There are some instances where the Snap location of a user is not updating properly. There are several causes for this issue and this guide will serve to break down many of the common causes.
If you feel like you are experiencing issues with your Snap Map location not updating properly, this guide also contains detailed troubleshooting methods that you can use to help solve your issue.
Why is Someone Snap Location Not Updating But They Are Snapping
It’s likely due to a bug with Snapchat that’s preventing their location from now updating. In this case, you can only wait for their location to update, you don’t have much of an option. You can also clear Snapchat’s cache to see if that will get rid of any bugs.
Snapchat Location Not Updating?
Now that we have covered many frequently asked questions regarding Snapchat location, you can begin to address any issues you might encounter while using the app. One common problem people encounter is the Snapchat location not updating properly.
If you have a friend that is currently active on Snapchat showing at an inaccurate location, it could be due to several different reasons. Some of the most common reasons for Snapchat Location to not update correctly while a user is active are listed below:
1. Not Enough Time Has Passed for It to Update
While the Snap Map is impressively reactive, updating Bitmoji location very quickly to represent any location changes, there can be some substantial lag encountered every now and then. If the Snapchat servers are experiencing heavy traffic, this could cause there to be some delay in the map update.
These delays are typically temporary and resolve themselves in as little as 5 minutes. In some instances, you could find that it takes upwards of 15 minutes for any location updates to reflect on the Snap Map.
2. Snapchat is Glitching
Bugs and glitches are prevalent in any software application. These glitches can cause issues with functionality, including the Snapchat location not updating properly. These types of errors are usually temporary and will resolve themselves with no additional action from the user.
3. They Have Changed Their Location Settings
Since Snapchat offers so many options for users to prioritize their privacy on the app, you could be viewing a user that has set their location to ghost mode. Users with ghost mode turned on will not be visible on the Snap Map to any friends.
This can cause the Snap Map to not add their location to the map, even though you might be aware that they are currently active.
This privacy setting was vital to ensuring the safety of users who use the Snap Map. With the choice to go off the map, users who do not wish to share their location can still enjoy the other features that Snapchat has to offer.
4. They Are Spoofing Their Location
If a Snapchat user is using the Snap Map while using a VPN, it could cause issues with accurate location updates. Because a VPN changes the IP location of your access device, your GPS location could be affected. Since Snap Map depends on your GPS to display the accurate result, using a VPN could lead to location updates not being processed correctly.
Although VPNs are great for ensuring the privacy of users while browsing the internet, they can sometimes be problematic when using location-based apps like Snapchat. It is generally not advised to use a VPN with Snapchat if you wish to display accurately on the Snap Map.
5. You Have Encountered a Bug
Snapchat is prone to bugs, just like any software. When you encounter these bugs, they can often cause improper functionality, such as your location not updating properly on the Snap Map. Glitches and bugs are to be expected now and then and are no real cause for concern. These types of errors will solve themselves.
6. Snapchat Servers Are Down
The Snapchat servers being down is another common reason for location updates to not process correctly. If the servers are down, you will likely only be able to view the last location of the user when the servers were active.
Server overloads are rare but are a possibility. If you find that you are having issues with location updates for many of your friends, it could be due to server issues at Snapchat.
How To Fix Snapchat Location Not Updating
Now that you are aware of the common causes of the Snapchat location not updating correctly, you can begin to troubleshoot your issues using the methods listed below.
There are several different approaches you can take to solve your location problems. Some of the most common methods proven to resolve issues like this are listed below:
1. Restart Snapchat App
The first thing you should do if you encounter issues with your Snapchat location not updating is to restart the Snapchat app. This will give Snapchat the chance to reevaluate a user’s GPS location and change their Bitmoji position on the Snap Map to reflect any recent changes.
This can also refresh the Snap Map, which can sometimes bug out and become unresponsive to updated locations. A fresh restart of the Snapchat app will help remedy any erroneous functions that might be causing your Snap Map to not function correctly.
2. Update Snapchat
Snapchat depends on the most current software version to function correctly. If you find that you are experiencing issues with your Snapchat location updating, it could be due to out-of-date software.
