Enable Snapchat filters
If you are still unable to access the filters after making all the necessary updates, there is a possibility that they are disabled within the Snapchat app itself. This is only an option on iPhones.
Here’s how to activate the filters:
1. Launch Snapchat. Touch the Snapchat app to launch it, then touch your profile in the upper left corner.
2. Select Settings
Access the Settings menu by tapping the red icon in the upper right corner.
3. Access additional services
Choose the Manage option under Additional Services for more actions. In the Manage menu, make sure the “Filters” option is enabled. If not, just tap the button to enable filters.
After activating the filters, go back to the main Snapchat window and see if you can use them.
Read: How to Find Out a Snapchat Users Real Name
Solution 4: Your internet connection is poor
Whether you are using mobile data or wifi if your phone connection is not fast enough, you may experience problems with Snapchat filters. Try these options:
- Turn off wifi if it is on
- Enter a wifi space if your cell phone data connection is weak
- Reset your network settings in iPhone or Android settings
Solution 5: Activate location services
Some filters only work in certain locations: From the main app screen, tap the location indicator in the lower-left corner and then tap ‘Allow’.
Solution 6: Check your lighting
If the problem continues, this is probably not the problem, but you need to make sure you are in a well-lit area. Cleaning the front and rear camera lens can affect lighting, make sure it is clean and unobstructed such as a case or screen protector.
Solution 7: Camera issues
If your camera is not working properly, you will need to repair or replace it; The way to diagnose this for sure is if your camera is not working with the system camera app and on Snapchat.
Solution 8: Snapchat lens problems
In addition to filter issues, Snapchat lenses not working are surprisingly common as well. One of the main reasons why you cannot use some or all of the lenses is technical requirements. If you are running Snapchat on an older device, it may not support the basic requirements for Snapchat lenses.
Unlike filters, Snapchat lenses include facial recognition and animation features that can be a bit overwhelming for some older devices. You can always check the Snapchat website for the basic technical requirements that allow you to wear glasses.
There is a chance that you don’t need to update the app or your device, but just reboot to get your favorite Snapchat filters back. Your mobile device may freeze or experience some other temporary hardware issue, which could end up causing problems with Snapchat.
Turning the phone off and on again should be enough to fix this problem.
Other reasons why you can’t use Snapchat filters
You should know that only a few Snapchat filters are permanent. In most cases, the company introduces new filters every few days or weeks. So if you are looking for a particular filter and it is not there, the problem is not software-related – the filter is no longer available.
There were some really cool promo filters featuring characters like Superman, Deadpool, and Batman to name a few, but they were only temporarily available to coincide with the theatrical releases of their respective movies.
The Final Filter
There is no need to worry if you find that your Snapchat filters are gone. If you use the above methods, you should be able to fix the Snapchat filters not working issue Also, keep in mind that you need to run regular software updates to make sure your Snapchat runs smoothly.
