Snapchat has become a cultural phenomenon with its playful ephemeral messaging experience. Apple Watch is also hugely popular as a smart accessory for iPhone users. So it’s only natural that users want to combine them to enjoy Snapchat from their wrist.
Unfortunately, Snapchat doesn’t offer an official Apple Watch app yet. However, workarounds exist, such as accessing the Snapchat mobile website from the Apple Watch browser or using third-party apps like SnapWatch. These provide basic functionality to view Stories, exchange Snaps, apply filters, and more directly on your Apple Watch.
This guide will cover using different methods to set up and use Snapchat on the Apple Watch. We’ll also troubleshoot issues like connectivity problems or glitches. With some easy workarounds, you can discreetly Snap from anywhere using your smartwatch’s camera and notifications. Let’s explore how!
Introducing Snapchat and Apple Watch
For context, let’s briefly look at what exactly Snapchat and Apple Watch are:
Snapchat is a popular messaging app for iOS and Android focused on sharing photos, videos and texts that disappear after being viewed. Popular Snapchat features include:
- Snapping disappearing photos/videos to friends
- Viewing Snapchat Stories from connections
- Fun face filters and lenses for photos/videos
- Video chatting with friends
- Constant new updates like games and media content
Apple Watch is a smartwatch designed by Apple that integrates closely with the iPhone. Notable Apple Watch features include:
- Viewing iPhone notifications on the wrist
- Messaging and calling from the watch
- Fitness and health tracking capabilities
- App ecosystem with Apple Watch versions of popular apps
- Handy tools like alarms, timers, weather and more
Now that you know about Snapchat and Apple Watch let’s look at why you may want to use them together.
Benefits of Using Snapchat on Apple Watch
Here are some great reasons for accessing Snapchat on your Apple Watch:
- Quick alerts for Snap messages on the go
- Discreetly view Snap Stories from your wrist
- Privately send photo and video Snaps from anywhere
- Conveniently reply to Snapchats without pulling out your iPhone
- Easily capture and share moments happening in the moment
- Show off fun watch face Snapchat lenses and filters
The Apple Watch’s wrist-based alerts and handy cameras allow you to instantly act on Snapchat notifications as soon as you receive them.
Accessing Snapchat on Apple Watch Using the Website
Since Snapchat doesn’t have an official Apple Watch app, the easiest way to access it on your smartwatch is simply via the web browser:
1. Hold Siri on your Apple Watch.
2. Say “Google Search“
3. Tap the search bar and select Microphone
4. And say “Snapchat Online.”
5. Tap “Login Snapchat” on your search results.
6. Login with your Snapchat account.
7. On the top left corner, tap the “Magnifying icon.”
8. You can use Snapchat on an Apple watch.
While basic, the mobile website lets you conveniently utilize Snapchat directly from Apple Watch until an official app is available.
Using Third-Party Apple Watch Apps for Snapchat
If you want richer Snapchat features on your Apple Watch beyond the web, third-party apps can help.
SnapWatch is one of the most popular, offering quick access to notifications, Stories, messaging, filters and more.
To use it:
1. Download the SnapWatch app on your Apple Watch via the App Store.
2. Pair SnapWatch with your iPhone’s Snapchat.
3. The Apple Watch app will now mirror Snapchat functions and notifications.
4. View, send, reply to Snapchats conveniently from your wrist!
Be sure to check reviews and ratings for reliability before choosing a third-party Snapchat app.
Sending, Viewing and Replying to Snapchats on Apple Watch
Once you have Snapchat access set up on your Apple Watch via web or an app, here is how to use basic features:
- View Stories – Swipe left to right to see Snapchat Stories from your connections.
- Send Snaps – Take a photo with the Apple Watch camera or select from Memories to Snap friends.
- Receive Snaps – Alerts will notify you of incoming Snaps, which you can view on your watch.
- Reply to Snaps – When receiving a Snap, force press the message to reply back with text/photo.
- Filters & Lenses – Enable lenses from the Apple Watch Snapchat app interface if supported.
- Chat – Select a chat to view Snaps exchanged or send text messages.
While not as robust as the mobile experience, you’ll have quick wrist access to Snapchat’s core features.
Troubleshooting Problems with Snapchat on Apple Watch
Can’t get Snapchat working properly on your Apple Watch? Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Update Snapchat app on your iPhone for latest Apple Watch support.
- Restart both devices to clear out any software glitches.
- Check for connectivity issues and reconnect Bluetooth, WiFi or cellular as needed.
- For third-party apps, ensure Snapchat linkage works and all notifications are enabled.
- Reinstall the Apple Watch Snapchat/third-party app and set up again if needed.
- Consult app support for help if problems persist after trying the above.
With some basic troubleshooting, you’ll be Snapchatting from your wrist in no time!
Best Practices for Using Snapchat on Apple Watch
To get the best experience using Snapchat on your Apple Watch, keep these tips in mind:
- Close inactive Snapchats in the app to avoid draining watch battery.
- Adjust your notifications to filter for priority Snap alerts only.
- Use audio messages and Bitmojis on your wrist to make sending Snaps easier.
- View Stories when you have free time to avoid getting distracted by notifications.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb on your watch while driving or in meetings to avoid disruptions.
- Save Snaps to Memories on iPhone so they are accessible on the Apple Watch.
FAQ
Q1: Does Snapchat drain Apple Watch battery life faster?
A: Yes, running Snapchat on Apple Watch can drain battery life faster especially if you have a lot of notifications enabled. Manage notifications and usage to optimize battery.
Q2: Can I use Snapchat lenses and filters on Apple Watch?
A: It depends on the method. The web app has limited functionality while third-party apps may provide access to more lenses, filters and effects.
Q3: Is using Snapchat on Apple Watch secure?
A: Using reputable third-party apps or the official website on your watch should be secure. Avoid sketchy third-party apps with security issues.
Q4: What happens to Snapchat when I uninstall the third-party Apple Watch app?
A: Uninstalling the third-party app will simply remove Snapchat functionality from your Apple Watch. It won’t affect the core Snapchat app on your iPhone.
