Honestly, it is a little weird that we’re still asking this, but here we are in 2026 and the "2026 is the new 2016" trend has everyone scrambling to find that iconic dog filter again. You’ve seen the TikToks. Everyone is suddenly obsessed with flower crowns and that grainy, high-contrast look that defined a decade ago. But if you haven't opened the app in a while, things look... different.
Snapchat isn't just a place to send disappearing photos anymore. It’s basically a full-blown augmented reality (AR) engine now. With the launch of the consumer-grade Specs smart glasses this year and the rollout of Snap OS 2.0, the way we interact with these overlays has shifted from simple "swiping" to complex AI-driven experiences.
If you’re wondering how do you use the snapchat filters, you first have to understand that the app splits things into two buckets: Filters and Lenses. Most people call everything a "filter," but that’s technically wrong. Filters are the static overlays you add after you take a photo. Lenses are the crazy AR things that change your face in real-time before you hit the shutter.
Getting the Basics Right: The Swipe and The Tap
First things first. You can’t use anything if your settings are locked down.
- Open Snapchat and tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left.
- Hit that gear icon (Settings) in the top-right.
- Look for "Additional Services" and tap "Manage."
- Make sure the "Filters" toggle is green. If you don't see this, don't panic; most modern versions of the app have this enabled by default now.
Now, for the actual magic. To use a Lens (the face-changing stuff), you just tap on your face in the camera view. A carousel of circles pops up at the bottom. Swipe through them. You'll see the classics, but you’ll also see new AI-powered ones that can translate signs in real-time or even identify the calories in the sandwich you're about to eat.
👉 See also: The Truth About Every Chat GPT Plagiarism Checker: What Actually Works
To use a Filter (the color grades, time, or location tags), you take the photo first. Just tap the big shutter button. Once the photo is captured, swipe left or right across the screen. You'll see things like the current temperature, your speed (don’t do this while driving, seriously), and Geofilters based on where you’re standing.
The "Layering" Trick No One Uses
Did you know you can stack these? Say you found a cool black-and-white filter but you also want to show the 18:00 timestamp.
- Apply the first filter.
- Hold one finger down on the screen to "lock" it.
- Use another finger to swipe for the second filter.
It’s a bit of a thumb-gymnastics move, but it makes your Snaps look way less basic.
The 2026 Shift: AI Lenses and Lens Explorer
The game changed recently with Snap OS 2.0. We’re seeing a lot more "World Lenses" now. Instead of just putting dog ears on your head, these lenses map the room. You can literally drop a 3D Bitmoji on your couch and walk around it.
If you’re looking for a specific vibe—like that 2016 throwback—you need Lens Explorer.
- Open the camera.
- Tap the smiley face icon (the Lens icon).
- Look for the magnifying glass.
- Search for "2016" or "Dog Filter."
Because of the "2026 is the new 2016" phenomenon, creators have been uploading "Lo-Fi" filters that intentionally make your high-res iPhone or Android camera look like a potato. It's ironic, sure, but it's the trend.
Why Some Filters Just... Disappear
It’s frustrating. You find a filter that makes your skin look perfect, and the next day it’s gone. This happens because many filters are "Sponsored" or "Community" creations. Brands like Disney or Nike pay to have a lens in the main carousel for a few days.
Community lenses, created in Lens Studio, are often temporary too. If you love one, tap the little "i" icon or the heart icon when you’re using it to save it to your "Favorites." This keeps it in your tray forever, even if the creator stops promoting it.
Troubleshooting the "No Filters" Glitch
If you’re swiping and nothing is happening, it’s almost always a location permission issue. Snapchat needs to know where you are to give you the local Geofilters (like the name of your city).
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and make sure Snapchat is set to "While Using." On Android, it’s under Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Permissions. Also, check your internet. If you’re on spotty 5G, the heavier AR lenses simply won't load. They’re basically mini-programs, and they need a solid connection to download the assets.
Actionable Tips for Better Snaps
Stop just using the first filter you see. To really master how you use the snapchat filters, try these:
- Check the "Context Cards": Swipe up on a snap with a filter. Sometimes it'll give you more info about the artist or the location.
- Use the "Voice Search": In the Lens Explorer, you can literally say "Make me look like a lizard," and the AI will find the best match. It’s surprisingly accurate now.
- Create Your Own: You don’t need to be a coder. Lens Studio has templates where you can just upload a photo and it turns it into a filter.
The most important thing to remember is that Snapchat is leaning heavily into spatial intelligence. If you’re still only using the "Beauty" filters, you’re missing out on the "Cookmate" lenses that show you recipes based on the ingredients on your counter or the "Super Travel" lenses that convert currency as you look at a menu.
Check your "Favorites" list today and clear out the old 2024 clutter to make room for the new AI-integrated overlays that are actually useful.