The fastest way to get the new Snapchat update

Open your phone's app store — the App Store if you use iPhone, or Google Play if you use Android — and search for Snapchat. If an update is waiting, you'll see an "Update" button where the "Open" button normally sits. Tap it, and your phone will download and install the new version. The whole process usually takes two to five minutes depending on your internet speed and how large the update is.

If you don't see an "Update" button, you're already running the latest version. Snapchat pushes updates in waves, so not everyone gets them on the same day — your phone might receive the update a few days after Snapchat releases it.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates appear as an "Update" button in your phone's app store, not inside the Snapchat app itself.
  • iPhone users find updates in the App Store; Android users find them in Google Play.
  • Snapchat rolls out updates gradually, so you may not see the new version immediately after release.
  • Turning on automatic updates in your app store settings means you never have to manually update Snapchat again.

Finding the update button in the App Store (iPhone)

On iPhone, open the App Store app — the blue icon with a white square. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down to find Snapchat in your list of installed apps. If an update is waiting, the Snapchat row will show an "Update" button in blue text on the right side. Tap it once.

Your phone will ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Complete whichever one your phone uses, and the download begins. You'll see a progress circle while the update installs. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open," and you're done.

Finding the update button in Google Play (Android)

On Android, open the Google Play app — the colorful triangle icon. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap "Manage apps & device." Go to the "Manage" tab. Scroll through your apps to find Snapchat. When you see it, tap on it to open its details page.

If an update is waiting, an "Update" button appears near the top of the screen. Tap it, and Google Play downloads and installs the new version. A progress bar shows how far along the installation is. When it finishes, the button changes to "Open."

Turning on automatic updates so you never have to manually update

If you want Snapchat to update itself without you doing anything, you can turn on automatic updates in your app store settings. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile picture, scroll to "Automatic Downloads," and toggle on "App Updates." On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, go to "Settings," tap "Network preferences," and select "Auto-update apps." Choose "Over any network" if you want updates on WiFi or mobile data, or "Over WiFi only" if you want to save mobile data.

With automatic updates on, Snapchat installs new versions in the background while your phone is plugged in and connected to WiFi. You won't see any prompts or buttons — the app simply updates itself.

What to do if you don't see an update button

If the "Update" button isn't there, Snapchat hasn't released a new version yet, or your phone already has the latest one. Check back in a few days — Snapchat releases updates regularly, but they roll out gradually to different phones over several days or weeks.

You can also check what version you're running to confirm you're current. On iPhone, open Settings, scroll down to Snapchat, and look for the version number. On Android, open Google Play, find Snapchat, and scroll down to see the version number. If you're unsure whether that version is the newest, you can search online for "latest Snapchat version" to compare.

Troubleshooting when an update won't download

If you tap "Update" but nothing happens, or the download stalls, try these steps in order. First, close the app store completely and open it again — sometimes a stuck connection just needs a restart. Second, check that you're connected to WiFi or have mobile data turned on. Third, restart your phone by turning it off and back on, then try the update again.

If the update still won't download, you may not have enough free storage space on your phone. Go to your phone's Settings, find Storage or iPhone Storage, and check how much space is free. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete some photos, videos, or apps you don't use, then try updating Snapchat again. If you're still stuck after these steps, uninstall Snapchat completely and reinstall it fresh from the app store.

Why Snapchat updates roll out slowly to different phones

Snapchat doesn't send the same update to everyone at once. Instead, it releases updates to a small group of phones first, watches for problems, and then gradually sends it to more phones over several days. This means your friend might get a new feature while you're still waiting for it to arrive on your phone — that's normal and expected.

If you're impatient to get a new feature you've seen in screenshots or videos, the only real option is to wait. There's no way to force your phone to receive an update before Snapchat sends it to you. Checking the app store every day won't speed it up, but checking back every few days is a reasonable way to catch it when it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update Snapchat, or can I keep using the old version?

You can keep using an older version for a while, but Snapchat's servers eventually stop supporting very old app versions. If you don't update within a few months, you may find that Snapchat stops working or shows error messages. Updating within a week or two of release keeps you compatible with Snapchat's systems.

Will updating Snapchat delete my messages or memories?

No. Updating the app only replaces the program itself — your messages, Memories, and account information stay exactly as they are. Your login stays the same, and you'll see all your chats and saved content when you open the updated app.

Why does Snapchat ask for my password when I update?

Your app store (App Store or Google Play) asks for your password or biometric confirmation to make sure it's really you authorizing the download. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from installing or changing apps on your phone without permission. It's the same confirmation you'd give for any app purchase or update.

Can I use Snapchat while an update is downloading?

On most phones, you can keep using Snapchat while the update downloads in the background. However, once the installation phase starts, the app may close briefly. It's usually faster to just wait the two to five minutes for the update to finish rather than trying to use the app during installation.

What if I accidentally deleted Snapchat — can I get it back?

Yes. Open your app store, search for Snapchat, and tap the download button (it looks like a cloud with a down arrow). The app reinstalls with the latest version. Your account and all your messages will still be there when you log back in — deleting the app doesn't delete your account or data.