RepairSnapchat

[Fixed] – Snapchat Filters Not Working?

Jack

By Jack Lin

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Snapchat Filters Not Working

If your Snapchat filters are not working, you might have a pretty hard time with them. The filters used in Snapchat add more glamour and feel to each snap you take.

When they don’t work, you will have to post your pictures in pretty raw status. But don’t worry, as this post explains how to overcome this issue without trouble.

When your Snapchat filters are not working, there are several practical issues you can consider. We intend to list down all those solutions so you can try them to overcome the issue.

However, you shouldn’t perform all these methods; just try one after the other until you succeed. Each of these methods addresses different types of issues that can trigger the “Snapchat filters not working” issue.

How to Use Snapchat Filters

You can easily reframe a Snap using a Snapchat filter. In fact, filters are overlays that can be added on top of the Snaps. Once the snap is taken, you should swipe it to see the available filters.

With filters, you can add various color effects, information related to the venue, your activities, and so on.

You can follow the steps below to add a filter to a snap to a video or a photo.

  • First, create a snap.
  • Choose a filter by swiping left or right.
  • Tap on the icon with a “Plus” mark and “a stack of layers” to add more filters.

PS: if you are experiencing issues like Snapchat keeps crashing, just click to read more.

Common Issues with Snapchat Filters

While Snapchat filters generally work smoothly, there are instances when users face issues with their functionality. Some common problems include:

Filters not appearing

At times, users may find that filters are not showing up in their Snapchat app. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to capture a specific moment with a desired filter. The absence of filters may be due to various reasons, such as a temporary glitch, outdated app version, or compatibility issues.

Filters not tracking correctly

Another issue users encounter is when the filters do not track their facial movements accurately. Snapchat filters rely on augmented reality technology to map and track the user’s face. If the tracking is off, the filters may not align properly, resulting in an unsatisfactory user experience.

Filters not working on specific devices

Certain Snapchat filters may be designed to work on specific devices or with particular features. For example, some filters may require a device with a front-facing camera or advanced sensors. In such cases, users with incompatible devices may not be able to access or use those filters.

The Solutions You Should Try if Snapchat Filters Not Working.

When Snapchat filters are not working, that could be due to several reasons. For instance, it can happen due to a software-related issue or just because you have not updated Snapchat.

Regardless of the reason, the below-mentioned steps will solve the issue and let you use the application as usual. That said, let’s go ahead and learn how to perform these tasks.

Update the Device You Are Using

Your Snapchat filters might not be visible in the app if you have an outdated OS on your device.

In other words, it might not work if you have not updated your device for a while. If you have an older OS, it may become incompatible with the latest versions of Snapchat.

As a result, features such as filters might not work. The same can happen if you use an older Snapchat version on a newly updated mobile phone. In fact, this issue is common for both Android and iOS devices.

The only way to overcome this issue is by updating the OS of the smartphone. It would be best if you considered it a solution for both iPhones and iOS devices.

That said, mentioned below is how to perform this task on iOS and Android devices.

Also, let’s learn more about how to see other people’s Snapchat history.

For iOS Devices

First, you should go to your device’s Settings and choose the option called General. After that, you should choose the Software Update option.

If you see any pending updates, you can see them on the screen under the Software Update window.

update iOS to fix Snapchat Filters Not Working

You will see the “Settings” app widget with a red-color notification icon if an update is available for your device. Once you’ve completed the update, you can go to the Snapchat app and see if the filters are available.

iPhone Settings

For Android Devices

If you are using an Android device, the process is as follows. First, you should check if you can apply any of the filters. If you can’t, you can simply follow the steps below.

First, you should launch “Settings” on your Android and find the option “Software Update.” Then, you should choose the option called “Check for Update” as well.

Tap the “OK” button and select “Install Update” to proceed. However, the option “Install Update” will not be available without updates.

If not, go to the “Settings” option and choose “About Phone.” Then, choose the option called “Software Update” as well.

You will have to choose the above options based on the versions of Android you are using. No matter your method, open Snapchat once the device is updated to the latest version.

Check if the Snapchat filters are properly working. If it doesn’t, you should proceed to the steps mentioned below.

Update Your Snapchat App

As mentioned above, your smartphone’s OS won’t be the only culprit behind this issue. Even if the OS is updated, but Snapchat is outdated, you may notice some issues. And “Snapchat filters not working” could be one of those issues.

In fact, the Snapchat app itself gets updated once every month. Therefore, it is always a good move to keep up with the latest updates to avoid potential conflicts. Once updated, the app will start to run smoothly.

If you are an Android user, you are supposed to check the Google Play Store. Then, you can see if you are using the most recent version of the Snapchat app.

After launching Google Play Store, enter the “Snapchat” text in its search bar. If not, you should tap on the option “Updates,” located at the top of the screen.

Update Snapchat app to fix Snapchat Filters Not Working

If you are an iOS user, be sure to check if the App Store has newer versions of Snapchat. To do that, you should go to the App Store and choose “Updates.”

It is located at the bottom-right corner of the screen. Now, you should scroll down until you locate the Snapchat app and tap on the option “Update.”

