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How to Allow Camera Access on Snapchat

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Co-authored by Ben Whitehair and Ellie Salyers

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Fact Checked

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Is Snapchat unable to access your iPhone or Android's camera? If you're seeing an error that says you must enable camera access, you'll just need to make a quick settings change to give Snapchat permission to your camera. This wikiHow article will give you an easy way to allow camera access on Snapchat using iPhone settings, Android settings, or the Snapchat app settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

iPhone Settings

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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The app icon is gray with a gear icon inside.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is located next to a blue icon with a hand inside. ^{[1]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is located next to a gray icon with a camera inside.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If camera access isn’t turned on for Snapchat, the toggle switch will be gray. Simply tap on it to allow access, and the switch will turn green. ^{[2]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Now that you’ve turned the camera on for Snapchat, you should be able to take a photo or video.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Android Settings

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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is a gray or blue icon shaped like a gear, and you'll find it in your app list. ^{[3]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is located near the top of your screen. ^{[4]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Tap on Snapchat . Scroll until you see this button next to the Snapchat app icon.
- If you don't see Snapchat, tap All Apps first.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is located near the middle of the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is located next to a camera icon.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This will now grant camera access to Snapchat. ^{[5]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Now that you’ve turned the camera on for Snapchat, you should be able to take a photo or video.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Snapchat Settings

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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is an alternative if the first methods didn’t work for you. First just open the Snapchat app–the icon is yellow with a white ghost inside.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is in the top left corner. ^{[6]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is the gear icon located in the top right corner. ^{[7]
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Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

4
Tap on Manage . Scroll down until you find this button underneath “Additional Services.” ^{[8]
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- You can skip this step if you are using an Android. ^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The text should appear red if you have not granted camera access yet. ^{[10]
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{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You should see the text, “Tap to enable,” next to this if you haven’t granted camera access yet. You have now successfully allowed camera access to Snapchat.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is in the top left corner.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-20.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is located at the bottom of your screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-21.jpg\/v4-728px-Allow-Camera-Access-on-Snapchat-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Now that you’ve turned the camera on for Snapchat, you should be able to take a photo or video.

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References

More References (1)

↑ https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012349781652-How-do-I-change-my-Snapchat-permissions-on-iOS

About This Article

Co-authored by:

Social Media Expert

This article was co-authored by Ben Whitehair and by wikiHow staff writer, Ellie Salyers . Ben Whitehair is a Social Media Expert and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of TSMA Consulting. With over a decade of experience in the social media space, he specializes in leveraging social media for business and building relationships. He also focuses on social media’s impact on the entertainment industry. Ben graduated summa cum laude from The University of Colorado at Boulder with BAs in Theatre and Political Science as well as a Leadership Certificate. In addition to his work as CIO, Ben is a certified business and mindset coach and National Board Member of SAG-AFTRA. He is also a successful entrepreneur as the Co-Founder of Working.Actor, the premier business academy and coaching community for actors. This article has been viewed 31,721 times.

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Co-authors: 5

Updated: May 7, 2024

Views: 31,721

Categories: Snapchat

Article Summary X

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Privacy.
3. Tap on Camera .
4. Tap on Snapchat.
5. Open Snapchat.
6. Take a photo or video.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 31,721 times.

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