By upgrading the Snapchat app, you can gain access to its newest features, including the popular new Lenses feature. After you update the Snapchat app, you need to make sure that the latest features you want are up and running. It's true that not all types of devices can use the Lenses feature, but you can get around the limitations on your device so you can use the feature. If you are interested in using the latest effects that are coming to Snapchat, you can read the article on how to get effects on Snapchat.
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Method 1 of 5: Android
Step 1. To get the Lenses feature, update your Snapchat app for Android version 5.0 or later
In order to use the Lenses feature, it needs to be running on an Android device with the Android operating system version 5.0 (Lollipop) or later. If you're using a device that only runs on the Android operating system version 4.4 or earlier, you won't be able to use the Lenses feature, even if your Snapchat is updated. Follow these steps to check the Android version on your device:
- Open the settings menu.
- Touch “About phone” or “About device”.
- Look for input "Android version".
- Some users have reported problems with the Lenses feature, even if they are using devices with Android operating system version 5.0 or later. If something goes wrong with your device, try waiting for an update for the Snapchat app to become available again. If you have or have ever rooted your Android device, try using the Xposed tweak framework. Read method 4 in this article for further steps.
Step 2. Open the Google Play Store app to update Snapchat
You can find the Play Store app in the main menu or on the Home screen of your phone.
Step 3. Touch the menu button (☰) and select “My apps”
Once pressed, a list of applications installed on your phone will be displayed.
Step 4. Look for Snapchat in the list that appears
If an update is available for Snapchat, the Snapchat name will appear in the “Updates available” section. Then, in the lower right corner of the application box will appear the words "Update".
You can also search for Snapchat in the Play Store to open the Snapchat-only page in the Play Store
Step 5. Touch the “Update” button
If an update is available, this button will appear on the Snapchat app store page. Touch the button to start the file update. The update takes about a few minutes and will install automatically. A notification will appear when the update is complete.
If the update option is not available, this means that you are currently using the latest version of the Snapchat app. If you're using the latest version of Snapchat, but some special features like Lenses don't work, it's possible that your device doesn't support these features
Step 6. Enable additional features on Snapchat
There are some new features that may not be activated automatically. Therefore, you can enable it manually in the Snapchat settings menu.
- Tap the Snapchat icon at the top of the camera screen. The icon will take you to the Snapchat profile page.
- Tap the gear-shaped button in the upper-right corner of your profile page.
- Tap “Manage” in the “Additional Services” section.
- Check the boxes to enable additional features such as Front-Facing Flash and Friend Emojis.
Step 7. Use the latest Lenses feature on Snapchat
If your device supports the Lenses feature and Snapchat has been updated, you can access this special feature by pressing and holding your face on the camera screen before taking a photo or recording a video. Read method 3 for further steps.
Step 8. Try joining the Snapchat beta program
The Snapchat app for Android has a beta program. By joining this program, you can get early access to try out the latest Snapchat features. However, the Snapchat application that you use may not be as stable as the regular Snapchat application. If it's okay for you to use Snapchat which may not work at times, you can join the beta program.
- On the settings menu, swipe up on the screen and tap “Join Snapchat Beta”.
- To confirm, touch “Count me in!” You will be taken to a web page to join the Google+ community which is required to be able to access the beta program.
- Fill out the form provided to join the beta program, then wait for about an hour.
- Delete and reinstall the Snapchat app, then the “Snapchat Beta” option will appear in the settings menu. Use the menu to access beta features.
Method 2 of 5: iPhone and iPad
Step 1. Update Snapchat on iPhone 5 or later version to get Lenses feature
Snapchat's new Lenses feature is only available for iPhone version 5 or later. If you're using an iPhone 4 or 4s, you won't be able to use the Lenses feature, even though the Snapchat app has been updated.
- The Lenses feature cannot be used on iPod 5th generation or earlier, or iPad version 2 or earlier.
- If you've ever jailbroken your old Apple device, you can enable the Lenses feature by installing the Cydia tweak. Read method 5 for further steps.
