What Does 'Pending' Mean on Snapchat and How Can You Fix It?

On Snapchat, "Pending" means the Snap or message you sent has not been delivered yet. The most common reason is that the recipient has not added you back as a friend, so the message is stuck waiting for their approval.

What does 'pending' mean on Snapchat?

Seeing "Pending" on Snapchat means the app has not delivered your Snap or chat message to the recipient. The primary cause is that the person you are trying to reach has not added you back, though the issue can also stem from a poor connection or a temporary app glitch.

Why does a Snapchat message say 'pending'?

A Snapchat message shows "Pending" for several documented reasons:

• The recipient has not added you back as a friend.
• The recipient unfriended you.
• Your internet connection is weak or unstable.
• The Snapchat app has a temporary glitch or bug.
• Snapchat's servers are experiencing an outage.

How to fix the Snapchat pending error

Try these troubleshooting steps in order, starting with the most common fix. Each step helps isolate or resolve the cause of the pending status.

1. Check if you're Snapchat friends

   Open the Chat tab and tap the profile icon of the person you are messaging. Look for sections like Chat Attachments, Saved in Chat, and Snap Map. If these sections are missing, you are not friends with that user, and the pending message will only deliver once they add you back.

2. Send a snap to another friend

   Send a Snap or message to a different person you know is your friend. If that message delivers normally, the problem is specific to the first recipient, likely because they have not added you back. If the second message also shows "Pending," the issue is with your connection or the app itself.

3. Check your internet connection

   Open a web page in your browser to test if your Wi-Fi or mobile data is working. If the page loads slowly or fails, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or toggle Airplane mode on for ten seconds and then off to reset the network connection.

4. Restart the Snapchat app

   Fully close Snapchat and reopen it. On an iPhone, use the App Switcher to swipe the app off the screen. On an Android device, go to Settings, tap Apps, find Snapchat, and select Force Stop. Then relaunch the app to clear temporary glitches.

   
   

   
   

5. Clear the Snapchat cache

   In Snapchat, tap your profile icon, then tap the gear icon. Go to 'App & Privacy' → 'My Privacy & Data' → 'Manage My Data' → 'Clear Cache' → 'Clear.' On the confirmation screen, the button wording differs by platform: 'Clear All' on iOS or 'Continue' on Android in some help flows, while the main cache article shows 'Clear.' This removes built-up data without deleting your Memories or personal content.

   
   

6. Update the Snapchat app

   Check the App Store on iOS or Google Play Store on Android for any pending Snapchat updates. Installing the latest version can fix bugs that cause the pending error.

   
   

   
   

7. Restart your phone

   Snapchat’s official support page recommends turning off the device for one full minute and turning it back on, not just a generic restart. This clears software glitches that may interfere with message delivery.

8. Reinstall the Snapchat app

   If other steps fail, uninstall Snapchat and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store. This resolves persistent software conflicts that a simple restart or cache clear cannot fix.

9. Check if Snapchat is down

   Visit Downdetector or check the official Snapchat Support account on social, messaging and account apps to see if a server-side outage is causing the pending status. If Snapchat is down, you will need to wait for the service to be restored.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'Pending' on Snapchat mean blocked or unfriended?

No, "Pending" does not mean you are blocked. If you were blocked, the person would not appear in your Chat list at all. It is possible they unfriended you, which would prevent message delivery and show "Pending."

What does 'Pending' mean on Snapchat but we're still friends?

If you are certain you are still friends, the pending status is likely caused by a weak internet connection, a temporary app glitch, or a Snapchat server outage. Try restarting the app, checking your connection, or waiting for the service to recover.

How do I know if someone unfriended me on Snapchat?

Go to the person's profile. If you are still friends, you will see sections like Snap Map, Saved in Chat, and Chat Attachments, along with options to send a Snap, message, or call. If none of these appear, you have been unfriended.

How to know if a message on Snapchat is pending

If a message is pending, the chat box shows the exact notice: 'Your snaps and chats will be pending until [Snapchat user’s name] adds you as a friend.'