How to Update Snapchat (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Updating the Snapchat app gives you access to the latest features, such as the new and popular Lenses option. After doing this, make sure the new features you want are enabled. The new Lenses are not available on all devices, but you can get around this restriction. If you are interested in learning how to use Snapchat's latest effects, read the article How to Use Effects on Snapchat.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Android

Step 1. Update Snapchat to Android 5.0 or later to use the Lenses feature

This option requires a device with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later to work. If you can't update the operating system beyond Android 4.4 on your phone, you can't use Lenses, even if you have the latest version of Snapchat. To check the OS version of your device:

Open the Settings app.
Press "Phone Information" or "Device Information".
Look for the entry "Android version".
Some users have reported problems with Lenses even on devices running Android 5.0 or later. If the feature is supported on your device but you can't use it, you need to wait for more Snapchat updates. If you have rooted your mobile, you can try using the Xposed tweak. Click here for more detailed instructions.

Step 2. Open the Google Play Store to update Snapchat

You can find it in the App Drawer or on the Home screen.

Step 3. Press the Menu button (☰) and select "My apps"

This will open the list of all apps installed on your phone.

Step 4. Find "Snapchat" in the list

If an update is available for the program, you will find it in the "Updates available" section and you will see the "Update" item in the lower right corner of the application pane.

You can search Snapchat in the store to open the program page

Step 5. Press the "Update" button

You will find it on the application page if an update is available. By pressing it, in a few minutes you will download the files necessary for the operation. The update will be installed automatically and you will be notified when it is finished.

If Update isn't available, your Snapchat version is the latest. If you can't use some special features like Lenses, your device probably doesn't support them

Step 6. Enable the extra features

The application may not make them available by default. You can turn them on in Snapchat's Settings menu.

Press the Snapchat icon at the top of the Camera screen. Your profile will open.
Press the Gear button in the upper right corner of the profile.
Press "Manage" in the "Additional Services" section.
Check the fields to enable additional features, such as Front Flash and Emoji.

Step 7. Use the new Lenses feature

If you are using a supported device and have the most up-to-date version of Snapchat, you can access special filters by holding down your face before taking a photo. Click here for more detailed instructions.

Step 8. Consider joining the Snapchat beta

Snapchat for Android offers a beta application. Signing up for the beta gives you access to the new features of the program, which may be less stable than the app released to the public. If you are willing to encounter errors and possible crashes, try the beta version.

In the Settings menu, scroll down and hit "Enter Snapchat Beta".
Press "I want to join!" to confirm. This will open a web page where you can join the Google+ community, a requirement for accessing the beta.
Fill out the form and sign up for the beta program, then wait about an hour.
Uninstall and reinstall Snapchat; "Snapchat Beta" will appear in the Settings menu. Use that menu to access new features.

Part 2 of 5: iPhone and iPad

Step 1. Update Snapchat on an iPhone 5 or later to use Lenses

This new feature is only available on newer iPhone models (version 5 onwards). If you have an iPhone 4 or 4s, you can't use Lenses, even if you have the latest version of Snapchat.

The Lenses feature does not work on 5th generation or earlier iPods or iPad 2 or earlier.
If you have an older but jailbroken device, you can enable Lenses by installing a small Cydia tweak. Click here for more detailed instructions.

Step 2. Open the App Store and check for Snapchat updates

You can find the App Store button on one of the Home screens.

Step 3. Press the "Updates" tab

You can find it at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4. Find "Snapchat" in the "Available Updates" list

If you can't find the application, you are using the latest version of the program.

Step 5. Press the "Update" button

The device will immediately begin downloading the necessary data. It may take a few minutes to do this and install the new version of the app.

Step 6. Launch Snapchat

You can open the program from its page in the App Store or by pressing its icon on the Home screen.

Step 7. Activate the extra features

After updating Snapchat, the new features may not be enabled. You can turn them on in the app's Settings menu.

Press the Snapchat icon at the top of the Camera screen. Your profile will open.
Press the Gear button in the upper right corner of the profile.
Scroll down and hit "Manage". You can find this item in the "Additional Services" section.
Move the switches of the features you want to activate to On.

Step 8. Access the new Lenses

If you are using a recent iPhone and have the latest version of Snapchat, you can apply special effects to your photos. Press and hold your face to access the different options. Click here for more detailed instructions.

Step 9. Troubleshoot update issues

Some users are unable to complete the app update process. When it happens, it disappears from the Home screen and the operation stops.

Open your device's Settings app.
Press "General", then "Usage" or "iCloud Usage & Storage".
Press "Manage Storage" in the "Storage" section.
Press Snapchat in the app list, then press "Delete App".
Reinstall Snapchat from the App Store.

