Being added on Snapchat by someone you don’t know can be a confusing and concerning experience. There are a few potential ways this can happen, even if you haven’t directly shared your Snapcode with that person.
What is a Snapcode?
A Snapcode is like a QR code – it’s your unique Snapchat ID. When someone scans your Snapcode into their Snapchat app, it automatically adds you as a friend. Snapcodes make it easy to connect with people on Snapchat without needing to type in usernames.
Snapcodes can be accessed in a few ways:
- In your Snapchat profile
- By creating a custom Snapcode through Snapchat
- By linking your Snapchat account to other apps and services
So if someone has gotten ahold of your Snapcode, they can easily add you as a friend without you providing your username directly.
How People Can Get Your Snapcode
There are a few ways someone could potentially get your Snapcode and add you, even if you haven’t given it to them directly:
You Have a Public Snapchat Profile
If your Snapchat profile is public, anyone can view your Snapcode and add you. To check if your profile is public:
- Go to your profile by tapping the ghost/bitmoji icon in the top left
- Tap the settings gear icon in the top right
- Go to “Who Can…” > “View My Story”
If this is set to “Everyone”, your profile is public. Setting it to “My Friends” makes your profile private.
You’ve Shared Your Snapcode Publicly
If you’ve shared your Snapcode on other social media profiles, websites, or posted it publicly anywhere online, anyone can access it and add you.
Similarly, if you’ve shared a custom Snapcode for an event or promotion, anyone with that code can scan it and add you.
Someone You Know Shared It
Friends or contacts who already have you added on Snapchat can easily share your Snapcode with others from your profile. So someone could have gotten your code directly from another friend.
Someone Guessed Your Snapchat Username
If someone is able to guess your Snapchat username, they can then access your profile and Snapcode. Usernames are often based on names or other social media handles, so it’s possible for someone to make an educated guess.
Snapchat Data Breaches
There have been a few Snapchat data breaches over the years that have exposed user information. If your data was compromised in a breach, it’s possible your Snapcode was leaked.
Third-Party Apps or Services
If you’ve connected your Snapchat account to any third-party apps, websites or services that API access, it’s possible your Snapcode was obtained through one of those integrations.
For example, some apps allow you to set your Snapcode as your profile picture. While convenient, this gives that app access to your code.
How to Find Out Who Added You
If you notice someone has added you on Snapchat and you’re not sure how they got your Snapcode, there are a few ways to try to figure out who they are:
- Check your friend list and see if you recognize the username
- Open a chat with them and ask how they know you or got your Snapcode
- See if you have any friends in common, which might indicate how they found you
- View their public profile and bio to see if it has any identifying details
Keep in mind you won’t be notified when someone adds your Snapcode, so you may not notice right away if someone unknown has added you.
How to Remove Someone Who Added You
If someone you don’t know has added you, you can easily remove them:
- Open your Friends list
- Tap and hold on their name
- Select “Remove Friend”
This will remove them from your friends list and prevent them from viewing your stories or contacting you on Snapchat.
How to Prevent Unknown People From Adding You
Here are some tips to keep strangers from accessing and adding your Snapcode:
- Set your Snapchat profile to private in your settings
- Be cautious about posting your Snapcode publicly
- Limit connections with third-party apps
- Change your username periodically or use a unique one
- Turn off Quick Add in your settings
- Be selective about who you give your Snapcode to
While it’s impossible to prevent all situations, being proactive can minimize the chances of a stranger adding you.
Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, having someone unknown add your Snapcode is annoying but harmless. However, here are some potential concerns to be aware of:
- Harassment – Someone with malicious intent could use Snapchat to harass or stalk you.
- Spam – Spammers look for ways to connect on social media and send unsolicited content.
- Phishing – Scammers could try to use Snapchat to obtain personal information from you or spread malware.
- Underage interaction – Minors could potentially connect with you without your consent.
While these situations are relatively rare, it’s important to use caution when interacting with strangers online. Make sure to report any harassment, spam or illegal activity through Snapchat’s support options.
Conclusion
Having an unknown person add your Snapchat can be startling, but in many cases it’s just an annoying nuisance. There are various ways someone could obtain your Snapcode without your consent. The best approach is being proactive about keeping your profile secure and being selective about who you give your username or Snapcode to. If an unwanted add does occur, swiftly remove them from your friends list and be cautious interacting with them.