Snapchat has long been a mobile-only messaging app, but recently the company introduced Snapchat for Web, allowing users to access Snapchat from their computer’s web browser. Here is a detailed guide on how to use Snapchat messaging on your computer.
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Getting Started with Snapchat for Web
To use Snapchat for Web:
- Go to web.snapchat.com in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browser. Unfortunately, it does not currently work on other browsers like Firefox or Safari.
- Log in using your Snapchat username and password.
- You may need to connect your Snapchat mobile app to verify your identity. Approve the login attempt when prompted on your mobile device.
Once logged in, you’ll see your Snapchat inbox and can start chatting or making calls just like on mobile.
Key Features of Snapchat for Web
Snapchat for Web allows you to:
- Send and receive messages – Carry on conversations or start new message threads.
- Make voice and video calls – Call friends using your computer’s microphone and webcam.
- Use Chat Reactions and Chat Reply – React to messages and directly reply to specific messages in chats.
- Send photo and video Snaps (coming soon) – Snapchat indicates support for sending Snaps from the web version is coming soon.
However, some features are not yet supported on Snapchat for Web, including:
- Viewing Snaps sent to you
- Posting Stories
- Using Lenses
So you’ll still need the Snapchat mobile app for some things.
Tips for Using Snapchat Messaging on Computer
Here are some tips to get the most out of Snapchat messaging on your desktop:
Customize Notifications
- Enable desktop notifications in your browser settings to get notifications of new Snapchat messages on your computer.
Stay Organized
- Use the left sidebar to quickly jump between chats instead of endlessly scrolling.
- Pin your favorite friends to the top of the sidebar for easy access.
Enhance Privacy
- Log out of Snapchat for Web when done to prevent others from accessing your account from an unlocked computer.
- For added security, use a privacy screen filter on your monitor to block side views.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
- Press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + A to open the shortcut menu and take quick actions like starting a new chat.
- Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + M to mute notifications if you need to focus.
Who Can Use Snapchat for Web?
Snapchat for Web is currently only available for Snapchat+ subscribers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and a few other countries. Snapchat+ is a paid subscription plan costing $3.99 per month.
However, Snapchat indicates they will roll out Snapchat for Web access for all users globally in the future after this initial launch phase.
So normal Snapchat users worldwide will eventually gain desktop access as well, but it remains unclear when exactly the global rollout will happen.
The Future of Snapchat on Computers
The introduction of Snapchat for Web opens exciting possibilities to use Snapchat messaging and calling more seamlessly across devices.
No longer limited to tiny mobile screens, Snapchat on desktop promises fewer disruptions to conversations throughout the day. Users can more comfortably continue chats or make lengthy video calls from their computer screen.
As Snapchat brings more features like sending Snaps to the web experience over time, we can expect the desktop and mobile Snapchat experiences to function nearly identically.
The convenience of cross-device access will likely make Snapchat messaging a key part of many users’ desktop workflow. But mobile will probably remain the best way to fully utilize Snapchat’s creative tools.
Either way, supporting computers is a major step forward as Snapchat continues to evolve as a messaging platform.
