Snapchat memories not loading is usually caused by a corrupted cache, network issue, or outdated app version. Here is how to fix it step by step, plus how to ensure you always have access to your photos and videos even when Snapchat has problems.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, try these quick fixes that resolve the problem for most users in under two minutes.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Snapchat memories are stored in the cloud, not on your phone. Without a stable internet connection, they simply cannot load. Try these tests:
- Open a web browser and load any website to verify connectivity
- Toggle airplane mode on and off to reset your connection
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see if one works better
- If on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or try a different network
Snapchat recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps download speed for reliable Memories loading. You can test your speed at fast.com directly from your phone's browser.
2. Force Close Snapchat
A simple app restart often resolves loading issues caused by temporary glitches in the app's runtime.
On iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold (or double-press the Home button on older models). Find Snapchat in the app switcher and swipe it up to close. Wait 10 seconds before reopening.
On Android: Open Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Force Stop. Alternatively, open the recent apps view and swipe Snapchat away. Wait 10 seconds before reopening.
3. Restart Your Phone
A full device restart clears temporary memory and resets all network connections. This is surprisingly effective for fixing app loading issues. Hold your power button, shut down completely, wait 15 seconds, and power back on.
Intermediate Troubleshooting Steps
If the quick fixes above did not resolve the problem, these steps address deeper causes.
4. Clear the Snapchat Cache
Snapchat stores temporary data on your device, including memory thumbnails and pre-loaded content. When this cache becomes corrupted, it can prevent memories from loading properly. Clearing the cache does not delete your actual memories -- they remain safely on Snapchat's servers.
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings
- Scroll down to "Account Actions"
- Tap "Clear Cache"
- Confirm by tapping "Clear" (on iPhone) or "Continue" (on Android)
After clearing the cache, close and reopen Snapchat. Your memories will reload from Snapchat's servers, which may take a moment depending on the size of your library and your connection speed.
5. Update Snapchat to the Latest Version
Outdated app versions can contain bugs that have already been fixed in newer releases. Snapchat releases updates approximately every two weeks, and loading issues are among the most commonly patched bugs.
On iPhone: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top-right, and scroll down to see pending updates. If Snapchat has an update, tap "Update."
On Android: Open the Google Play Store, search for Snapchat, and tap "Update" if available. You can also go to Play Store > Menu > My apps & games to see all pending updates.
After updating, reopen Snapchat and check if memories load correctly. If the update does not help, proceed to the next step.
6. Check Snapchat's Server Status
Sometimes the problem is not on your end at all. Snapchat's servers handle billions of requests daily, and outages do occur. Before spending more time troubleshooting your device, check if Snapchat is experiencing an outage:
- Downdetector: Visit downdetector.com and search for Snapchat. A spike in reports indicates a widespread issue.
- Snapchat's Twitter/X: Check @snapchatsupport for official announcements about service disruptions.
- Ask a friend: If someone else with Snapchat near you is also having issues, it is likely a server problem.
If Snapchat is experiencing an outage, there is nothing to do but wait. Server issues are typically resolved within a few hours, and your memories will load normally once service is restored.
Advanced Fixes
If none of the above steps work, try these more involved solutions.
7. Log Out and Log Back In
Logging out forces a complete re-authentication and data sync with Snapchat's servers. This can resolve issues caused by a stale session or corrupted local account data.
- Go to Snapchat Settings (profile icon > gear icon)
- Scroll to the bottom and tap "Log Out"
- Confirm you want to log out
- Wait 30 seconds
- Log back in with your username and password
Important: Make sure you know your password before logging out. If you use Face ID or Touch ID to log in, verify your password first by checking your device's password manager or resetting your Snapchat password through accounts.snapchat.com.
8. Reinstall Snapchat
If clearing the cache and logging out did not help, a fresh install can fix deeper issues caused by corrupted app data. Your memories are stored on Snapchat's servers, so reinstalling will not delete them.
- Delete the Snapchat app from your phone
- Restart your phone
- Download Snapchat fresh from the App Store or Google Play
- Log in with your account credentials
- Wait for your memories to re-download
After a fresh install, Snapchat may take several minutes to re-index your memories, especially if you have a large library. Let it run on a Wi-Fi connection for best results.
9. Check Your Phone's Date and Time Settings
An incorrect date or time on your device can cause SSL certificate validation failures, preventing Snapchat from communicating with its servers securely. Go to your phone's Settings > General > Date & Time (iPhone) or Settings > System > Date & Time (Android) and ensure "Set Automatically" is enabled.
10. Free Up Device Storage
If your phone is running low on storage, Snapchat may not have enough space to cache and display memories. Check your available storage (Settings > General > iPhone Storage on iPhone, or Settings > Storage on Android). Snapchat recommends having at least 1 GB of free space for smooth operation. Delete unused apps, old downloads, or large files to free up space if needed.
The Permanent Fix: Local Backups
Loading issues highlight a fundamental problem with cloud-only storage: when the service has problems, you lose access to your own photos and videos. The permanent fix is to maintain a local backup on your device.
Why Local Backups Solve Loading Issues
Photos and videos stored in your camera roll do not depend on Snapchat's servers, your internet connection, app updates, or cache integrity. They are always available, load instantly, and are automatically backed up by your phone's built-in backup system (iCloud for iPhone, Google Photos for Android).
How to Back Up Your Memories Locally
You have two approaches for creating a local backup of your Snapchat memories:
Manual approach (for small libraries): Open Snapchat Memories, tap and hold on each memory, select "Export Snap," then "Save Image" or "Save Video." This works for a few dozen memories but becomes impractical for larger libraries.
Bulk export approach (for large libraries): Request a data export from accounts.snapchat.com, then use a tool like Memories Import to import the entire export to your camera roll at once. This approach handles thousands of memories in minutes and preserves original dates and locations, so your photos appear in the correct chronological position in your camera roll.
How Memories Import Works
- Request your data export from Snapchat at accounts.snapchat.com
- Wait 24-48 hours for the download link to arrive via email
- Download the ZIP file to your phone
- Open the ZIP file in the Memories Import app
- Tap Import and let the app save everything to your camera roll
Once your memories are in your camera roll, Snapchat loading issues become irrelevant. Your photos are on your device, accessible in any app, and backed up independently of Snapchat. The app processes everything locally on your device -- your photos are never uploaded to any external server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Snapchat memories stuck on loading?
Snapchat memories get stuck loading due to a corrupted app cache, poor network connectivity, an outdated app version, or a server-side issue on Snapchat's end. Start by clearing your cache (Settings > Account Actions > Clear Cache) and ensuring you have a strong internet connection. If the problem persists, update the app or try reinstalling it.
How do I clear the Snapchat cache without losing memories?
Clearing the Snapchat cache only removes temporary files stored on your device -- thumbnails, search history, and pre-loaded data. Your actual memories are stored on Snapchat's cloud servers and will not be deleted. Go to your Snapchat profile, tap the gear icon, scroll to Account Actions, and select Clear Cache.
Will reinstalling Snapchat delete my memories?
No. Snapchat memories are stored on Snapchat's cloud servers, not on your device. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app will not delete your memories. After reinstalling, log in with your same account credentials and your memories will reload from the server. However, any memories stored only in "My Eyes Only" require your passcode to access.
How can I access my Snapchat memories without the app?
You can access your Snapchat memories without the app by requesting a data export at accounts.snapchat.com. Log in, go to My Data, and submit a request. Within 24-48 hours, you will receive a download link via email containing a ZIP file with all your memories. You can then use a tool like Memories Import to save them to your camera roll.
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