How to Fix “Photo mode only” on Snapchat

Are you getting a “Photo mode only” error on Snapchat and do you want to fix it?

If yes, you won’t be able to record a video using a filter on Snapchat.

You can only use the photo if you are taking a photo of anyone else or of yourself.

This issue is very common if you’re trying to use new filters such as the crying filter.

Likewise, the problem is common if you’re an Android device user.

iPhone users do not report this error for now.

In this post, I will tell you how to fix “Photo mode only” on Snapchat and alternatives to the crying filter.

What does “Photo mode only” mean on Snapchat?

Photo mode only means that you can only use the filter on Snapchat when you take a photo.

You cannot use the filter for recording because it will not work.

The error message is usually displayed on android phones.

It can happen because of a bug/glitch on the app.

If you’re an iPhone user, you will not get the error.

In some cases, you might still get the error even if you are an iPhone user because you are using an old version.

Certain filters especially the new ones, aren’t compatible with the devices especially Android devices.

Consequently, you might not be able to use the new filters.

It will be an irritating experience as it will not let you use the trending filters.

As a result, you will lose the chance to become the trend.

How to fix “Photo mode only” on Snapchat

To fix “Photo mode only” on Snapchat, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the application.

On the other hand, you can use the “Sad face” filter on Instagram or the “Unhappy” filter of TikTok.

Although they are not exactly the same, both of these filters are closest to the filter on Snapchat.

Having said that, the original crying filter on Snapchat was developed by Snapchat and not by the user.

On the other hand, the crying filters on TikTok and Instagram are user-created.

Before you start using the filter, you should remove and reinstall the Snapchat app.

As a result, the app will be updated and the cache of the app will be cleared.

Consequently, it will fix the “Photo mode only” error on Snapchat.

The next thing you want to ensure that you’ve allowed camera access for Snapchat.

If the error is not fixed, you can try a couple of crying filter alternatives below.

#1: Use the “Unhappy” filter on TikTok

Another substitute for the crying filter on Snapchat is the unhappy filter on TikTok.

TikTok has created an unhappy filter after keeping in view the success of Snapchat’s crying filter.

The filter is almost similar to the crying filter on Snapchat.

1. Firstly, go to TikTok and tap on the “+” icon.
2. Tap on “Effects”.
3. Tap on the search icon.
4. Search for the term “Unhappy”.
5. Tap on “Unhappy” to use the filter.
6. Record yourself or someone else with the filter.

You can search for other alternatives by tapping on the search icon.

TikTok is also replete with filters and unhappy filter is just one of them.

If you are unable to use a filter on Snapchat due to the “Photo mode only” error, you can find the filter on TikTok.

#2: Use the “Sad face” filter on Instagram

The next alternative to the crying filter on Snapchat is the “Sad face” filter that is available on Instagram.

The sad face filter on Snapchat is created by an AR creator @biancagarutti.

The filter is also similar to the crying filter on Snapchat.

Apart from this filter, you can also use multiple other crying and sad filters on Instagram.

1. Firstly, go to Instagram and visit your profile.
2. Tap on your profile picture.
3. Tap on the camera grid.
4. Scroll to the extreme right of the effects carousel.
5. Now, tap on “Browse effects”.
6. Use the search icon by tapping on it.
7. Search for the term “Sad face”.
8. Select the “Sad face” filter.
9. Record yourself or someone else using the filter.

There are many filters available in the effects if you don’t want to use the “Sad face” filter.

You need to use the search icon and search for the filter that you want to use.

You can also go through the first page of the effect gallery and choose a filter of your desire.

Final Words

You can use every filter on Snapchat due to device compatibility issues.

In some cases, you cannot use a filter because of a bug/glitch.

In this case, you can use similar filters available on other social media apps.

The options are TikTok’s and Instagram’s effect gallery.

There is a great chance that the filters available on Snapchat are on TikTok and Instagram too.

If everything is not working, you can try using another device like an iPhone instead of an Android device.

You can also create your own filters on Snapchat and submit on this URL: https://create.snapchat.com/.

You need to keep in mind that this option is not available for every country yet.

What’s Next

Good, Funny, and Cute Snapchat Names

How to Get the Invisible Filter on Snapchat

How to Reopen Snaps on Snapchat (4 Easy Steps)