What the newest Snapchat update includes
Snapchat rolls out updates constantly, so "the newest" depends on when you're reading this. The app updates through your phone's app store — either Google Play on Android or the App Store on iPhone — and you'll see a notification when a new version is ready. Rather than chase a moving target, this guide explains how to find out what changed in your specific version, what kinds of changes Snapchat typically makes, and how to decide whether to install an update right away or wait.
The most recent updates have focused on three areas: the camera and filters, the messaging interface, and the Stories feed layout. Snapchat also regularly patches security issues and fixes bugs that crash the app or drain your battery. If you're running an older version, you may be missing features that newer users have, or you may have features that have since been removed.
Key Takeaways
- Check what changed by opening Snapchat, going to your profile icon, tapping Settings, then scrolling to "About Snapchat" to see your current version number.
- Your phone's app store (Google Play or App Store) shows release notes for each update, listing the specific changes Snapchat made.
- Security patches and bug fixes usually install automatically, but you can turn off automatic updates in your phone's settings if you prefer to choose when to update.
- Snapchat sometimes rolls out features to only some users first, so you may not see a new feature even after updating if it hasn't reached your account yet.
How to check what version you're running
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Tap the gear icon to open Settings. Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap "About Snapchat." You'll see your current version number — it looks like "13.45.0" or similar. Write this number down or take a screenshot.
Now open your phone's app store. On iPhone, open the App Store app. On Android, open Google Play. Search for Snapchat. If an update is available, you'll see an "Update" button. If you see "Open" instead, you're already on the latest version. Tap the version number or "What's New" to see the release notes — this is where Snapchat lists what actually changed.
Reading Snapchat's release notes
Release notes are short descriptions of what changed. Snapchat's notes are often vague — they might say "bug fixes and performance improvements" without explaining which bugs or what performance got better. When notes are vague, it usually means the change was either a security patch (which Snapchat doesn't detail publicly for safety reasons) or a small fix that doesn't affect most users.
When Snapchat adds a visible new feature — a new filter, a change to how Stories appear, or a new button in the camera — the release notes will mention it by name. If you don't see a feature mentioned in the notes, it either hasn't rolled out to your account yet (Snapchat tests new features on some users before releasing them to everyone) or it's coming in a future update.
Automatic updates versus manual updates
By default, Snapchat updates automatically on most phones. This means your phone downloads and installs new versions in the background, usually when you're on Wi-Fi and plugged in. Automatic updates are safer because you get security patches without having to remember to install them yourself.
If you want to control when updates happen, you can turn off automatic updates. On iPhone, open Settings, tap App Store, scroll down, and toggle off "App Updates." On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, tap Settings, tap Network preferences, and toggle off "Auto-update apps." After you turn this off, you'll see an "Update" button in the app store when a new version is ready, and you can choose when to tap it.
Why Snapchat updates so frequently
Snapchat updates roughly every two weeks because the company is constantly adding features, fixing bugs, and patching security issues. Some updates are tiny — fixing a typo or adjusting a color. Others are bigger — adding a new camera mode or changing how the Stories feed works. Most users don't notice small updates, but they add up over time.
Security patches are a major reason for frequent updates. If Snapchat discovers a vulnerability — a way someone could hack your account, see your messages, or access your location — they release a patch as quickly as possible. These updates don't always show up in the release notes because Snapchat doesn't want to advertise the vulnerability to people who haven't updated yet.
What to do if an update breaks something
Occasionally an update causes problems: the app crashes, a feature stops working, or battery drain gets worse. If this happens to you, first try closing Snapchat completely and reopening it. If that doesn't help, try restarting your phone. If the problem persists, check the Snapchat Support website or the app's in-app help to see if others are reporting the same issue.
You can report a bug directly to Snapchat. Open the app, go to Settings, scroll down, and tap "Contact Us." Describe what's broken and include your phone model and Snapchat version number. Snapchat usually releases a fix within a few days if the problem affects many users. If you need to use Snapchat urgently and an update broke it, you can sometimes downgrade to the previous version by uninstalling the app and reinstalling it from your app store, though this only works if the older version is still available.
Features that roll out slowly
Snapchat sometimes announces a new feature but doesn't release it to everyone at once. Instead, they give it to a small group of users first to test it and find bugs. This is called a "staged rollout." You might update Snapchat and still not see a feature that your friend has, even though you're both on the same version number. This is normal and not a sign that something is wrong.
If you're waiting for a specific feature and don't see it after updating, check Snapchat's official social media accounts or the Snapchat Support website to see if they've announced a rollout timeline. If the feature is brand new, it may take weeks to reach all users. If you're impatient, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, which sometimes triggers the rollout, but there's no may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update Snapchat right away?
No. If the update is a security patch, updating within a few days is wise. If it's just a new feature or bug fix, you can wait. However, if you don't update for several months, Snapchat may stop working or show a message asking you to update before you can use it.
Why does Snapchat ask for permission to access my camera and location?
Snapchat needs camera access to take photos and videos. Location access is optional — Snapchat uses it for location-based filters and the Snap Map feature. You can deny location permission and still use Snapchat normally; you just won't see location filters or appear on the map.
Can I use an older version of Snapchat if I don't like the new update?
Not easily. Once you update, you can't go back unless you uninstall and reinstall the app, and even then only if the older version is still available in your app store. Most older versions are removed after a few weeks. It's better to report problems to Snapchat Support and wait for a fix in the next update.
What if Snapchat won't update and keeps showing an error?
Try restarting your phone, checking that you have enough storage space, and making sure you're on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the error persists, uninstall Snapchat completely, restart your phone, and reinstall it from your app store. If it still fails, contact Snapchat Support with the exact error message.