Step 2. Check for updates for Snapchat by going to the App Store
You can find the App Store button on one of the Home Screens of your iPhone or iPad.
Step 3. Touch the “Updates” tab
You can find this tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Find the Snapchat app in the “Available Updates” list
If Snapchat is not found in the list, there is no update for Snapchat and you are currently using the latest version of Snapchat.
Step 5. Touch the “Update” button
The Snapchat update download will start once you touch the button. The download and installation will take a few minutes.
Step 6. Run the Snapchat app
You can run it through the Snapchat application page in the App Store or directly touch the application icon on the Home Screen of your device.
Step 7. Enable additional features on Snapchat
When you update Snapchat, there are some new features that don't activate automatically. You can enable it in the Snapchat settings menu.
- Tap the Snapchat icon at the top of the camera screen. Once touched, your Snapchat profile page will be displayed.
- Tap the gear-shaped button in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Swipe up on the screen and touch “Manage”. You can find these options in the “Additional Service” section.
- Swipe the switch for each feature you want to enable.
Step 8. Use the latest Lenses feature on your Snapchat
If you're using a newer iPhone model and have updated Snapchat, you can apply special lens effects to your video footage. Press and hold any part of your face on the camera screen to access a selection of different lens effects. Read method 3 for further steps.
Step 9. Perform troubleshooting regarding app upgrades or updates
Some users have reported issues regarding the completion of the Snapchat update process. When this problem occurs, the Snapchat app will disappear from the Home Screen and the update process will be stuck.
- Open the settings menu on your device.
- Touch the “General” option, then select “Usage” or “iCloud & Storage Usage”.
- Touch the “Manage Storage” option in the “Storage” section.
- Tap Snapchat on the list of apps that appears, then tap “Delete App”.
- Reinstall Snapchat via the App Store.
Method 3 of 5: Using the Lenses Feature
Step 1. Make sure your Snapchat app is updated and installed on a supported device
In order for the Lenses feature to work, you need to use the latest version of the Snapchat app. Follow the previous steps to install the Snapchat update on your device.
You will also need to run the Snapchat app on a supported device. This means that the Lenses feature can only be used on devices such as iPhone 5 or later, or Android devices with Android operating system version 5.0 or later. However, there are exceptions if you've ever tweaked a jailbroken iPhone or rooted Android device
Step 2. Open the front camera on Snapchat
This camera is usually automatically displayed when you open the Snapchat app. You will see a live snapshot taken from your device's front camera.
Step 3. Change your camera if the app uses the back camera of the device
The Lenses feature can only be used if Snapchat is using the front camera. Press the camera button in the upper right corner of the screen to switch the rear camera to the front camera. Now you can see your face displayed on the device screen.
Step 4. Adjust the camera position so that your entire face can be shown in a well-lit place
This feature works most effectively if the camera can easily recognize the outline of your face and recognize the parts of your face. Try using Snapchat in a bright room so you don't get a shadow on your face.
Step 5. Press and hold your face on the screen for a few seconds
Then, a small frame will appear around your face. After that, different lens effect options will appear at the bottom of the screen.
If the Lenses feature doesn't work, make sure you're in a room with good lighting and that your entire face is visible on the screen. Also make sure you press and hold the device screen for a few seconds without moving. Older devices may not be compatible with this feature at all
Step 6. Scroll through the available lens effect options
When you select an effect, it will be applied to your face immediately.
The lens effect selection rotates periodically, so the lens effect you like may no longer appear the next time you use Snapchat
Step 7. Perform additional commands, such as “Open your mouth” or open your mouth
These commands can be applied to several lens effects to produce additional effects.
Step 8. Take a photo or video recording with the lens effect you want to use
Once you find the effect you want, you can take photos or record videos as you normally would.
- Touch the circle with the lens effect logo to take a photo (snap).
- Press and hold the circle to record a video with a lens effect.
Step 9. Edit and submit your photo or video as usual
After taking a photo or recording a video using the desired lens effect, you can add text, filters, stickers, and images just like you would a regular post. Once done, you can send it to your friends or add it to your Story.