Part 3 of 5: Using the Lenses Feature

Step 1. Make sure you have the latest version of Snapchat on a device that supports Lenses

To use this new feature, you need to install the latest version of the app. Follow the instructions above to install the latest update on your device.

You can only use Lenses on devices that support this technology, iPhone 5 or later, and phones running Android 5.0 or later. You can get around this restriction with a tweak available on jailbroken iPhones and rooted Android devices

Step 2. Open the selfie camera on Snapchat

This is usually the first screen you see when you open the application. You will see the images shot in real time by the front camera of the device.

Step 3. Change camera if you have enabled the rear one

The Lenses feature is only available for the front camera. Press the Camera button in the upper right corner to switch between them. You should see your face captured on the screen.

Step 4. Aim the camera to frame your entire face in a well-lit area

The Lenses feature is most effective if it can clearly recognize facial contours and distinguish facial features. Try using it in well-lit rooms, with no shadows obscuring your face.

Step 5. Press and hold your face image for a few seconds

After a moment, a grid will appear around the face and at the bottom of the screen you will see several filters to apply.

If the feature doesn't turn on, make sure there is enough lighting and that your whole face fits into the frame. Remember to hold your finger on your face for a few seconds without moving. Also, bear in mind that older devices are not compatible with Lenses

Step 6. Scroll through the various options available

Each time you choose one, you will see it appear on the face.

Available lenses vary regularly, so an effect you liked may no longer be available

Step 7. Use additional commands, such as "Open your mouth"

You will see them on the screen when using certain types of lenses.

Step 8. Take a photo with the effect you want to use

Once you have found the desired lens, you can take a Snap as you normally would:

Press the circle (with the lens logo) to take a photo.
Press and hold the circle to record a video with the chosen effect.

Step 9. Edit and submit your Snaps as you normally do

After taking a photo with your favorite lens, you can add text, filters, stickers and drawings, just like in any other Snap. Once finished, you can send it to your friends or add it to your Story.

Part 4 of 5: Getting Lenses on a Rooted Android Device

Step 1. Use this method to use Lenses on rooted Android devices

The feature requires the Android 5.0 or later operating system. Even if you have the correct version of the operating system installed, it is still not available on some Lenses devices. You can try to get around the problem if you have rooted your mobile. Doing so is not a simple procedure, as it varies for each individual model. You can probably find a guide specific to your device on wikiHow.

Read How to Root Permissions on an Android Smartphone with UnlockRoot for general information on how to root many Android devices

Step 2. Install the Xposed framework on your device

This tool allows you to add modules that can affect the system and the behavior of apps. You can download the Xposed APK here. It will only work on rooted devices.

Step 3. Run the APK you downloaded on your Android device

The Xposed installer will start.

Step 4. Open the application's "Framework" menu and press "Install / Update"

After a few moments, a Superuser prompt will appear.

Step 5. Press "Agree" to give Xposed Superuser privileges

This allows the program to modify the Android system files.

Step 6. Reboot your device when prompted

Once done, the installation is complete.

Step 7. Open the Xposed Installer application

Now you can install the module that will make Snapchat believe your device is supported.

Step 8. Select "Download" from the menu

A window will open where you can search and download new modules.

Step 9. Press the Search button and type "SnapchatLensesEnabler"

The search should produce only one result, the desired one.

Step 10. Press "SnapchatLensesEnabler" to open the details page

You will see some options and a description of the module.

Step 11. Press "Download" to download the form

The data will be saved on your device in a few moments.

Step 12. Install the module after the download is complete

Again, a few seconds should be enough.

Step 13. Open the "Modules" menu

The list of available modules will appear.

Step 14. Check the box next to "SnapchatLensesEnabler"

By doing so you activate the module you just downloaded.

Step 15. Restart your device and open Snapchat

You should now be able to use the Lenses feature by holding down on your face image.

Part 5 of 5: Getting Lenses on a Jailbroken iPhone

Step 1. Use this method if you have a jailbroken iPhone older than version 5

You can install a Cydia tweak on a jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4s to make Snapchat believe your phone is a newer model. With this gimmick, you will be able to use Lenses even on unsupported devices. The method requires that your mobile is jailbroken and that Cydia is installed. If you don't know how to meet these conditions, do some research on wikiHow. For example, read How to Jailbreak an iPod Touch for instructions on how to do this on iOS devices (the steps are the same for iPhone and iPad).

Step 2. Update Snapchat from the App Store

Follow the iPhone method described above and make sure you have installed the latest version of the program.

Step 3. Open Cydia on your jailbroken iPhone

You will find the app on one of the mobile home screens. Cydia is the package manager obtained thanks to the jailbreak and you will use it to install the tweak for Snapchat.

Step 4. Search for "SCLenses4All"

This tweak is available in the BigBoss repository (one of the default ones), so it should appear in the Cydia sources without you having to go through any further steps.