Is Snapchat Not Backing Up Your Camera Roll? [Here’s What To Do!]

If you encounter the issue of Snapchat being unable to back up your camera roll then you can try implementing the following methods :

Allow Snapchat access to your camera.

Restart your device or app.

Update your device and app.

Fix internet issues.

Clear cache.

Manage storage.

Contact Snapchat Support.

Snapchat is a well-known social media app that lets people connect primarily using visuals. It offers various entertaining filters that make taking pictures and videos more enjoyable, which keeps users interested.

Additionally, you can communicate with others by sending streaks, and messages, and sharing stories. The app’s terms and services also emphasize safety and user privacy.

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Does Snapchat Automatically Backup Your Camera Roll?

Your camera roll isn't backed up by Snapchat — *Your camera roll isn’t backed up by Snapchat*

On a recent day off work, I decided to take some time for myself and relax at home. While using Snapchat, I needed to access specific images from my camera roll. To my surprise, I came across the message “Your camera roll isn’t backed up by Snapchat” for the first time.

This caught me off guard because I had always assumed that Snapchat automatically handled this process. I was quite surprised to realize that, even after using Snapchat for years, this was the first time I had actually noticed it lol. It was quite an unexpected discovery, to say the least!

It appears I wasn’t alone in my misconception, as I’m sure many others assumed the same. After looking into it, I found that Snapchat indeed does not automatically back up your camera roll. You have to do it yourself, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that whether you’re looking to back up your camera roll or even just use Snapchat’s camera to create and save snaps, you need to grant Snapchat access to your camera roll.

This access can be granted when Snapchat automatically prompts you to give access to your camera roll either during the creation of a new Snapchat account or when logging in on a new device or after updating the app.

However, if you didn’t provide permission at that moment, you can follow these steps:

Open your device settings.
Navigate to the “Apps” section.
Scroll down to find Snapchat and select it.
Look for “App Permissions” within Snapchat’s settings.
Alternatively, you can even access app permissions through your device’s privacy settings or by tapping and holding the Snapchat icon on your home screen to access “App Info.“
Once in-app permissions, select the camera option and grant Snapchat access to your camera.

For more information on how to back up your camera roll and potential issues you might encounter sometimes, continue reading the article.

How Can You Backup Your Camera Roll On Snapchat?

Now that you know Snapchat doesn’t automatically save your camera roll and you need to do it yourself, you might not be sure how to go about it. But don’t worry, you’re in the right place to learn. After looking into it carefully, I’ve found three methods that you can use to back up your camera roll on Snapchat.

It’s important to note that these approaches work for both iPhone and Android devices.

Via Your Device’s Photo App

Here’s the first method you can use:

Begin by opening your phone’s photo app.
Then locate the specific images and/or videos you want to back up on Snapchat.
After you’ve found them, select those images and/or videos.
This will trigger a menu to appear at the bottom of your screen. Look for the share icon, usually accompanied by the word “send” underneath it (note that this might differ based on your phone model).
Tap on this icon, and you’ll be presented with various options and apps to share the chosen images and/ or videos.
Find Snapchat in the list and select it.
Upon doing this, Snapchat will open.
Your chosen snaps will be displayed, with the option to save it below.
Click on the save option.
Then access your Snapchat memories. You’ll notice that the exported snaps are now accessible within your snaps section. This confirms that they have been successfully backed up from your camera roll.

Export And Save

The second method involves these steps:

Start by launching Snapchat.
Then navigate to your memories.
Proceed to the camera roll section. From there, you can choose the desired images and/or videos from any available folder.
Once you’ve selected them, a menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. In this menu, you’ll find the share icon with the word “export” written below it.
Click on it, and a list of various methods and apps for exporting the chosen images and/or videos will appear.
Locate Snapchat in the options and select it.
This will lead you to a screen displaying the selected snaps and providing the option to save them.
Click on the save button, and subsequently, go back to your memories section.
You’ll notice the presence of those snaps in your snaps section, confirming that you’ve effectively backed up your camera roll through this method.

Create A Story

The final method involves these steps:

Open Snapchat.
Then proceed to your memories.
Select the images and/or videos you wish to back up from the folders available in the camera roll section.
Once you’ve made your selections, a menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click on the “Create” button.
This will transition you to another screen displaying “Create Story” at the top. Here, you’ll find your chosen images and/or videos showcased. Beneath them, you’ll spot the option to “Save Story.”
Click on the “Save Story” option.
Next, return to your Snapchat memories section, and you’ll observe that those saved snaps are now present within the snaps section. This confirms that you’ve successfully backed them up from your camera roll through this particular method.

In each of these methods, it’s important to ensure that you’ve granted Snapchat permission to access your camera roll. It’s also worth noting that all these options are convenient as they permit you to share and export multiple images and/or videos.

Additionally, as you were reading through the above methods, you might have come across the term “Snapchat memories.” If you’d like to learn how to do this, follow the steps below:

Open Snapchat.
Locate the icon next to the Snapchat camera button. This icon features two images together – one representing your last snap on Snapchat and the other is just a frame.
When you click on this icon, you’ll gain access to your memories

What Could Be The Reasons For Snapchat’s Camera Roll Backup Issue?