By the way, if you are bothered with the Instagram filters not working issue, click to fix it easily now.

Activating Snapchat Filters

If you cannot use Snapchat filters even after updating the device and Snapchat app, here’s what you should do. As per this solution, you should check if your device’s Snapchat filters are disabled.

If yes, you should activate them so the filters will work again. However, this option is available for iPhone users only.

Below are the steps to activate Snapchat filters on your iPhone.

  • First, you should launch Snapchat.
  • Tap on the profile image located in the top-left corner.
  • Choose the option called “Settings.”  
  • Now, you should access the Settings menu simply by tapping on the red-color icon. It is located in the top-right corner.
  • Now, go to the option called “Additional Services.”
  • After that, you should choose “Manage” under “Additional Services.” Then, you should see more options. You can see the “Filters” option in the Manage option. Just toggle it in. Then, the filters will be available for your use once again.
Manage Under Snapchat Settings
  • After performing all the above steps, you should go to the main window of Snapchat. Then, check if you can use the filters. If your Snapchat filters are not working, keep reading the rest of this paragraph.
Activating Snapchat Filters

Possible Reasons for your Snapchat Filters Not Working 

As a Snapchat user, you must know that not all of its filters are permanent. In other words, only a few of them are permanent.

They often introduce a new set of filters. For instance, you can see new filters every couple of days, weeks, or even months.

If you are looking for a specific filter and you cannot find it, the unavailability can be the reason. In other words, the filter you are looking for might be gone due to an update to Snapchat.

The best example of such an instance is the promotional filters introduced by Snapchat every now and then. Once there were a set of filters to promote superhero movies.

And they were available for a short period of time. In fact, those filters became available with the releases of those movies.

You Have a Lagging Device

Another possible reason behind the “Snapchat filters not working” issue is the lagging performance of your phone.

To overcome this issue, you should simply clear the cache and speed up the device. Also, you should ensure that the Snapchat app is stored in the main memory instead of the external storage.

iPhone users, too, can clean the cache in the Settings of the iPhone. In addition to that, the memory of the device should have enough free space for it to perform well.

You Are Using a Very Poor Internet Connection

Another reason for disabled filters is a poor internet connection. No matter whether you are using cellular data or a Wi-Fi connection, the connection should be strong enough.

Otherwise, the Snapchat filters may not work as you expect.

  • To solve that issue, you should turn off Wi-Fi and turn it on once again.
  • Or switch to Wi-Fi from cellular data or vice versa.
  • Or, reset the network settings and try Snapchat filters once again.

Enable Location Services on the Device

Some Snapchat filters do not work if the app cannot identify your device’s actual location. If that’s the case, turn on your location indicator and try the filters.

Issues Associated with Snapchat Lens

Are you using an older smartphone to access Snapchat? If so, your device may not comply with the requirement of the lenses. In fact, Snapchat lenses require more power to add those animation and facial recognition features.

So, the best approach is to go ahead and check Snapchat’s requirements on its official website. That will give you an idea of the type of device you should use.

Issues Associated with Snapchat Lens

Preventing Snapchat Filter Issues

To minimize the chances of facing Snapchat filter issues in the future, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Keep the app updated

Regularly update the Snapchat app to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes. App updates often address compatibility issues and improve overall performance.

2. Use a stable internet connection

When using Snapchat, connect to a stable and reliable internet connection. Avoid areas with weak signals or switch to a different network if necessary. A strong internet connection will help filters load and function smoothly.

3. Grant necessary permissions

Make sure to grant the required permissions to the Snapchat app. These permissions typically include access to the camera, location, and storage. Allowing these permissions will enable the filters to work properly.

4. Maintain device compatibility

If you are using an older device or operating system, there may be limitations on the filters you can access. Ensure that your device meets the minimum requirements specified by Snapchat to enjoy all the available filters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Q: Why are Snapchat filters not showing up on my phone? A: There could be various reasons for filters not appearing on your phone, such as outdated app version, compatibility issues, or temporary glitches. Try updating the app, restarting your phone, and granting necessary permissions to resolve the issue.
  2. Q: How do I fix Snapchat filters not tracking correctly? A: If the filters are not tracking your facial movements accurately, ensure that your camera is clean and unobstructed. Also, try closing and reopening the app, or restarting your device to recalibrate the tracking.
  3. Q: Can I use Snapchat filters on any device? A: While Snapchat is compatible with a wide range of devices, certain filters may require specific features or hardware. Make sure your device meets the requirements for using particular filters.
  4. Q: What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work? A: If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article and are still facing issues, it’s advisable to contact Snapchat support for further assistance.
  5. Q: Are Snapchat filters free to use? A: Yes, Snapchat filters are available for free within the app. However, some sponsored or branded filters may have additional charges or limitations.

Conclusion

Don’t panic if you see Snapchat filters not working on your device. Just go through the solutions we have mentioned above and address all those issues.

We believe at least one of the solutions will help you overcome the situation. Do you have more doubts related to this matter? Please let us know.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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