How to Update Snapchat

This article explains how to update Snapchat on an iOS or Android device and how to stay on top of new features for the app.

Updating the iOS App via the App Store

Snapchat updates are available via the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads and through Play Store for Android devices. Here's how to update the iOS app:

1. Open the App Store app on your phone or tablet by tapping the app. Make sure you're connected to the internet.

2. Use the Updates tab on the bottom to find the button to update Snapchat. If you don't see an Updates tab, tap on your profile icon.

3. Tap UPDATE next to Snapchat to update the app.

4. The Update label will turn into an animated progress circle. After a few seconds up to a few minutes (depending on your connection), you'll be able to open the new version of the app to start using it.

Updating the Android App via Google Play

The steps for updating Snapchat are a bit different on Android, but just as easy.

1. Launch the Play Store app by tapping it.

2. Tap the menu on the upper left-hand side of the app.

3. Choose My apps & games from the list.

4. From the UPDATES tab at the top, find Snapchat in the list of updates.

5. If a Snapchat update is available, tap UPDATE to get it.

That's all there really is to it—it's no different than updating any other app you have installed on your device. Snapchat is always releasing new features related to chatting, emojis, filters, lenses, stories, and more that you won't want to miss. You can even Snapchat with music playing from your phone.

Get Notified of the Latest Snapchat Updates

Other than checking the App Store or Play Store regularly for updates, it can be a bit tricky knowing exactly when a new Snapchat version becomes available. Since there are lots of blogs out there that cover tech and news stories, including significant app updates, as soon as they become relevant, paying attention to these stories can help you find out when a new Snapchat update is available and what new changes you can expect from it.

Set up a Google Alert for Snapchat

One of the best ways to receive news stories about Snapchat updates almost as soon as they're reported and picked up by Google is to set up an alert with Google Alerts. You can use "snapchat update" as the term for your alert.

To be notified as soon as any news of a Snapchat update hits, click Show options in your app to display a dropdown menu where you can set the How often option to As-it-happens. Create the alert, and you'll be notified by email as soon as Google picks up anything related to a Snapchat update.

Use IFTTT Reminders to Get Snapchat Updates

If you have an Android device, you can even take this a step further by using IFTTT to send you a text message anytime you receive a new email from Google Alerts.

You can make a recipe that sends you an email if a Snapchat update is found on the App Store (for iPhone and iPad). This is the best way to check for updates using IFTTT. Play Store and Google Alerts aren't supported triggers, but chances are that an update on App Store will mean there's also an update on Play Store.

In this case, you could set up the subject to be "snapchat update" or "google alerts." Although emails you receive through Google Alerts may be for stories from previous Snapchat updates, or possibly even future app update predictions, this is still a good way to stay in the know.

Check Your Settings to Turn on New Features

If you find that all your friends are sending you snaps with cool new features that you don't seem to have and you already updated your app to the latest version, you may want to go into your settings to check and see if anything needs to be turned on first.

To access your settings, tap your profile icon on the upper left-hand side of Snapchat. Choose the gear icon in the top right corner and then tap Manage under the ADDITIONAL SERVICES label.

You'll be able to configure your settings for filters, traveling, friend emoji and permissions.