Snapchat’sSnap Mapis designed for exploring new places with otheruser-generated content. The feature can also be used to skip the “made it home safe” text and let trusted friends know where you are. But,Snapchat’slocation-sharing options also come with an option to quickly toggle it off: Ghost Mode.
Snapchat’s Ghost Mode disables the app’s location-sharing features quickly. Ghost Mode can be set to automatically expire after three hours or a day, or be left active indefinitely. But, Snapchat’s location-based features are also closely tied to your device’s permissions and whether you even allow the app to see where you are in the first place. So which is the better option — Snapchat’s Ghost mode, or turning off location sharing from your device settings? Here’s what Snapchatters need to know about the app’s key location features.
Snapchat’s location-sharing is turned off by default in order to prevent unknowingly sharing your location. If you’ve never opened the Snap Map, your location sharing should already be off.
What is Ghost Mode on Snapchat?
Snapchat’s Ghost Mode quickly disables your location on the Snap Map
Ghost Mode is a Snapchat tool for quickly disabling most location features without losing access to theSnap Mapentirely. While you may disable location services from your smartphone’s settings, Ghost Mode allows you to access some features of the Snap Map without sharing your location with other users.
In Ghost Mode, you can still browse the places and friends listed on the Snap Map without your location appearing for other users. With the option toggled on, you can see your location on the Snap Map, but other users cannot. In Ghost mode, yourBitmojiholds a blue sign with a ghost on it, a visual reminder that this mode is active. If your location settings are disabled on your device itself instead, your Bitmoji won’t appear on the map at all, even for you to view where you are in relation to other people.
Snapchat gives users the option to turn on Ghost Mode until it is manually disabled, or to temporarily turn it on for a preset length of time.
Can you access Snapchat without the app? How to use Snapchat from a web browser
Snapchat does have a web version, but there are some limitations.
How to turn on Ghost Mode on Snapchat
You’ll need to access the Settings from the Snap Map
If you want your location temporarily off the Snap Map, you can activate Ghost Mode in a few steps.
How to share your location with only select friends on Snapchat
You don’t have to go total Ghost to keep your location on the down-low
While Ghost Mode is the fastest way to disable your location on the Snap Map, it isn’t the only way to customize how Snapchat uses your location. Another key feature for users to note is theability to choose who can see your location,an option that ranges from all friends to only specific friends. Using these privacy settings, you’re able to choose to only appear on the Snap Map to a list of trusted friends.
The hidden risks of sending private photos on Snapchat
Snapchat is not be as safe as you think it is for private photos
How device settings impact your Snap Map location
Disabling Snapchat’s access to your location will also get you off the Snap Map
While Ghost Mode in Snapchat is a simple way to temporarily remove your Bitmoji from the map, your smartphone’s location permissions for the Snapchat app itself will also influence the network’s social features. These differ from the app settings and are available by going to the Settings app on your device, then finding the Snapchat app and updating permissions.
If your location is set to Always Allow,Snap Inc. says thatyour friends can see your location in real-time, even when you are not using the app. This feature was previously called Live Location and while that option appears to have disappeared from the Settings, Snapchat Support says that your live location is shared with friends when enabled in Snapchat and when your device location sharing settings are set to Always Allow.
If your location is set to Only While Using, your location will only update when you open Snapchat. If you leave a location and haven’t opened Snapchat in the new spot, your last location will still appear on the Snap Map. If you haven’t used Snapchat in 24 hours, that last location will expire and you’ll disappear from the Snap Map.
X will let anyone you’ve blocked read all your public posts
Blocked users still won’t be able to interact with your posts, however.