Snapchat periodically releases updates for the app to help improve functionality and patch any potential bugs or glitches that they have become aware of.
Falling behind on your app updates puts you at risk of encountering errors more frequently while using Snapchat. It is wise to check now and then and apply any available updates.
3. Update Your Phone
Since Snapchat location relies so heavily on your phone’s GPS to function properly, keeping your phone up to date to ensure that it is working and displaying accurate positions is important. If your phone has not been properly updated, you could run into GPS issues that could cause your Snapchat location to not update.
4. Wait For the Problem to Go Away
You can often save yourself quite the headache if you simply give Snapchat a little while to consolidate itself. Problems with your Snapchat location not updating properly can typically be resolved by just waiting it out. Eventually, as long as a valid internet connection is available, you will see updated statuses for all your friends.
5. Consult the Internet for More Information
The internet is your best friend when it comes to troubleshooting any type of Snapchat location problem. Guides like the one you are currently reading can help you find the root of your issue and provide practical guidelines for addressing them.
6. Contact Snapchat Support
If you find that you are experiencing persistent problems with your Snapchat location not updating, and you have tried all of the troubleshooting methods in the list above, then you could consider contacting Snapchat servers being down and having them investigate your issue.
The process to report an issue is simple, just navigate to your Snapchat setting and tap into the Help and Support tab. From there you will be provided instructions on how to get in touch with a technical representative to help solve your problem.
No one likes dealing with customer support over the phone, so this should be considered as a last resort after all other troubleshooting methods have been tried. Rest assured that the technical team at Snapchat is well qualified to help solve your issue and will walk you through any troubleshooting methods that you might have missed. They will then provide you with a detailed plan of action to solve your issue.
How Often Does Snapchat Location Update?
The Snap Map features work in a unique way compared to other social media platforms’ location features. Users are made visible on the map represented by their Bitmoji and other users can see their location update in real-time.
The frequency of these real-time updates will depend on the settings that the user has selected. Snapchat users can opt to reveal their location on the map constantly, or in user-defined time intervals. Due to the freedom that Snapchat has given users in controlling their visibility on the map, it is hard to determine the exact amount of time between updates.
You can help estimate the time a user has set their location to update by timing their location changes yourself. This can help you determine how often you can expect to see their location change when viewing the Snap Map.
Does Snapchat Location Update in the Background?
One of the location update settings offered by Snapchat is the option to have user locations updated constantly, as long as the app is running in the background. This can be a good option for those who want Snap Map to continually update while they use their phones for other things.
Users can also turn off this feature to lower the chance of their location updating when they do not wish for it to. These options are what make Snapchat one of the most versatile social media apps on the market.
Does Snapchat Update Location Automatically?
Snapchat can update user location on the Snap Map with many different settings in place. The settings can keep the map updating at the user’s discretion.
One of the settings is automatic updates, which gives Snapchat permission to use your location any time that the app is running on your phone. Depending on your setting, Snap Map could update your location constantly so that you are always shown on the map at your most recent location.
Users can turn off this feature if they wish to keep their location private, or only visible between certain intervals of time. Whenever you wish to turn this feature back on, Snapchat will automatically determine your location and update your Bitmoji on the Snap Map.
Does Snap Map Update When You Open the App?
As long as you have your current Snapchat location settings to update automatically, any time you begin to use the app your location will update. Your Bitmoji will be moved from its last location to reflect any changes in your location.
Turning off automatic updates will stop this from happening if you wish to keep your location hidden when you first open Snapchat.
When you first install Snapchat, your location update settings will be set to automatic by default. If this is a concern for you, navigate to the Privacy settings in the app. There you will be presented with many options to tailor the way Snap Map works with your account.
When Does Snap Map Update Your Location?
The most common time for Snap Map to update your location is when you open the app somewhere new after being logged out at your previous location. The Snap Map will automatically place your Bitmoji on the map to reflect any changes.
Snapchat is also capable of updating your location between user-defined intervals. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide the conditions and frequency of any Snap Map location updates.
How Does Snapchat Location Work?
If you give Snapchat permission to have access to your location, it will use the GPS on your phone to triangulate you on the map and place your Bitmoji in the right spot. Because of this Snap Map location updates depend on a stable internet connection to update properly.
