Failed to Send
Snapchat Software
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Snapchat shows a red exclamation mark or 'Failed to send' under a Snap when the upload could not complete.
Cause is usually a weak network — the most common scenario is sending Snaps over marginal cellular data.
Tap the failed Snap to retry.
Most cases clear within seconds on a stronger connection.
Affected Models
- Snapchat iOS app
- Snapchat Android app
- Snapchat web at web.snapchat.com
Common Causes
- Weak cellular signal
- Captive WiFi (hotel, airport) blocking media uploads
- Background app refresh disabled
- App outdated
- Device storage full
- Snapchat server brief outage
How to Fix It
-
Tap the failed Snap to retry.
In the chat, tap the red exclamation next to the failed Snap.
Snapchat retries the upload.
If the network has improved, the retry succeeds within seconds. -
Switch networks.
If WiFi is failing, switch to mobile data.
If mobile data is failing, find better WiFi.
Captive WiFi at hotels often blocks media — try mobile data first to bypass. -
Check signal strength.
On the phone status bar, mobile signal under 2 bars is unreliable for video uploads.
Move to a better signal area — outside, near a window, away from concrete walls.
Snaps with video are more bandwidth-intensive than text or photo. -
Force-quit and reopen Snapchat.
Close Snapchat completely from the recent apps view.
Reopen.
Failed Snaps reattempt automatically when the app comes back online. -
Free phone storage.
If the phone is at over 95% storage, the app cannot cache outgoing Snaps and may fail.
Settings → Storage → free at least 1 GB.
Try sending again. -
Update the Snapchat app.
App Store / Play Store → Snapchat → Update.
Newer versions handle network failures more gracefully.
Force-quit after updating to ensure the new version is in use. -
Restart the phone.
If multiple apps are showing network issues, restart the phone.
Phones running for many days can have stuck network state.
A restart resets the wireless stack. -
Save before retrying for important Snaps.
If the Snap is important, screenshot or save it before retrying.
If retries keep failing, you can re-send from your saved copy through a different network later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the recipient see I tried to send?
No — failed Snaps are only visible to you in your chat with that person.
The recipient sees nothing until your retry succeeds.
You can also delete the failed Snap by tap-and-holding it without ever sending it.