Top Snapchat Privacy Settings You Need to Know About

Snapchat is a fun social media app that lets users share photos, videos, and messages. However, privacy and security are crucial, especially when using an app where content disappears quickly. To help you stay safe and protect your information, here are some top Snapchat privacy settings you need to know about. This guide covers essential tips for keeping your account private while ensuring a safe experience.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Snapchat account. When this feature is turned on, you’ll need a code sent to your phone in addition to your password to log in.

How to enable Two-Factor Authentication:

• Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon.
• Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
• Scroll down to “Two-Factor Authentication” and tap on it.
• Follow the steps to set up 2FA using text messages or an authentication app.

By using 2FA, you can prevent unauthorized access to your account, even if someone knows your password.

2. Manage Who Can Contact You

Snapchat allows you to control who can send you Snaps, Chats, or view your Stories. You can choose to receive messages from “Everyone” or just “Friends.”

How to manage who can contact you:

• Go to Settings by tapping the gear icon on your profile screen.
• Under “Who Can,” tap “Contact Me.”
• Choose between “Everyone” or “My Friends.”

Setting it to “My Friends” is recommended for better privacy, as it restricts strangers from contacting you directly.

3. Control Who Can See Your Story

Your Snapchat Story is a collection of Snaps that stay visible for 24 hours. You can customize who gets to view your Story.

How to control who can see your Story:

• In the Settings menu, tap “View My Story.”
• You can choose “Everyone,” “My Friends,” or “Custom” to block specific people from viewing your Story.

Selecting “My Friends” or a custom list gives you more control over who sees your posts.

4. Use Ghost Mode on Snap Map

Snap Map allows friends to see your location when you’re active on Snapchat. If you don’t want others to know your whereabouts, you can use Ghost Mode to hide your location.

How to enable Ghost Mode:

• Open the Snap Map by pinching the screen on the main camera view.
• Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Snap Map.
• Toggle “Ghost Mode” to ON. You can choose how long you want to stay in Ghost Mode—until turned off, 3 hours, or 24 hours.

This feature is useful for staying private, especially if you don’t want to share your location all the time.

5. Disable Quick Add

Quick Add is a feature that suggests friends based on mutual contacts and other factors. If you want to keep a lower profile, you can turn this feature off.

How to disable Quick Add:

• Go to Settings.
• Scroll down to the “Who Can” section and tap “See Me in Quick Add.”
• Uncheck the box to disable Quick Add.

This will prevent others from finding your account through this feature, helping maintain your privacy.

6. Clear Your Search History

Regularly clearing your Snapchat search history can help protect your privacy and prevent your app from lagging.

How to clear your search history:

• In the Settings menu, scroll down to “Account Actions.”
• Tap “Clear Search History” and confirm your choice.

This option helps keep your search data private and ensures the app runs smoothly.

7. Limit Data Sharing with Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps may request access to your Snapchat account for various features. Be cautious when allowing access to avoid compromising your data.

How to manage connected apps:

• Go to Settings and tap “Connected Apps.”
• Review the list of apps and remove any that you don’t recognize or no longer use by tapping on the app name and selecting “Remove.”

This setting helps you manage which apps can access your Snapchat data, keeping it safe from potential misuse.

8. Block and Report Unwanted Users

If someone is harassing you or sending inappropriate content, you can block or report the user to Snapchat.

How to block or report a user:

• Go to the person’s profile by tapping their Bitmoji or username.
• Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
• Select “Block” or “Report.”

Blocking or reporting ensures that you have a safe and pleasant experience on Snapchat.

9. Review Your Snapchat Planet in Order

Snapchat planet in order is a fun feature that shows your close friend connections based on planetary symbols. However, it’s good to review and manage who appears on this list, especially for privacy reasons.

How to review your Snapchat planet:

• Tap on your friend’s Bitmoji to open their friendship profile.
• Check the status of your Snapchat planet and decide if you’re comfortable with that level of interaction.
• Make changes to your friend list or contact settings as needed.

By managing your friend connections, you can maintain a more private and secure Snapchat experience.

10. Regularly Update Your App

Snapchat  frequently releases updates to fix bugs and enhance security features. Keeping your app up-to-date ensures you have the latest privacy and security protections.

How to check for updates:

• Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Search for Snapchat and see if there’s an available update.
• If there is, tap “Update” to install the latest version.

Conclusion

Using these privacy settings on Snapchat will help you stay safe and control your social media experience. Whether you’re managing who can see your Story, using Ghost Mode to keep your location private, or blocking unwanted users, it’s important to take these steps seriously. With these social media tips in mind, you can enjoy Snapchat while keeping your information secure.

Take time to review and adjust your privacy settings regularly for a safer Snapchat experience!