Having known all the information about the backup procedure, if you were already familiarized with it and are accustomed to frequently backing up your camera roll, you might have crossed paths with this problem at least once. Even the subreddit regarding this subject is filled with individuals experiencing backup complications.

Below, you have a table listing potential explanations as to why your Snapchat might not be successfully backing up your camera roll:

REASON	EXPLANATION
User Error	Of course, human error tops the list. It’s possible that you might have overlooked enabling Snapchat on your device or granting the app access to your camera roll. As a result, your Snapchat won’t be able to perform the camera roll backup.
Poor Internet Connection	In case you lack an internet connection or have a weak one, your Snapchat might encounter difficulties in efficiently backing up your camera roll.
Outdated Device Or App	An outdated version of either the app or your device can create compatibility problems, potentially resulting in issues like Snapchat’s inability to back up your camera roll.
Insufficient Storage	Attempting to back up your camera roll on Snapchat when your device has inadequate storage might hinder the process.
Corrupted Cached Files	The activation of old or corrupted cached files can interfere with Snapchat’s operation, potentially resulting in its inability to back up your camera roll.
App Or Device Glitches	In the presence of glitches within your app or device, temporary issues can arise, such as Snapchat’s inability to back up your camera roll.
Server Issues	If any technical problems arise on Snapchat’s side, or if the platform experiences downtime, its functionality could be compromised. Consequently, you might encounter the issue of Snapchat failing to back up your camera roll.

Reasons for Snapchat’s Camera Roll Backup Issue

What Steps Should You Take If Snapchat Isn’t Backing Up Your Camera Roll?

Now that you’ve understood that this error can stem from various factors, some of the potential solutions to fix it and enable Snapchat to successfully back up your camera roll are provided below:

Enable Snapchat

Beginning with user mistakes, if you encounter backup problems, quickly head to your phone settings to check if you’ve allowed Snapchat access to your camera.

If you’ve already been granted access and are confident that the issue isn’t on your side, turn to the troubleshooting steps provided below.

Restart Your Device Or App

You can attempt resolving this by restarting either your device or the app to address potential temporary glitches.

To Restart Your Device:

Press and hold the power button until a slider appears.
Depending on your device, you might restart it directly. If the restart option isn’t available, power off your device.
Wait a while before turning it back on.

To Restart The App:

Return to your home screen.
Then double-tap the home button, swipe up, or press the horizontal three-lined icon at the bottom of your screen (this varies based on your device).
This will provide access to the app review.
Click on “Clear All.”
Then wait for 30 seconds to a minute before reopening Snapchat.

These steps should hopefully address any temporary glitches, allowing Snapchat to successfully back up your camera roll.

Update Your Device And App

If your device or app isn’t up-to-date, it’s clear that the outdated version is responsible for this problem.

To Update Your Device:

Access your device settings.
Locate the “Software Updates” section.
Search for available updates and select “Update.” Your phone will restart with the latest version.

To Update The App:

Visit the Play Store or App Store.
Search for Snapchat.
Check for any available updates.
If updates are present, tap on the “Update” option. After updating, the app will be reinstalled.

Hopefully, performing these updates will address your issue.

Fix Internet Issues

If the issue arises from a weak internet connection, consider

Switching to Wi-Fi if you’re using cellular data.
Restart your router.
If necessary, contact your internet service provider to ensure a stable connection.

This will ensure that your apps function smoothly and enable Snapchat to effortlessly back up your camera roll.

Clear Cache

You may be aware of how corrupted cached files can interfere with the app’s operation, potentially causing camera roll backup issues, it’s essential to clear your cache.

Follow these steps to do so:

Open your device settings.
Navigate to the “Apps” section.
Locate Snapchat.
You’ll find the option to clear the cache. By clicking on this, you can eliminate any outdated or corrupted files.

How to fix the camera roll that isn’t backed up by Snapchat?

Manage Storage

If your phone’s storage is running low, it’s a good idea to organize it and create space to prevent Snapchat from encountering problems while backing up your camera roll. Make sure to remove any unnecessary files and apps, especially those that consume the most space.

Delete anything that’s not needed, and you can also utilize your phone’s built-in device management tool to free up storage and get rid of unwanted items from your device.

Contact Snapchat Support

If the problem originates from Snapchat’s side, such as if the service is experiencing downtime, you can reach out to Snapchat’s support team to report the issue.

This way, they can provide you with assistance in resolving the matter.

To Conclude

Snapchat is a popular visual-focused social media platform with filters for creative photos and videos.
Although it doesn’t perform automatic camera roll backups, you have the option to manually back up. Begin by providing Snapchat access to your camera. Then, use your device’s photo app to share the chosen videos/images with Snapchat. From there, you can save them or directly export them within Snapchat, either by saving or creating a story and saving it.
Several challenges can emerge from factors like weak connectivity, glitches in the app or device, outdated app and device versions, server problems, etc. These can hinder Snapchat from successfully backing up your camera roll.
Steps to address these issues include checking permissions, restarting the app or device, updating software, clearing cache, managing storage, and reporting problems to Snapchat support.