If you use Snapchat, you may have seen a small green dot next to your friend’s name or Bitmoji. This dot might seem confusing at first.

But don’t worry—it’s simple.

The green dot means that someone has used Snapchat in the last 24 hours. It tells you that your friend has been active recently. It does not mean they are online at that very moment.

Why Does Snapchat Show the Green Dot?

Snapchat added this green dot to help people stay in touch. When you see the dot, you know that your friend is likely around. You might feel more comfortable sending them a Snap or a message.

It’s Snapchat’s way of saying, “Hey, your friend was here not long ago!”

But some people don’t like it. If you like more privacy, don’t worry—you can turn it off.

Where You’ll See the Green Dot

You might spot the green dot in different places:

• Next to a name on the Chat screen
• On someone’s Bitmoji
• On the Friends list
• On the Snap Map if their location is turned on

It’s a small green circle that’s easy to miss unless you look closely.

Does the Green Dot Mean They’re Online Now?

No. That’s a common mistake. The green dot means someone used the app recently—but not right now. Snapchat does not show real-time online status.

So, even if the green dot is there, the person might not be online when you send a message.

Can You Turn the Green Dot Off?

Yes, and it’s easy.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Snapchat.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top left.
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right.
4. Scroll down and tap Activity Indicator.
5. Turn the switch off.

That’s it! Now your friends won’t see the green dot next to your name.

What Happens When You Turn It Off?

When you turn off the green dot:

• Friends won’t know when you’ve been active.
• You’ll still see green dots from others (if they keep theirs on).
• Everything else in the app works the same.

It’s a small change that gives you more control over your privacy.

What If You Don’t See a Green Dot?

If you don’t see the dot next to a friend’s name, there are a few reasons why:

• They turned off their Activity Indicator.
• They haven’t used Snapchat in over 24 hours.
• You’re no longer friends, or they blocked you.

Snapchat won’t tell you which one it is. It just quietly hides the dot in those cases.

Green Dot vs. Snap Map – What’s the Difference?

Some people think the green dot and Snap Map do the same thing—but they don’t.

• Green Dot = Shows if someone was recently active.
• Snap Map = Shows someone’s location (if they allow it).

You can use one, both, or neither. You control both features in your settings.

Quick Summary

• ✅ Green dot means active in the last 24 hours
• ❌ It does not mean someone is online right now
• ✅ You can turn it off in your settings
• ✅ It helps friends know when to send messages
• ❌ It does not show who viewed your profile or snaps

Final Thoughts

The green dot on Snapchat is a small thing, but it can be helpful. It lets your friends know you’re around and might reply soon. But if you want more privacy, you can turn it off anytime.

Snapchat gives you the choice, and now you know how to use it.

FAQs About the Green Dot on Snapchat