What Does the Green Dot Mean on Snapchat? How to Turn it Off

Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, known for its disappearing messages, fun filters, and unique features. Like other apps, Snapchat uses different symbols and indicators to show activity, friend status, and more.

If you’ve ever noticed a green dot on Snapchat next to someone’s Bitmoji, you might be wondering what it means. Is it similar to the online status indicator on Instagram or Facebook? Does it notify people when you see it? And can you turn it off?

In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about the green dot on Snapchat.

What Does the Green Dot Mean on Snapchat?

The green dot on Snapchat is a small indicator that appears next to a user’s Bitmoji or profile picture in specific areas of Snapchat. It is designed to show when someone is currently active on Snapchat.

Unlike some other social media platforms that show a full “online” status, Snapchat keeps things a little more subtle. The green dot only appears in certain sections of the app, not on the chat screen like Instagram or WhatsApp.

What Does the Green Dot on Snapchat Indicate?

Simply put, if you see a green dot next to someone’s profile, it means they are currently using Snapchat. This can be useful if you want to send a Snap or message and get a quick response.

Here are a few key points about the green dot:

• It appears when a user is actively using Snapchat.
• It is only visible in certain places (not in chat).
• It does NOT mean the person is available to chat—just that they are online.

So, if you see a green dot next to someone’s name, they may be scrolling through their stories, checking snaps, or chatting with someone else.

Where Can You See the Green Dot on Snapchat?

The green dot doesn’t appear everywhere on Snapchat. You’ll only find it in two main places:

1. Friends List

When you go to your Friends List (by swiping right from the camera screen), you might see a green dot next to a friend’s Bitmoji. This means they are online right now.

This is useful if you’re looking to start a conversation with someone active on Snapchat at that moment.

2. Quick Add Section

The green dot also appears in the Quick Add section, which suggests people you may know on Snapchat. If you see a suggested friend with a green dot, it means they are online.

This can be helpful if you want to add and chat with new people who are currently active.

Can You Turn Off the Green Dot on Snapchat?

Yes, if you don’t want others to know when you’re online, you can turn off the green dot. Snapchat gives users control over their privacy settings, allowing them to hide their activity indicators.

How to Turn Off the Green Dot on Snapchat

Right now you can see my account’s green dot is enabled in the below image.

Follow these steps to disable the green dot on your Snapchat profile,

1. Open Snapchat and tap your Bitmoji (profile icon) in the top-left corner.

2. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.

3. Scroll down to Privacy Control, and tap Activity Indicator.

You will see that the activity indicator toggle is ON.

4. Just turn OFF this Toggle option, and you’re done.

Once you turn this off, other users will no longer see the green dot next to your name, just like the below image.

However, you also won’t be able to see when others are online.

Why Is the Green Dot Important?

The green dot is useful because it helps users know when their friends are online and available to chat. Here’s why it matters:

• Instant Responses – If you see the green dot, you know your friend is active and might reply faster.
• Engagement – It encourages real-time conversations and keeps Snapchat interactive.
• Helps Find Active Users – In the Quick Add section, the green dot helps you find people who are currently online and might be interested in chatting.

At the same time, some people don’t like others knowing when they are online. This is why Snapchat lets you turn off the green dot if you prefer more privacy.

Does Snapchat Notify When You See Someone’s Green Dot?

No, Snapchat does not notify people when you see their green dot. You can check if someone is online without them knowing.

However, Snapchat does send notifications if:

• You screenshot their chat or profile.
• You screen-record their snaps.
• You replay a snap they sent.

So, while Snapchat does have certain privacy alerts, checking the green dot is private and won’t notify the other person.

Conclusion

The green dot on Snapchat is a simple way to see when a friend is currently active on the app. It appears next to their Bitmoji in the Friends List or Quick Add section and helps users connect in real-time.

If you prefer more privacy, you can easily turn off the green dot in your Snapchat settings. However, this also means you won’t be able to see when your friends are online.

At the end of the day, whether the green dot is helpful or annoying depends on personal preference. If you love real-time interactions, it’s a great way to see who’s active. But if you prefer to stay low-key, turning it off might be the best option for you.

What do you think about the green dot on Snapchat? Do you find it useful, or would you rather keep your online status private? Let us know in the comments!