Snapchat is a popular social media app, but it’s not without fault. There is one error that many users experience regularly. You’ve probably experienced this endless load-time error at one point or another in your Snapchat journey – and you’re not alone.
Fortunately, there are different ways to resolve this reoccurring error. Read on to learn how to get beyond the endless load screen and on with your snaps.
What Is the “Tap to Load” Error?
If you’ve used Snapchat for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with this scenario:
You scroll through the app and tap a snap to see what your friend is up to, but the screen keeps loading – and never moves from that annoying void. Eventually, you’ll end up manually downloading the snap, but who has time to do that for every single one?
There is a reason why this endless load screen of death occurs, and it stems from a helpful Snapchat feature. At the speed of a snap, users want to see what’s going on in their inner circle as soon a friend uploads one. Snapchat understands this and has a function that automatically downloads the snap as soon as one of your besties uploads it. This feature is on by default and is why you can scroll through your snaps so quickly.
However, sometimes things go wrong, and that’s when you run into the “Tap to Load” error.
How to Fix the “Tap to Load” Error in Snapchat
To learn how to fix this error, you first need to understand why it may occur. Usually, you would be able to view your picture messages as soon as you receive them. However, this error is inevitable no matter which platform you’re using. Some of the possible reasons for this glitch are:
- Network issues
- Problems with loading the application
- Cache issues
Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions to troubleshoot this Snapchat glitch.
Restart Your Device
In most cases, your Snapchat app will function without issues. However, the “Tap to Load” error appears when it does not load your messages properly.
You can resolve this issue by turning your phone off and on again. This method only takes a few minutes, allowing the app to restart. Since this method is the easiest, it should be the first option you choose when the error occurs.
Turn Off Snapchat Optimization
Most devices have the “Optimization” feature to help solve the “Tap to Load” error in Snapchat. This feature lets you put any app to sleep and keeps the application from draining your phone’s energy or using too much data. By doing this, your phone’s operating system will perform better and possibly eliminate load glitches on the platform.
If Snapchat Optimization on your device is “on,” it can contribute to the error appearing more often. To turn off the feature, check out the steps below:
- Go to “Settings” on your device.
- Find the “Snapchat” app in the App section.
- Tap on “Battery Optimization” and choose ‘’Don’t Optimize’’.
This method should solve the “Tap to Load” error whether you are using an Android device or an iPhone.
Turn Off Data Saver
Another common mistake Snapchat users make on their mobile devices is not turning off the Data Saver feature. This function is available on all devices and is automatically turned on. While this feature has positive aspects, it often restricts different apps like Snapchat. Because of this, you might not be getting to experience Snapchat to its full potential.
If you are experiencing the “Tap to Load” error, you might consider turning it off. Follow these steps to turn off Data Saver on an iPhone:
- Go to “Settings” on your device and find the “Data Saver” feature located in the “Connection” tab.
- Tap on it to turn it off.
Keep in mind that this turns off Data Saver for all of your applications. It would be best to turn it off only while you are actively using Snapchat and want to avoid these issues.
You can turn on Data Saver for specific applications if you’re an Android user to ensure that the apps that need the feature can still have it – even if you need it off for Snapchat. To switch on this feature for a specific app, follow the steps below:
- Open the “Settings” app on your phone.
- Find the desired Snapchat app.
- Tap on “Mobile Data.”
- Select “Allow app with Data Saver on.”
Turn Off Battery Saver Mode
There is a high chance that your Snapchat app is malfunctioning if the Battery Saver mode is on. This happens because the Battery Saver restricts your applications. Although the feature helps you save your battery, you’ll also likely experience load issues like this one.
Try turning off Battery Saver mode with these steps:
- Go to the “Settings” on your phone.
- Turn off either the “Power Mode” or the “Battery Saver” feature, depending on your device.
Clearing App Cache
While using your phone, you probably don’t consider the number of unnecessary files taking up storage. If you want to help your mobile device run smoothly without any issues, you should probably consider clearing the app cache. Deleting all the unnecessary files from your device can also fix the “Tap to Load” error on Snapchat.
- Close all apps before clearing your cache.
- Find “Storage” in your “Settings.”
- Tap on the “Clear Cached data” option. Once you do so, a popup message will appear asking you to confirm your choice.
- Confirm your decision.
All the irrelevant data will disappear from your device, clearing the way for smoother application performance, including Snapchat.
Don’t Jeopardize Your Streak
When you are scrolling through snaps and chatting with friends, the last thing you need is an error to break your streak. Although the “Tap to Load” error is little more than a nuisance, it may be a dealbreaker for many users. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes to get around this issue and get on with your chats.
How often do you see the “Tap to Load” error? Which one of these methods resolved the issue? Let us know in the comments section below.
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