Are you getting a “Photo mode only” error on Snapchat?
If you are, you won’t be able to record a video with a filter.
You can only use the photo if you’re taking a photo of yourself or somebody else.
This error is common if you’re trying to use new filters like the crying filter.
Similarly, the error is common if you’re using an Android device.
An iPhone does not seem to have this issue.
In this guide, you’ll learn 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 Snapchat filter to take a photo.
You won’t be able to record using the filter as it will not work.
The error message usually happens on Android devices.
It can be due to a bug/glitch on the app.
If you’re using an iPhone, you shouldn’t get the error.
In some cases, you might still get the error if you’re using an old iPhone/iOS version.
Certain filters—especially newer ones, aren’t compatible with some devices.
As a result, you might not be able to use them.
It can be frustrating because you might be trying to use a trending filter but you’re unable to.
As a result, you won’t be able to take advantage of the trend.
How to fix “Photo mode only” on Snapchat
To fix “Photo mode only” on Snapchat, you can try deleting and reinstalling the app.
Alternatively, you can use the “Unhappy” filter on TikTok or the “Sad face” filter on Instagram.
Although they are not exactly lookalikes, both of these filters look similar to the filter on Snapchat.
That said, the original crying filter was developed by Snapchat and not a user.
Both TikTok’s and Instagram’s crying filters are user-created.
Before you attempt to use their filters, you should try deleting and reinstalling Snapchat first.
By doing so, the app will be updated to the latest version and its cache will be cleared.
This can fix the “Photo mode only” error on Snapchat.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve allowed camera access for Snapchat.
If that fails to fix the error, below are a couple of crying filter alternatives.
Alternative #1: Use the “Unhappy” filter on TikTok
The first alternative to the crying filter on Snapchat is the unhappy filter on TikTok.
Following Snapchat’s success with the crying filter, TikTok has created an unhappy filter.
The filter looks similar to the crying filter on Snapchat.
- Open TikTok and tap on the “+” icon.
- Tap on “Effects”.
- Tap on the search icon.
- Search for “Unhappy”.
- Tap on “Unhappy” to use the filter.
- Record yourself or someone else using the filter.
If you want to use other filters, you can search for them by tapping on the search icon.
The unhappy filter is just one of many filters on TikTok.
If there’s a filter that you cannot use on Snapchat because of the “Photo mode only” error, you can probably find it on TikTok.
Alternative #2: Use the “Sad face” filter on Instagram
The second alternative to the crying filter on Snapchat is the “Sad face” filter on Instagram.
The sad face filter is created by @biancagarutti who is an AR creator.
It looks similar (and it’s just as good) as the crying filter on Snapchat.
There are also multiple other crying and sad filters on Instagram that you can use.
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Tap on the camera grid.
- Scroll to the extreme right of the effects carousel.
- Tap on “Browse effects”.
- Tap on the search icon.
- Search for “Sad face”.
- Select the “Sad face” filter.
- Record yourself or someone else using the filter.
If you don’t want to use the “Sad face” filter, there are many other alternatives in the effect gallery.
Simply tap on the search icon and search for the filter that you want to use.
You can also browse the first page of the effect gallery and select a filter that you like.
Conclusion
Not every filter works on Snapchat because your device may not be compatible.
In some cases, a filter might not work because of a bug/glitch.
If that’s the case, you can use the filters from other social media apps.
This includes TikTok’s and Instagram’s effect gallery.
Filters that are available on Snapchat are most likely on TikTok and Instagram as well.
If all else fails, you can try using another device like an iPhone instead of an Android phone.
You can also submit filters on Snapchat here: https://create.snapchat.com/.
Keep in mind that submitting filters is not available in every region yet.
Further reading
140+ Good, Funny, and Cute Snapchat Names
