Snapchat is a fun messaging app that allows you to send snaps and texts to your friends on the app. You can also send media to your stories, meaning the app must access your photos/gallery.

If you’ve ever had a pop-up message saying you must allow access and you don’t know how, this article is meant for you.

We have the solutions for you whether you’re using an Android or iOS device.

This article details how you can grant access and solutions to problems that might now allow you to grant access.

Why Should Snapchat Have Access to Your Photos/Media?

Snapchat is the social platform that lets you capture fleeting moments to share with your friends. This is because the app launches instantly to a camera and lets you capture/record moments with a simple touch. However, it also has the “Story” feature, where you can post photos or videos you record or have on your phone’s media.

  • Why Should Snapchat Have Access to Your Photos/Media?Allowing Snapchat Access to Your Photos on an iOS DeviceAllowing Snapchat Access to Your Photos on an Android DeviceHow To Fix Issues With Your Snapchat Accessing Your PhotosConclusion

For the part where you post or upload photos/videos, you must grant the app access to your phone’s media. Without this access, Snapchat will not be able to read your files, and you won’t be able to post an already-taken photo or video on your story. You also won’t be able to send a photo/video to your friends as messages.

The app will likely display an error message or will give you a prompt to grant access to your media if you try uploading a photo/video. However, in the following headings, you’ll see the detailed steps involved in granting Snapchat access to your photos, whether on an iOS or Android device.

Allowing Snapchat Access to Your Photos on an iOS Device

If you’re using an iPhone, granting Snapchat access to your photos is quite simple. But, of course, you also have the choice to grant Snapchat access to only photos you select, and it can all be done in the steps listed below.

  • Launch your Settings app.Scroll to and tap on Snapchat.You’ll see a list of options, including a microphone, camera, and photos.Tap on “Photos”.Select “All photos”.

However, if you don’t want Snapchat to access all your photos, in case you have sensitive media, you can pick the ones you want it to.

In the options you find in the “Photos” menu, click on “Selected Photos”. Your phone’s media should open to you, and then you can pick the photos you want accessible via Snapchat. Once done, go back to Snapchat and access all upload/send any media you want.

Allowing Snapchat Access to Your Photos on an Android Device

If you’re using an Android device, you can also grant Snapchat access to your photos. However, unlike an iOS device, you can’t select what photos you want the app to access. You can only grant and retract the permission anytime you want it.

The steps to granting Snapchat access are listed below:

  • Launch your phone’s settings app.Scroll to “Apps”.Select Snapchat and tap on “Permissions”.Click on “Files and Media”.Tap on “Allow access to media only”.

Once you’re done, you can go back to Snapchat to upload and send media as you want.

How To Fix Issues With Your Snapchat Accessing Your Photos

As mentioned earlier, if your Snapchat still refuses to access your photos, you might need to clear your cache, restart the app, or update it.

Clearing the cache deletes temporarily accumulated files that might be corrupt.

You can clear this directly from the Snapchat app, as listed below:

  • Launch your Snapchat.Click on the bitmoji at the top left of your screen.Tap on the settings icon to the right of your profile page.Scroll down to account actions and tap on “Clear cache”.Confirm that you want to clear the cache.

If this doesn’t work, your app might be outdated, and you should update it from your Playstore or App Store.

Here’s how to update your Snapchat in five simple steps:

  • Launch your Play Store or App Store.Type Snapchat into the search box and click “Search”.Click on the official app.Tap on “Update”.Wait for the app to download and install.

If this method still doesn’t work, it may be a glitch with your phone.

A tiny glitch on your mobile device can always be fixed by restarting the phone. You’ll find the power button of either your Android or iPhone on the side of the phone. Hold it down and wait for a pop-up menu. Tap on the option that says “Restart”. Wait for your phone to come back on, launch your Snapchat, and try uploading a photo/video.

Conclusion

With this, you can easily grant access to your Snapchat so you can send/upload your photos and videos as you like on the app.

If none of these methods still work for you, it could be a more advanced setting with your phone, so be sure to check how permission settings work on your phone model.