A Snapstreak — the 🔥 fire with a number — is one of Snapchat’s most addictive features. Here’s how streaks really work, how to keep one alive, and how to get a lost streak back.
Quick answer
A Snapstreak starts when you and a friend send each other a snap (photo or video — not a chat) within 24 hours for three days in a row. To keep it, both of you must snap each other at least once every 24 hours. Miss the window and the fire disappears — but you may be able to restore it.
The rules in plain English
- Snaps only. Text chats, voice notes, story replies and group snaps don’t count. It must be a direct photo or video snap, both ways.
- Every 24 hours. The clock runs from your last successful exchange, not from midnight.
- ⌛ Hourglass = last call. It appears roughly four hours before the streak expires. Send a snap immediately.
- The number next to the fire is the streak’s day count; 💯 marks 100 days.
How to keep a streak alive
- Send at least one photo/video snap to that friend every day — and make sure they send one back.
- Set a daily reminder if you’re prone to forgetting (many people snap first thing in the morning).
- If you’ll be offline, snap early in your window so you have buffer.
How to restore a lost streak
Option 1 — Snapchat+ Restore
Snapchat+ subscribers get a Restore Streak button on the chat. It works for streaks lost within the last few days and keeps the original count. Snapchat+ includes a limited number of restores per month.
Option 2 — Support form (free)
- Go to Snapchat Support and open the “My Snapstreaks disappeared” form.
- Enter your username, email, phone, the friend’s username and when the streak was lost.
- Submit as soon as possible — requests within 24 hours of the loss have the best chance.
Restores aren’t guaranteed, especially if the streak was already showing the hourglass or if either of you missed the window by a lot.
FAQ
Do chats keep a streak going?
No — only direct photo/video snaps count, and both people have to send one within 24 hours.
How long do I have when the hourglass appears?
Roughly four hours before the streak ends. Send a snap right away to be safe.
Can I get a streak back without Snapchat+?
Yes, through the free support form — but it’s less reliable than the Snapchat+ Restore button and works best if you submit quickly.
Why did my streak disappear even though I snapped?
Common causes: the snap failed to send on a weak connection, you sent a chat instead of a snap, or your friend didn’t snap back in time.
