How to add friends on Snapchat

The short answer

You can add friends on Snapchat by searching their username, scanning their Snapcode, sharing a link, syncing your phone contacts, or using the Quick Add suggestions.

How to add by username

This is the most direct method if you know someone’s Snapchat username.

  • Open Snapchat and tap the search bar at the top
  • Type in their username
  • Tap their name when it appears, then hit Add Friend

How to add by Snapcode

Every Snapchat user has a unique Snapcode (the yellow ghost icon with dots around it).

  • Open Snapchat and point your camera at their Snapcode
  • Press and hold on the Snapcode on your screen
  • Snapchat will recognize it and let you add them instantly

This works with screenshots of Snapcodes too — just go to your profile, tap My Friends, then Add Friends, and choose Scan Snapcode from your camera roll.

How to add from your phone contacts

  • Go to your profile (tap your icon in the top-left)
  • Tap Add Friends
  • Select Contacts
  • Snapchat will show anyone in your phone’s contact list who has an account

You will need to give Snapchat permission to access your contacts the first time.

How to use Quick Add

Snapchat suggests people you might know based on mutual friends and your contacts.

  • Go to Add Friends from your profile
  • Scroll down to the Quick Add section
  • Tap the Add button next to anyone you recognize

You can also send a direct link that opens your Snapchat profile.

  • Go to your profile
  • Tap Share My Profile Link
  • Send it through text, email, or any other app

Anyone who opens the link can add you with one tap.

Tips to keep in mind

  • Privacy settings can affect whether people find you — check yours under Settings if friends say they cannot locate your account
  • You can remove or block someone later if you change your mind
  • If someone does not appear in search, they may have changed their username or adjusted their privacy settings

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