Snapchat will say ‘Pending’ in grey underneath a users name if you have sent them a snap before they have accepted your friend request.
Occasionally, if the Snapchat server is down, it will interfere with snaps being sent successfully to recipients.
The status of your message will change from ‘pending’ in grey to ‘delivered’ in blue once the snapper has added you back, and included you in their ‘friends list’.
We have created this in-depth guide that will provide you with everything you need to know, to help you understand why Snapchat says ‘pending’ in grey, so you can get back to communicating through short videos, photos and texts.
What does the GREY pending mean on Snapchat?
Why does Snapchat say pending in grey
The word ‘Pending’ with an arrow next to it in grey, underneath a recipients name means the message you have sent has not successfully reached that persons Snapchat account.
Why has your Snapchat message not been delivered?
Reason 1. The person has not added you as a friend
To be able to send images or texts to someone on Snapchat, you both need to add each other as a ‘friend’.
If you have sent a friend request to someone, and they have not accepted, they will not receive anything you have sent them until they add you back.
Snapchat will say ‘pending’ in grey because the message has not been able to reach them. They will need to accept your friend request before the message will be delivered.
Reason 2. You have been unfriended
A contact may have removed you as a friend on Snapchat.
If your messages were getting delivered, and all of a sudden they are pending, this will mean the user has unfriended you, and you would need to re-invite them again.
How do you remove a friend from Snapchat?
Step 1. Access your ‘Chat’ screen
Step 2. Find the user and press down on their name
Step 3. Select ‘Manage Friendship’
Step 4. Click on ‘Remove Friend’
Confirm you want to remove them. Once this has been done, the user will not be able to send you Snaps, unless your profile is on ‘Public’.
Reason 3. Changed privacy settings
If someone’s privacy settings are set to ‘Public’ they will receive snaps from anyone who sends them something, even if they are not friends with that person.
Changing this setting to ‘Private’ will stop users from receiving snaps from individuals who are not friends with them.
So, if you were sending someone content who was not on your friend’s list, and it now states ‘pending’ in grey, this will confirm they have probably updated their privacy settings.
Reason 4. Server error
Sometimes, Snapchat will experience issues with its server.
This will interfere with the normal functioning of the app and may hinder the success of messages being delivered.
You can keep up to date with the status of Snapchat’s server by using this link.
Reason 5. Deleted Snapchat profile
If someone has decided to delete their Snapchat account, all messages, images and videos will not be delivered.
This is because their profile will no longer exist.
(Fun Fact; 1 million snaps are sent per minute.)
Reason 6. System issue
Your app or your friends may be having issues operating successfully because the cache files are too full, or your app needs updating.
Always make sure you are using the latest version of the Snapchat app.
Emptying Snapchat’s cache files will improve performance, and create more storage space;
Profile > Settings > Account Actions > Clear Cache > Clear
Note, Snapchat will need to restart.
If your Snapchat app is being problematic, you may want to uninstall and reinstall the app. If you are concerned about removing the app from your device, we have this guide for you.
Reason 7. Poor internet connection
If you or your recipient is struggling with an unstable internet connection, this can prevent your snaps from being delivered successfully, causing them to get stuck in the ‘pending’ stage.
If you have ‘Data Saver’ mode enabled, this too can interfere with your messages because the app will reduce the amount of data it uses.
We suggest resetting your Wifi router, or mobile data if you think this is what’s causing Snapchat to say pending in grey.
Tip, check your internet speed to ensure your app is receiving adequate bandwidth.
Reason 8. Restricted account
Snapchat will lock your account if you have gone against their community guidelines.
You will not be able to successfully send snaps until you unlock your account.
Note, if your account has been temporarily locked, you will be able to unlock it, however, if it has been permanently locked, Snapchat will not be able to open your profile.
Why does it say pending on Snapchat when I didn’t send anything?
Why does Snapchat say pending in grey
If you see ‘pending’ on Snapchat by someone’s name, even though you did not send a snap to them, this will mean the user still needs to accept your request.
Once they have added you back as a friend, the ‘pending’ status will disappear, and your messages will be delivered.
Does pending on Snapchat mean you’re blocked?
If you are see pending in grey underneath an individual’s name, it does not mean you have been blocked.
The user may have missed your friend request, and still need to accept.
How do you know if you are blocked on Snapchat?
You won’t be able to find the user who has blocked you when you search for them on Snapchat.
A clear sign that you have been blocked is if you had an open chat with someone, and you are now unable to see it.
Conclusion
We hope our guide has given you a clear understanding of why Snapchat says pending in grey, so you can carry on using your instant messaging service to snap friends without worrying there’s something wrong with the app.
If you would still like to contact Snapchat, you can check out their support page, or report a problem via the mobile app (Profile > Settings > Feedback > Shake to Report).
Snapchat also has a support page on Twitter that will keep you up to date with real-time issues.
