Top 9 Ways to Fix Snapchat Not Working on Mobile Data

Even with the intense competition from the likes of Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, Snapchat still remains popular among the young generation. It’s a preferred social network for teens to quickly share live moments with friends and family. But what ifSnapchat stops workingon the cellular network? Instead of searching for a Wi-Fi network or asking your friend for a personal hotspot, use the tricks below to troubleshoot Snapchat not working on mobile data.

1. Enable Mobile Data Permission for Snapchat (iPhone)

If you have disabled mobile data permission for Snapchat, the app won’t work on your cellular network. Here’s what you need to do.

1.OpenSettingson your iPhone.

2.Scroll toSnapchat.

2. Enable Background App Refresh

Snapchat will stop working if you disable the background app refresh on iPhone and Android.

1.Open Snapchat in the iPhone Settings menu (refer to the steps above).

Open Snapchat on iPhone

2.Enable theBackground App Refreshtoggle.

Android users need to make tweaks from the Snapchat info menu.

1.Long-tap on the Snapchat app icon and select(i) App infoto open the app info menu.

enable mobile data for snapchat for iPhone

2.SelectMobile data & Wi-Fi.

3.Enable theBackground datatoggle.

Snapchat now works on mobile data in the background and won’t delay your friend’s snaps.

3. Disable Data Saver Mode in Snapchat (Android)

Snapchat for Android comes with a data saver mode to preserve cellular data. When you enable the option, you need to manually load content like Lenses and Snaps, and they may take longer to view. Follow the steps below to disable it.

1.Open Snapchat on your phone.

2.Go to your profile and select the settings gear in the top right corner.

4. Turn off System-Wide Data Saver Mode

Both Android and iPhone come with a data saver mode to apply some brakes to data consumption. Snapchat not working on mobile data might be due to an active data saver mode. You must disable it using the steps below.

1.OpenSettingson your phone.

2.SelectMobile data/Cellular data.

3.Select yourprimary SIM.

1.Head toSettingson your Android.

2.SelectNetwork & internet.

3.TapData Saverand disable it.

5. Give Unrestricted Data Usage to Snapchat (Android)

If you don’t want any interruptions during an active data saver mode, give Snapchat unrestricted data usage.

1.OpenMobile data & Wi-Fiin the Snapchat app info menu (check the steps above).

enable background app refresh for snapchat on iPhone

2.Enable theUnrestricted datausage toggle.

6. Check Your Carrier Plan

Most carrier plans come with limited mobile data. If you have utilized allocated cellular data on your phone, you need to upgrade your carrier plan or buy one of the data add-ons.

7. Check Snapchat Status

When Snapchat servers are down, the app won’t work on mobile data and Wi-Fi. You can confirm Snapchat status by visitingDowndetector. When you search for Snapchat, Downdetector showcases high outage graphs and user comments confirming the same. You must wait for Snapchat to resolve the problems from their end.

In the meantime, you can follow Snapchat on other social media platforms like Twitter to get the latest updates.

snapchat app info menu on Android

8. Lock Snapchat in the Background (Android)

Android OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) like Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi suspend inactive apps in the background to conserve phone battery life. If you haven’t opened Snapchat in a while, the app may not work on mobile data in the background. You need to lock Snapchat in the background to make an exception.

2.Long tap on the Snapchat app icon and selectLock this app.

9. Update Snapchat

Are you running an outdated Snapchat app build on your phone? You need to update Snapchat to the latest version to continue using the service without any interruptions.

Send Your Stylish Snaps

Parth Shah

Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at TechWiser, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.