Snapchat won’t install on your iPhone if you have changed your device to have ‘jailbroken’ software, or, your App Store is missing valid payment details.
For Snapchat to be installed successfully onto your device, you need to accept the ‘Terms of Service’ on Apple, and make sure your iOS software has been updated to ensure your device is compatible with the app.
To help you understand why Snapchat won’t install on your iPhone, we have created this directory to guide, and supply you with 6 simple fixes that you can try to get Snapchat back onto your iPhone so you can carry on exchanging short-lived videos with your friends.
Why is Snapchat not installing on my iPhone
Photo by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash
If Snapchat won’t install on your iPhone, it could be due to a few possible reasons;
Reason 1. Your device is ‘jailbroken’
If your iPhone is jailbroken, you have removed certain software restrictions and installed different software on your device to change its performance.
The Snapchat app can fail on a jailbroken device, and threaten the security of your account.
Reason 2. App store’s ‘terms of service’ is incomplete
If the Apple app store has an updated version of their ‘terms of service’ your device may be due to accepting the changes.
If this has not been completed before you try installing Snapchat, it will interfere with the download phase.
Reason 3. Automatic install error
Your iPhone could be having problems with completing the automatic update for Snapchat.
This could be due to a software issue on your mobile, or from the app.
Reason 4. Poor network connection
Snapchat works over an internet connection. If it is not connected to a strong, stable network, the app won’t be able to install.
Your network service provider may be experiencing issues that are affecting the app from connecting to its server.
Reason 5. Incorrect payment method
The Apple app store requires you to input the correct payment details to make in-app purchases.
Even though Snapchat is free to download, you still need to have your valid details filled out.
If these are incorrect, or incomplete, you may have trouble installing Snapchat onto your iPhone.
Reason 6. iOS software is outdated
If the operating system on your iPhone is outdated, this may interfere with the app installing successfully.
Your mobile software needs to be compatible with Snapchats software (and vice versa) to ensure the application will work.
How do I fix Snapchat not downloading?
How to fix Snapchat downloading on iPhone
There are ways in which you can fix Snapchat from not downloading onto your iPhone;
Fix 1. Disable ‘jailbroken’ software
If your device is currently jailbroken, restoring your iPhone back to its default settings can help your phone support Snapchat.
Step 1. Uninstall the tweaks you have made on your iPhone
Step 2. Download a cleaning app (eg; iCleaner) to get rid of any jailbroken data that may still be on your phone.
Step 3. Reboot your iPhone
You should now be able to install Snapchat.
Fix 2. Manually update Snapchat
If Snapchat won’t install onto your iPhone because an error is occurring, you can manually update the app.
Step 1. Access your app store
Step 2. Find Snapchat
Step 3. Check to see if there is an ‘Update’ option
Step 4. Select ‘Update’
This update will override the current version already installed on your device.
(Did you know; 63% of Snapchat users access the app every day).
Fix 3. Confirm payment details on Apple
Even though Snapchat is a free app to download, your payment details still need to be correct in order for your app store to successfully install apps;
Step 1. Access your app store
Step 2. Go onto your ‘Profile’
Step 3. Click on your Apple I.D
Step 4. Select ‘Manage Payment’
You will be able to double check you have input the correct information.
Note, if you do not want to add a payment method to your Apple account, you will need to create a new one by signing out of your current account and installing Snapchat.
You will be prompted to ‘Sign In’ or ‘Create an Account.’
Fix 4. Accept new terms of service
If Apple have updated their terms of service, you will need to re-accept them.
Step 1. Sign out of your Apple I.D
Step 2. Access your app store and search for Snapchat
Step 3. Select ‘Download’
Step 4. The updated ‘Terms of Service’ should appear on your screen for you to accept
Step 5. Click on ‘Accept’
Snapchat should now download.
NB; make sure your Apple I.D username and password is correct.
Fix 5. Update iOS software
Your iPhone’s operating system could be due an update which is making the software on your device incompatible with Snapchat.
Step 1. Open ‘Settings’
Step 2. Click on ‘General’
Step 3. Select ‘Software Update’
Step 4. If an update is available, press ‘Download and Install’
Tip, check that ‘Automatic Updates’ is enabled.
Try installing Snapchat once the upgrade has been completed.
Fix 6. Reset internet connection
If your internet connection is unstable, it will interfere with Snapchat being able to install on your iPhone.
It is recommended to first check how fast your internet speed.
Step 1. Switch your router off and unplug it
Step 2. Wait a few minutes (if you are using your mobile data, turn your phone off)
Step 3. Plug your router back in turn it on again
Once your internet is connected, check the speeds to see if it has improved, and try downloading Snapchat.
Why is Snapchat not updating
If Snapchat won’t install its update on your iPhone, it could be due to the apps cache files being too full.
Clearing this data out will free up storage space and improve Snapchats performance.
Step 1. Launch Snapchat
Step 2. Click on your ‘Profile’
Step 3. Select ‘Settings’ at the top right of your screen
Step 4. Under ‘Account Actions’ press ‘Clear Cache’
Confirm this by selecting ‘Clear.’ and allow Snapchat to restart before updating the app.
Conclusion
We hope our guide has helped you understand why Snapchat wouldn’t install on your iPhone, and that you were able to use one of our easy steps to rectify this issue.
Keep in mind, if Snapchat’s server is down while you are trying to download the app, you will encounter installation issues. We recommend waiting until the server is up before you try installing again.
You can check the server status by using this link.
