With Snapchat’s location feature, know where your friends are and the stories they share nearby by viewing the Snap Map. You can also share your Snapchat location so that your friends can enjoy your location-based adventures. This guide shows how to use your Snapchat location to find friends and stories near you.
Tip: you can also create Snapchat group chats to keep up with your friends.
How Does Snapchat Location Work
Your Snapchat location lets friends know where you are by looking at the Snap Map. Your cartoon avatar (Bitmoji) will appear on the map based on when Snapchat last updated your location, which is usually when you last opened the app. The avatar will disappear from the map if you don’t update your location in 24 hours.
You can only see a friend’s Bitmoji on the Snapchat map if they’ve shared their location with you and vice versa. You won’t see your friend’s exact location on the Snap Map, but their nearest position (an approximation).
If you want your friends to know your exact location without constantly opening Snapchat, you can share your live location with them instead. This will update your Bitmoji in the background on the Snap Map and in real time. But if your phone or your friend’s phone dies or loses access to the Internet, the live location will no longer work.
Also helpful: if your friends or family members don’t use Snapchat, try these other location-sharing apps.
How to Share Your Location With Friends on Snapchat
Sharing your location with friends is easy. Follow these steps to add your location on Snapchat:
First, tap “Map” (the location pin icon) in the bottom-left corner to open the Snap Map.
Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Select “My Friends” to share your location with all your friends.
As mentioned earlier, you can also share your live location with friends. Just be sure to only share it with people you trust. To share your live location with a friend on Snapchat, follow the steps below:
Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner.
Scroll down and tap “My Friends.”
Press and hold the name of the friend you want to share your location with.
Tap “View Friendship” in the menu.
Tap “Share My Live Location” in the “Snap Map” section.
Select how long you want to share your location.
Also fun: if you snap your friends regularly, create custom Snapchat stickers to share with them.
How to Add Your Location to a Snapchat Post or Story
If your location is essential to the Snap or story you want to share, Snapchat offers a way for you to include it. Follow these steps to add your location to Snapchat posts and stories:
First, take a photo or video on Snapchat, and tap the sticker icon in the right menu.
Next, tap on “Location,” and select yours. If you don’t see it, search for it using the search box.
Tap your location in the Snap to change its style. You can even drag it around to change its position.
When you’re ready, press “Story” or “Send To,” and share your Snap with the location.
Good to know: you can hide your Snapchat score from others.
How to View a Friend’s Snapchat Location
Want to see which of your Snapchat friends are nearby? Open the Snap, and find or search for their Bitmoji. You will be able to see them, along with what they’ve shared.
Tap “Map” in the bottom-left corner to open the Snap Map.
If your friend is in close proximity, you can see their avatar on the Snapchat map. Tap on it to zoom in and see more information about where they are. You can also zoom in further to see more details about their surroundings.
If you don’t see them immediately on the Snap Map, tap the search icon in the top-left corner.
Search for your friend, and when their name appears in the search results, tap the location pin icon next to their name to see where they are.
Tip: it may be easier to view your Snap Map if you enable dark mode in Snapchat.
How to Turn Off Location on Snapchat
If you want to be more private on Snapchat, turn off your location by enabling “Ghost Mode.” Snapchat will not update your location, even if you’re sharing it live with others.
First, tap “Map” in the bottom-left corner to open the Snap Map.
When the Snap map opens, tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Tap the toggle for “Ghost Mode” to turn it on.
Next, choose how long you want “Ghost Mode” to be on.
Your location for Snapchat will be hidden for the amount of time you specified.
Use Snapchat’s Location Feature to Your Advantage
Viewing more stories on Snapchat and interacting with your friends are some of the best ways to increase your Snapscore. You can discover more opportunities to boost it by using the location feature, allowing you to see what your friends are sharing nearby. You will never have to miss out on fun moments with them if you’re in the same area.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Chifundo Kasiya.
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