This article explains how to use emoji filters, lenses, and other effects in your snaps.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Enable Location Services for Snapchat on iPhone / iPad
Step 1. Open the "Settings" of the iPhone
This app's icon is a gray gear, usually located on the home screen.
Step 2. Tap Snapchat, which is grouped together with the other apps
Step 3. Tap Location
It is located at the top of the screen.
Step 4. Tap "While Using the App"
Snapchat will now have access to your location while you use the app.
Part 2 of 6: Enable Location Services for Snapchat on Android
Step 1. Open the "Settings" on your Android device
It's a gear (⚙️) app on your home screen.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap Apps
It is located in the "Device" section of the menu.
Step 3. Scroll down and tap Snapchat
The apps are listed in alphabetical order.
Step 4. Tap Permissions
It is located towards the top of the menu.
Step 5. Swipe the button next to "Precise Location" to activate it
It will turn a blue-green color. Snapchat will now access your device's location to enable geo-specific filters.
Part 3 of 6: Activating the Filters
Step 1. Open Snapchat
It is a yellow app with the silhouette of a ghost. It will open in camera mode.
Step 2. Tap the ghost button
It is located in the upper left. It will take you to the screen dedicated to your profile.
Step 3. Tap the gear
It is located at the top right. This will open the "Settings".
Step 4. Tap Manage preferences
It is found under the heading "Additional Services".
Step 5. Slide your finger on the "Filters" button to activate it
At this point you will have access to all the filters available on Snapchat.
Part 4 of 6: Using Multiple Filters
Step 1. Tap the shutter button to take a snap
It is a circle-shaped button located at the bottom of the screen. The photo you took will appear on the screen.
Step 2. Swipe left or right to open the filter menu
Swiping right will open geofilters, while swiping left will traditional effects.
Step 3. Tap and hold the snap
You will need to hold down the first filter to apply it to the photo.
Step 4. Swipe left or right with the other finger
Keep holding your first finger on the snap while choosing another filter.
You can add up to three geofilters, times, temperature icons or color filters
Part 5 of 6: Using the Emoji Filters
Step 1. Take a photo by tapping the circular button located at the bottom of the screen
The snap will then appear on the screen.
Step 2. Tap the "Sticker" button
It is located at the top right, depicted by a sheet of paper with a folded corner.
Step 3. Tap the smiley face icon
It is located at the bottom right. This will open the emoji menu.
Step 4. Tap an emoji
Choose one of the color you want to apply to the filter. This will place the emoji in the center of the screen.
The outer edge of the emoji will eventually become the filter
Step 5. Drag the emoji to a corner of the screen
Step 6. Spread two fingers on the emoji to increase its size
Step 7. Drag it back to the center
Continue to alternate between zooming in and dragging it to the corner of the screen until the outer edge has widened over the snap, creating a color filter with grainy, semi-transparent edges in the image.
Part 6 of 6: Using Lenses
Step 1. Tap the rotating camera icon to change direction
It is located at the top right. Before applying an effect you need to make sure the camera is facing the right direction.
Step 2. Tap the central part of the camera screen to open the lenses menu
Step 3. Scroll through the various effects
You will see a preview of each, so you can get an idea of the final result.
Some effects will require you to perform an action, such as raising your eyebrows
Step 4. Tap the shutter button while the filter is active
It's the circular button at the bottom of the screen. You will take a photo using the selected effect.
To shoot a video, press and hold the shutter button for up to 10 seconds
Step 5. Edit the snap
Add stickers, texts, designs, emojis or filters.
You can save it to your device by tapping "Save" at the bottom left
Step 6. Tap Send to to share it
This button is located at the bottom right.
