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Snapchat keeps freezing and crashing, screen goes black? Complete guide to fixes you can do yourself
Fix Snapchat freezing, crashing, or showing a black screen on iPhone and Chromebook by yourself. Learn how to force close the app, check the internet, clear the cache, and update the software correctly to get the app working normally again.
Ever experienced trying to send a fun Snap, but the app suddenly crashes back to the home screen, or opens to a completely black screen? App freezing or malfunctioning is frustrating for every user. This article from SyncTech Solution will guide you step by step on how to fix Snapchat crashing, freezing, or black screen issues for both iPhone and Chromebook users, so you can get back to using it smoothly.
Understand Before Fixing: Why Is the App Having Problems?
App crashing or freezing is usually not caused by complex problems, but results from these basic causes:
- Temporary data issues: Frequently opening and closing the app may cause errors in the data stored in temporary memory, also known as an 'incomplete app session'.
- Corrupted cache files: The app stores some data on the device to make it load faster next time, but if these files are corrupted, it may cause the app to malfunction.
- Unstable internet connection: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data signal may cause the app to be unable to send or receive data and eventually freeze.
- Outdated software: Both the Snapchat app itself and the operating system (iOS or ChromeOS) that are not updated to the latest version may have bugs that cause poor compatibility.
- Insufficient memory: If many other apps are open, or the device storage is nearly full, it will affect performance and can cause the app to freeze, especially on older devices or those with limited specifications.
Before Starting: Get Ready
Before starting to make corrections, for safety and to avoid wasting time, you should check these things first:
1. Check if the system is down: Sometimes the problem is not with our device, but with Snapchat's server itself. Try visiting websites like Downdetector to see if many other users have reported issues. If so, all you can do is wait for the developers to fix it.
2. Remember your login password: For some steps, such as installing a new app, you will need to log in to the system again. Make sure you remember your username and password.
How to do it safely: Step-by-step troubleshooting
We will start with the easiest method that has the least impact first.
Step 1: Force close and reopen the app (Force Close)
- WHAT: Truly closing the app, not just pressing the home button
- WHERE/HOW:
- iPhone (model with Home button): Quickly press the Home button twice to open the App Switcher, then swipe the Snapchat app window up to close it
- iPhone (models without a Home button): Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold in the middle to open the App Switcher, then swipe the Snapchat app window up to close it
- Chromebook: Right-click the Snapchat icon on the Taskbar (Shelf) and then select "Close"
- WHY: To clear problematic old session data from memory. It's like 'restarting' the app in particular.
- EXPECTED RESULT: When reopening the app, the app should start running from the beginning and may immediately recover from freezing or crashing.
Step 2: Check and switch the internet connection
- WHAT: Test whether the internet is working normally and try switching to another network
- WHERE/HOW:
1. Try opening a browser to visit another website to make sure the internet is still connected.
2. If using Wi-Fi, try turning off Wi-Fi and switching to mobile data (4G/5G), or if using mobile data, try switching to a stable Wi-Fi connection instead.
3. Another effective method is to turn on 'Airplane Mode' for 10-15 seconds and then turn it off to allow the device to reconnect to all network signals.
- WHY: Connection issues are the main cause of the app freezing while loading or sending data. Switching networks can help confirm that the problem is not due to a poor internet signal.
- EXPECTED RESULT: The app can load content, such as Stories, or send Snaps normally after switching to a more stable network.
Step 3: Clear the app's cache data
- WHAT: Deleting temporary data files created and stored by the app, which may cause problems if the files are corrupted
- WHERE/HOW:
- iPhone: iOS does not have a button to clear the cache directly. The equivalent and safe method is to Offload App by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Snapchat > Offload App. Doing this will remove the app but keep the data and settings. When you reinstall the app, the system will download the latest version.
- Chromebook: Go to Settings > Apps > Manage your apps > Snapchat > Storage and select Clear cache
- WHY: Clearing the cache is like cleaning the app's "desk," helping to resolve black screen issues or freezing caused by corrupted junk files.
- EXPECTED RESULT: The app may open slightly slower the first time after clearing the cache, but it should work more stably, and the black screen or freezing issues should be gone.
Step 4: Update the app and operating system
- WHAT: Check and install the latest version of Snapchat, including updating the device's operating system to the newest version
- WHERE/HOW:
- Update the app: Open the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Chromebook), search for Snapchat, and press the "Update" button if available
- Update the operating system:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Chromebook: Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates
- WHY: App and operating system developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Using an older version may cause compatibility issues.
- EXPECTED RESULT: The new app version works smoothly with the latest operating system. Crashes previously caused by bugs will be fixed.
Step 5: Install all new applications
- WHAT: Completely deleting the Snapchat app from the device, then downloading and reinstalling it again
- WHERE/HOW: Press and hold the Snapchat app icon on the home screen, then select "Remove App" or "Delete App" (for iPhone) or "Uninstall" (for Chromebook), then go to download it again from the App Store or Play Store
- WHY: This is the most comprehensive solution because it will erase all data and settings related to the app that may be corrupted and not removed by clearing the cache alone.
- EXPECTED RESULT: You will get an app that looks like it was just installed for the first time. All accumulated issues should be gone (you will need to log in again).
Check Results
After following the various steps, try checking as follows:
- Open and close the app 3-4 times consecutively to see if the app still crashes
- Try using features that previously caused problems, such as opening the camera, or choosing different Lenses or Filters
- Try sending a Snap or viewing a friend's Story to test sending and receiving data
If you can do all of this without any freezing or crashing, it means you have successfully solved the problem.
If not yet recovered
If you have tried all the steps and still encounter the same problem, it may be possible that:
- It's a server-side issue: Wait for 1-2 hours and try again, or follow announcements from Snapchat's official channels.
- Compatibility issues on Chromebook: Some Android apps may not work fully on ChromeOS. Consider using Snapchat for Web through the Chrome browser as a temporary alternative.
- Device Issues: If other applications also start to freeze or crash in the same way, it may be a sign that the device has hardware or deep-level software problems. You should consult your organization's IT department or a specialist to check the device.
In summary, app freezing or crashing issues can usually be resolved with basic steps such as restarting the app, checking the internet, and regularly updating the software, which is a way to maintain the device so that it is always ready for use.