63% of Snapchat users open the application every day. That’s just one fact. There are many on the net when you’ll do a quick Google trawl.
Snapchat is an extremely popular social media platform.
It’s unique as compared to other platforms, which only let you share media and textual thoughts.
Snaps have become the preferred way of communication for over 73% of Gen Z users.
Unfortunately, unlike other platforms, Snapchat doesn’t have an individual app for PCs.
If you want to use it on your computer, there isn’t an official way. However, there’s a workaround that is simple enough to attempt the first time.
So, if you are quite excited to download Snapchat for PC, scroll below to know how to do it.
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a social media and multimedia messaging app (or a social media platform akin to Facebook and Instagram) which is all the rage in 2021.
Headed by co-founder Evan Spiegel, it directly competes with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even WhatsApp.
The essence of Snapchat is that users send a picture, video, or message which is accessible only for a short time before it becomes unavailable.
This short-term aspect of the app promotes a more natural flow of communication.
Moreover, Snapchat’s developer is a public corporation called Snap, which is another name for the platform.
The only downside is that it hasn’t been ported to the Windows platform yet.
How to download Snapchat for PC
Now that you are crystal clear as to what Snapchat stands for, let’s get down to business – downloading or using Snapchat for PC.
The following isn’t new for many readers, as it has been around for years.
Even though Windows 11 supports some Android apps, it isn’t fully functional yet.
So, who should we turn to? Emulators! Yes, emulators are an easy answer to any app-not-ported-on-Windows problem.
There are various emulators to choose from. But for the sake of this article, I’ll be using BlueStacks, considered to be one of the best Android emulators.
Downloading the Emulator
Firstly, download BlueStacks on your PC from here.
As I have mentioned already, there are quite a few emulators, and I have covered them extensively.
If you don’t know what do emulators do, then I’ll explain it briefly.
Emulators can be a software program or a hardware device (known as a host) that emulates the functions of another computer system (known as the guest).
They imitate hardware, software, OS or CPU, depending on which emulator you choose.
For instance, you can use Android applications – which are made for an entirely different platform – on a Windows/Mac laptop.
Process of setting up the Emulator
Now that you have downloaded the BlueStacks emulator (or any one of your choice), install it and set it up. It will take approximately 5 minutes.
When the emulator is completely installed, launch it on your PC.
You’ll have to sign in with your phone’s Google email ID. It’s easier than making a new one. Moreover, all your apps will be in the Google Play Store.
Launch the Play Store.
Now, download Snapchat
The next step is pretty easy – type ‘Snapchat’ in the search bar. When you see the icon, tap on ‘Install’ to emulate it on your PC.
FAQs
Can you download Snapchat on a computer?
Not officially. But if you are desperate to use Snapchat on your computer, then an Android emulator is the only choice you have. Not just Snapchat, you can install any app and or games on your PC using a good emulator.
Can you use Snapchat on a computer without an emulator?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an official way to use Snapchat on a computer. So, you are only left with one option and that is using an efficient emulator.
Can we use Snapchat on Chromebooks?
Yes, you can use Snapchat on Chromebooks with similar effectiveness. The installation process takes only a few minutes.
What happens to sent Snapchats?
Snapchats are saved on Snapchat’s servers. But you don’t need to worry, as Snapchat’s privacy policy clearly states that all photos, videos, and messages are deleted from servers after it’s been viewed by all recipients. If not, they are deleted after 30 days.
How do I get my Snapchat to work?
If your Snapchat app isn’t working, try the following fixes:
- Clear the cache and force stop the app.
- Check for a new update – both for your phone and app.
- Ensure that you are connected to an active internet connection.
- See if your smartphone is low on storage.
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Delete and reinstall the Snapchat app.
Wrapping it up
This is how you can download Snapchat for PC.
Even though many people prefer to use Snapchat on their smartphones, those on their computers all the time would want to use it on it.
While the emulator is a quick solution, unless Snapchat makes an official version for PCs, it will still be a half-baked experience.
If you don’t mind the fuss in installing the emulator and going forward with the process, this is relatively an easy way for you!
What are your thoughts on using Snapchat on a personal computer? Have you ever tried it? Do you know any other method than the one explained in this article?
Tell us in the comments below.