If Snap Map determines a change in your location, it will automatically update your placement on the map to reflect those changes. This is one of the most interesting features that Snapchat has to offer, keeping users updated on what their friends are doing in real-time.
When Does Snapchat Location Automatically Turn Off?
No matter what settings you have your Snapchat location updates set to, whenever you close the Snapchat app your location will automatically stop being updated. The app must be running to have access to your GPS and update your position on the map.
This is a key privacy setting that was implemented by Snapchat to ensure that users’ information is not being accessed without their knowledge.
Does Snapchat Update Location When the App Is Closed?
To ensure the privacy of all its users, Snapchat does not update user location while the app is closed. This is to ensure the privacy of all Snapchat users. Even if you have your Snapchat setting to automatically update, the app must be running to have proper access to your phone’s GPS.
How Long Does Snapchat Show Your Location
If a user has logged out of Snapchat, their Bitmoji could appear visible on the map for up to 8 hours. Ultimately, the length that the last location is displayed on the map is determined by the user but generally is automatically set to last up to this amount of time, unless otherwise specified.
Snapchat Location Stalking
When the Snap Map was introduced, it was a highly controversial feature. The real-time location updates raised concerns over the privacy and safety of its users. All a user has to do to locate you is know your Snapchat name and add you as a friend to see any of your potential location updates.
This could be dangerous for users with a large number of friends, as their location has the likelihood of being seen by a much more diversified group of people, rather than just close friends and family.
There have been some reported instances of stalking taking place with the use of the Snap Map location feature. Due to this, it is important to consider all the angles when deciding whether to publicly display your location on the app.
Snapchat answered these concerns by implementing several user settings that allow for visibility on the Snap Map to be tailored to the needs of the user. Users can choose to have their profile public or limited to only certain friends.
As long as you tailor your settings appropriately to your situation, you can use the Snap Map quite safely.
Internet safety is incredibly important in this age of social media. With millions of users across the world, Snapchat should be used responsibly to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Is Snapchat Location Accurate?
Snapchat location is only as accurate as your phone’s GPS. Modern GPS is estimated to be quite accurate, measuring around 100 feet of the actual location. You can safely assume that any Snap Map location is fairly accurate, as long as the user’s GPS is functioning properly.
There are a few reasons why Snapchat could display an inaccurate location. These include VPN usage, connection issues, or outdated software.
How To Prevent Snapchat Location Not Updating When You Are Snapping
If you would like to be proactive towards keeping your Snapchat location updates working properly, there are a few things that you can do to help lower your chances of encountering these issues.
1. Keep Your Phone and Apps Updated
Your phone should be kept updated with the most recent software to ensure the proper functioning of your GPS. Snapchat location accuracy and update status are heavily dependent on this feature, so keeping it working properly is important.
The Snapchat app itself should also be updated to avoid any errors while using the Snap Map. An outdated app version can cause compatibility issues, crashes, and your location status not being updated correctly.
2. Avoid Using A VPN While Using Snapchat
Using a VPN with Snapchat can cause your location to not be processed correctly. Because using a VPN masks the user’s actual location, Snapchat will not be able to display an accurate location on the Snap Map for you.
Due to these types of compatibility issues regarding GPS location and VPN, you should avoid using one while logged into Snapchat.
Final Thoughts
The Snapchat real-time location updates are an innovative feature that lets users interact with each other on a GPS map in ways not possible on other apps. Due to this, Snapchat has a very unique appeal, giving users a more immersive social media experience.
Users that choose to have their location visible while using the app will find they have a plethora of different privacy settings available to tailor the experience to their specific wants and needs. By default, Snapchat location is set to be shared with your friends automatically. This is something to consider if you are new to the app and wonder if your location is visible.
Some users have reported issues with their Snapchat location not updating correctly. If this is the case for you, then this guide can provide a detailed analysis of your problem and offer you detailed troubleshooting methods to help get your Snapchat location working again.
Since Snapchat is such an integral part of how people stay in touch with friends and family, it is important to ensure that it is working correctly so you can ensure optimal performance while using the app.