Why Snapchat Calls Fail and How to Fix Them

Snapchat calls can fail for several reasons, from simple connection issues to more complex app problems. If your calls aren't working, here's how to troubleshoot and fix the most common issues.

Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection is the most common reason Snapchat calls fail. Try these steps:

Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which works better
Test your connection speed using apps like Speedtest to check for latency or packet loss
Reset your router or modem if using Wi-Fi
Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh your mobile network
Move closer to your router or to a window for better signal strength

Update Snapchat and Your Phone

Outdated apps often have bugs that affect calling features. Make sure both Snapchat and your phone's operating system are current.

Update Snapchat on iPhone:

1.Open the App Store
2.Tap your profile icon in the top right
3.Scroll to see if Snapchat has an update available
4.Tap Update if needed

iPhone App Store — Screenshot by Technobezz

Update Snapchat on Android:

1.Open the Google Play Store
2.Tap your profile icon at the top right
3.Select Manage apps & devices
4.Look under "Update available"
5.Tap Update if Snapchat is listed

Android Play Store — Screenshot by Technobezz

Check Microphone and Camera Permissions

If others can't hear you during calls, it's likely due to microphone permissions or settings.

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and ensure Snapchat is allowed
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Permissions and grant microphone and camera access
Check that your phone isn't on silent mode or low volume
If using Bluetooth headphones, ensure they're properly connected or try using your phone's internal microphone

Clear Cache and Free Up Storage

Corrupted cache files or low storage space can cause Snapchat features to malfunction.

On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache
On both iPhone and Android: Inside Snapchat, go to your profile > gear icon > Clear Cache (this won't delete your chats or memories)
Delete old files and apps you don't need to free up storage space

Check Blocked Contacts and App Settings

Sometimes the issue is with your Snapchat settings rather than technical problems.

Open Snapchat, go to your profile, and tap the gear icon for Settings
Scroll to Blocked and make sure the person you're calling isn't listed
Verify that camera and microphone permissions are enabled for calls within Snapchat
Some users report issues when switching between voice and video call modes without proper permissions

Blocked Contacts — Screenshot by Technobezz

Enable Cellular Data for Snapchat

If you're using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, confirm that Snapchat can access it.

Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Snapchat and toggle on data access
Check for any data saver or background restrictions that might be blocking Snapchat

Cellular Data Snapchat — Screenshot by Technobezz

Restart the App and Your Phone

Simple restarts can resolve many temporary glitches.

Completely close Snapchat (swipe away or kill the process), then reopen it
Log out and back into Snapchat to reset session tokens
Restart your phone completely - power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn back on

Check for Server Issues

Sometimes the problem isn't on your end. Snapchat might be experiencing server outages or maintenance.

Check Snapchat's official system status page for known issues
Look on social media platforms to see if others are reporting similar problems

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If the basic fixes don't work, try these advanced solutions:

Disable background noise suppression in your phone's accessibility settings
Check for microphone mode glitches in your phone's privacy settings
Ensure your phone's physical mute switch isn't silencing calls (iPhone)
Clean your microphone if it's blocked by dirt or debris
Test your microphone in other apps like voice memos to rule out hardware issues

When All Else Fails

If nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall Snapchat from the App Store or Google Play. This gives you a clean install without corrupted files, though you'll need to log back in afterward.

Most Snapchat call issues can be resolved with these troubleshooting steps. Start with the simplest solutions like checking your internet connection and updating the app, then work through the more advanced fixes if needed.