Method 4 of 5: Getting Lenses Feature on Rooted Android Phone
Step 1. Use this method to get Lenses feature on Snapchat installed on rooted Android device
The Lenses feature can be used on Android devices with the Android operating system version 5.0 or later. However, some devices cannot support this feature, even if the operating system used is version 5.0 or later. You can get around this problem by rooting your device. Gaining root access for Android devices is no easy feat, and the process is different for every different Android device. However, it's possible that you can find rooting guides for specific devices on wikiHow.
Read the article on how to root an Android phone using the UnlockRoot application as a general guide to rooting various Android devices/
Step 2. Install the Xposed framework on a rooted Android device
The Xposed framework is a setting that allows you to add modules that can affect the system and the nature or characteristics of the apps installed on your device. The Xposed installation file can be downloaded here. However, keep in mind that Xposed can only be run on previously rooted devices.
Step 3. Run the downloaded Xposed installation file on your device
Xposed installation will begin immediately.
Step 4. Open the “Framework” menu on the Xposed app
After that, touch the “Install/Update” option. After a while, the Superuser prompt will appear on the device screen.
Step 5. Tap on “Grant” for Xposed to get superuser authorization
With this authority in place, Xposed can make changes to the system files of your Android device.
Step 6. Restart your device when prompted
At this point, the Xposed installation process is complete.
Step 7. Run the Xposed installer app
Now you can install a module that 'tricks' Snapchat into making it appear as if you are using a device that supports Snapchat and the Lenses feature.
Step 8. Select the “Download” menu option
This option allows you to search for and download new modules to install on your phone.
Step 9. Touch the search button and type in “SnapchatLensesEnabler”
These keywords will return only one search result.
Step 10. Tap on “SnapchatLensesEnabler” option to open the module details page
You will see several options and a description of the module.
Step 11. Touch “Download” to download the module
The module will be downloaded to your device and the download will take a few minutes.
Step 12. Install the module after the download is complete
The module installation process will take a few moments.
Step 13. Open the “Modules” menu
In this menu, a list of available modules will be displayed.
Step 14. Check the small box that is next to “SnapchatLensesEnabler”
The new module will be activated.
Step 15. Reboot your device and open the Snapchat app
Now, you can use the Lenses feature by pressing and holding the face on your camera screen.
Method 5 of 5: Getting Lenses Feature on a Jailbroken iPhone
Step 1. Use this method if you are using an iPhone with a version older than iPhone 5, and you have previously jailbroken your iPhone
If you're using an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S and have jailbroken it, you can install a Cydia tweak that can trick Snapchat into making it look like your iPhone is the latest version of the iPhone. With this tweak, you can use the Lenses feature on unsupported devices. This method requires you to jailbreak your phone and install Cydia which, unfortunately, will not be explained in this article. To find out how to jailbreak an iOS operating system device (including iPhone and iPad), you can read an article on how to jailbreak an iPod Touch (the article is written in English).
Step 2. Update your Snapchat app via the App Store
Follow how to update Snapchat on iPhone described in the previous method to make sure you are using the latest version of the Snapchat app.
Step 3. Open the Cydia app on your jailbroken iPhone
The Cydia app can be found on your iPhone's Home Screen. Cydia is a jailbreak package manager app that you need to use to install Snapchat tweaks.
Step 4. Look for the “SCLenses4All” tweak
You can get this tweak from the 'BigBoss' repository (one of the repositories available in the app's native settings), so you can get it easily without looking further in other Cydia repositories.
Step 5. Go to the “SCLenses4All” detail page
Make sure the page is created by Jon Luca DeCaro.
Step 6. Touch the “Install” button
The tweak will then be added to the install queue list.
Step 7. Touch the “Confirm” button to start the installation
The downloaded tweak file is small, so the download will only take a few moments.
Step 8. Once the tweak is installed successfully, launch the Snapchat app
Once the tweak has been installed, you can start using Snapchat's Lenses feature. However, keep in mind that minor errors or malfunctions may occur because your device may not actually support the Lenses feature.
