Knowing how to add friends on Snapchat is the single most important skill for getting value from the app, because Snapchat only becomes fun once you have people to send Snaps to. Fortunately, Snapchat gives you five different ways to connect, from typing a username to scanning a scannable Snapcode or finding people nearby.
This guide covers every method in order of how common it is, explains how to accept and manage friend requests, and shows you how to control who can find and add you. Whether you are connecting with a close friend across the room or someone you met online, one of these methods will fit.
The 5 Ways to Add Friends on Snapchat
Each method suits a different situation. If your friend is next to you, scanning a Snapcode is fastest. If they are far away, a username works best. Here is how to use each one.
1. By Username
Every account has a unique username. Swipe right to Chat, tap “Add Friends” at the top, then use the search bar to type the exact username. Tap the blue “Add” button next to the correct result. This is the most reliable method when you know someone’s handle.
2. By Snapcode
A Snapcode is the yellow ghost surrounded by black dots on someone’s profile. It works like a QR code. Point your camera at the Snapcode and press and hold on the screen, and Snapchat will recognize it and offer to add that person instantly.
3. From Your Contacts
Snapchat can match your phone contacts to accounts. In “Add Friends,” find the “All Contacts” section. You will need to grant contact permission once, after which anyone in your phone who is on Snapchat appears with an “Add” button.
4. Using Quick Add
Quick Add suggests people you may know based on mutual friends. It appears in the “Add Friends” screen and in your Chat. Tap “Add” next to any suggestion. This is a great way to reconnect with people in your wider circle.
5. With the Nearby Feature
When you are physically with other people, everyone can open “Add Friends” and tap “Nearby.” Snapchat briefly detects other phones running Nearby in the same room and lets you add them all with a tap, which is perfect for a group.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Friend by Username
The username method works no matter where the other person is. Follow these steps.
- Open Snapchat and swipe right from the camera to reach the Chat screen.
- Tap “Add Friends” at the top of the screen, next to your Bitmoji.
- Tap the search bar and type the person’s exact username, watching for typos.
- Find the correct result in the list, checking their display name and Bitmoji to confirm it is really them.
- Tap the blue “Add” button next to their name.
- Wait for them to accept if their account is private, or start Snapping immediately if they added you back.
- Confirm the connection by opening a chat with them and sending a quick “Hey” Snap or message.
When your friend is right next to you, use a Snapcode or the Nearby feature. Both add people in seconds without any typing, and they avoid mistakes from similar usernames.
For friends who are not with you, search their exact username or use Quick Add if you share mutual friends. Ask them to send you their username to avoid adding the wrong account.
Accepting and Managing Friend Requests
When someone adds you, they appear under “Added Me” in the Add Friends screen with an “Accept” button. Accepting lets you both send Snaps freely. You do not have to accept everyone; you can ignore requests from people you do not recognize. To remove a friend later, open their profile, tap the three-dot menu, and choose “Remove Friend” or “Block.”
| Method | Best for | Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Username | Anyone, anywhere | Exact handle |
| Snapcode | In-person adds | Camera access |
| Contacts | People you know | Contact permission |
| Quick Add | Mutual friends | Existing friends |
| Nearby | Groups in a room | Everyone present |
Controlling Who Can Add You
Privacy matters, especially for younger users. Tap your profile icon, then the gear to open Settings, and scroll to “Who Can…” Here you can set “Contact Me” and “See My Location” to “Friends” only, and turn off Quick Add so strangers cannot find you through mutual connections. Reviewing these settings is a smart first step. For more app walkthroughs, explore our how-to guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find someone by their username?
Usernames must be typed exactly, including numbers and punctuation. If you still cannot find them, they may have set their privacy so that only contacts can add them, or they may have blocked you. Ask them to add you instead.
Does the other person know when I add them?
Yes. When you add someone, they receive a notification and see your request under “Added Me.” They can then choose to add you back so you become mutual friends.
What is the difference between adding and following?
Snapchat uses “adding” for personal friendships, which is mutual. Public figures and creators can be “subscribed” to instead, letting you see their public Stories and Spotlight without a two-way friendship.
How do I add someone without them knowing my phone number?
Share your username or Snapcode instead of your number. Adding by username never reveals your phone number, and you can keep the “Contacts” matching feature turned off in Settings.
Can I add friends on Snapchat for Web?
Snapchat for Web is mainly for chatting with existing friends. To add new friends, it is easiest to use the mobile app, where all five adding methods are available.
