Snapchat has transitioned from being a predominantly casual messaging app to a versatile social platform catering to various user needs. The latest update introduces a noteworthy safety feature that allows users to alert friends and family upon reaching their destination. If you’re looking to activate this feature, we’ve got you covered.
Introducing the Home Safe Feature
While Snapchat might not immediately be associated with security features, its progression from a secret message service to a multifaceted social application is commendable. The platform has recently rolled out the Home Safe feature, which enhances the current live location sharing capability. This new addition allows users to automatically notify their contacts when they have safely arrived home, making it more convenient than ever.
The Home Safe feature is especially useful for various scenarios, such as returning from outings, meeting someone new, or ensuring peace of mind after a night out. Although this feature is still making its way to all users, you can check for it by updating your Snapchat app via the App Store or Google Play Store.
How to Set Up and Use Home Safe
Before you can utilize the Home Safe feature, you’ll need to establish your home location within the app:
- Open the Snapchat app and tap the map icon found in the lower menu. If this is your first time using this feature, press the arrow icon on the map.
- When prompted, tap Allow to grant Snapchat access to your location.
- Your Bitmoji will appear at your current location; tap on your avatar.
- Select My Home from the options presented. If you are a Snapchat+ subscriber, you can personalize your home icon during this step.
With your home location set, follow these easy steps to activate Home Safe:
- Open a conversation with a friend and tap the map icon again.
- Tap on the Home Safe option.
- You’ll need accurate location services enabled; tap Open Settings to modify permissions.
- In your device’s Settings, navigate to Location and switch it to Always.
Once these adjustments are made, return to Snapchat. If there’s an error indicating the Home Safe alert wasn’t set, tap the map icon again and select Home Safe. A notification saying “You Turned on a Home Safe Alert” should appear at the top of your chat window.
From now on, whenever you arrive home from an outing, the friend you selected will receive a message notifying them of your safe arrival. Note that this alert will not appear as a lock screen notification; they will need to check the chat.
Managing Your Location Sharing Settings
Since the Home Safe feature necessitates ongoing location access, it’s prudent to control who can view your location on Snapchat:
- Tap the map icon and select your Bitmoji on the map.
- In the upper-right corner, press the gear icon.
- Switch to Only These Friends, choose your closest friends, and tap Save.
By following these steps, you’ll restrict location access to only a select group of friends, enhancing your privacy. Additionally, for those interested, there’s also an option to create custom lenses with Snapchat’s Lens Studio app.
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