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Why can’t I use Bitmoji with friends?

Why can’t I use Bitmoji with friends?

Bitmoji is a fun and popular way to create personalized avatars and use them in messaging apps. However, some users run into issues when trying to use Bitmoji with friends. Here are some common reasons why you may not be able to use Bitmoji with your friends and solutions to fix it.

Your friend doesn’t have Bitmoji

In order to send and receive Bitmoji with friends, they need to have the Bitmoji app installed and have created their own Bitmoji avatar. If your friend hasn’t yet created their Bitmoji, you won’t see their avatar as an option when sending snaps or chatting. Encourage your friend to download the Bitmoji app and make their own avatar so you can start exchanging Bitmoji stickers and avatars.

Your friend’s Bitmoji isn’t linked

After creating their Bitmoji, your friend also needs to link their Bitmoji account to messaging apps in order to use their avatar. For example, on Snapchat, they need to go into Settings > Connect Bitmoji to link accounts. On iOS keyboards, they need to enable the Bitmoji keyboard. Have them check that their Bitmoji account is fully linked to start sending their avatar.

Privacy settings are blocking Bitmoji

Some messaging apps have privacy settings that can prevent Bitmoji from being shared. For example, on Snapchat your friend may have their privacy settings enabled to not allow Bitmoji. Have them check their app privacy settings to make sure Bitmoji can be sent and received. On iOS, also make sure Bitmoji keyboard access is enabled in Settings.

Client compatibility issues

In some cases, an outdated version of an app on one user’s device may cause Bitmoji compatibility issues. Check that both you and your friend have the latest versions of messaging apps like Snapchat, Instagram, Gboard keyboard and the Bitmoji app itself. Update any outdated apps which could help resolve Bitmoji problems.

Account linking got disconnected

Sometimes previously linked accounts can become unlinked due to updates or other technical issues, preventing Bitmoji from working properly. Have both you and your friend check account connections in app settings and re-link accounts if needed. Relinking the Bitmoji account often resolves avatar sharing problems.

Network connection problems

Bitmoji relies on an internet connection to work. If you or your friend has a poor internet connection, it can cause issues sending and receiving Bitmoji avatars. Make sure both devices have a strong WiFi or cellular data connection to ensure a stable environment for sharing Bitmoji.

Server or app performance problems

In rare cases, overall app performance issues or problems with Snapchat’s servers can temporarily cause Bitmoji disruptions. Check the server status page for known issues impacting Bitmoji services globally or across an app network. Try again later if global outages are identified.

How to troubleshoot Bitmoji issues with friends

If you continue having problems using Bitmoji with a friend after checking common solutions, here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve it:

  • Force close and restart messaging apps on both devices
  • Log out and back into Bitmoji accounts
  • Check app store for app updates and install latest versions
  • Toggle airplane mode on and off to reset connections
  • Clear app cache and data for messaging and Bitmoji apps
  • Restart both your phone and your friend’s phone
  • Uninstall and reinstall affected apps

Going through structured troubleshooting like this can identify and resolve persistent Bitmoji issues. Contact Bitmoji customer support if problems still persist after troubleshooting.

Why can my friend use Bitmoji with some people but not me?

If your friend can successfully use Bitmoji with some people but not you specifically, here are some potential reasons:

  • Privacy settings blocking you individually
  • You are blocked by your friend
  • Your Bitmoji account became unlinked
  • Your messaging app needs to be updated
  • Your device is low on storage space
  • Your account is glitched causing issues with just your profile

Have your friend check their privacy settings and block list to make sure you aren’t restricted. Also re-link accounts, update apps, clear storage space, and contact support to identify any individual account glitches impacting connectivity with just your profile.

What to do if my friend still can’t receive my Bitmoji

After trying general troubleshooting, here are some last resort steps if your friend still can’t see or receive your Bitmoji:

  1. Factory reset your device to eliminate any lingering glitches
  2. Use a different device signed into your account to send your friend a Bitmoji
  3. Temporarily change your messaging app username
  4. Create a whole new messaging app account and re-add your friend
  5. Contact Bitmoji support to identify and reset account issues

Resetting devices, testing on new devices, changing account details, and directly contacting Bitmoji can help identify and isolate persistent sending and receiving problems.

Why can I use Bitmoji in some places but not others?

If your Bitmoji works in some messaging apps but not others, here are some possible reasons:

  • Account not linked in non-working apps
  • App needs to be updated to latest version
  • App has Bitmoji temporarily disabled
  • Restricted by that app’s privacy settings
  • Bitmoji compatibility not activated in that app
  • Bug in app preventing Bitmoji from working properly

Check account connections, update apps, and review privacy settings in the non-working apps. Contact app support if Bitmoji capability seems to be disabled or broken in a particular messaging app.

How can I troubleshoot Bitmoji sticker packs not showing up?

If you’ve created Bitmoji sticker packs that aren’t appearing as options when messaging friends, try the following:

  • Make sure the pack has been published in the Bitmoji app
  • Double check app privacy settings allow sticker usage
  • Re-link your Bitmoji account in the messaging app
  • Try sending a pack sticker directly via the Bitmoji app
  • Update to the latest version of messaging and Bitmoji apps
  • Restart your device to refresh account connections

Ensuring your sticker packs have been properly published and shared, re-linking accounts, updating apps and restarting devices can help get your custom stickers showing in messaging apps.

Why can my friend customize my Bitmoji for me?

Bitmoji recently introduced the ability for friends to customize your avatar on your behalf. Here’s how it works:

  • Friend must have latest Bitmoji app version
  • You must have Bitmoji account linked in messaging app
  • Friend customizes your avatar in their Bitmoji app
  • You receive notice in app that your avatar was edited
  • You can approve or undo changes before updated avatar syncs

So your friends can customize your Bitmoji with your permission through new app capabilities. You retain full control and can revert changes if you don’t approve of your friend’s editing suggestions.

Should I be concerned about data privacy with Bitmoji?

Bitmoji takes data privacy seriously and uses industry best practices to protect user data, so you generally don’t need to be too concerned. Here are some key privacy protections:

  • No sharing of personally identifiable user data
  • Only collects basic app usage analytics data
  • Option to use Bitmoji pseudonymously with avatar only
  • No tracking across other apps and websites
  • Complies with data regulations like GDPR
  • Encrypted data transmission and storage

Review Bitmoji’s full privacy policy for more detail on their data practices and opt-out choices. You can also minimize shared data by not connecting social media accounts.

Is Bitmoji safe for kids to use?

Bitmoji enables kid-safe avatar creation and messaging when properly configured. Here are some ways parents can keep kids’ Bitmoji use appropriate:

  • Set up a Bitmoji Kids account with parental controls
  • Require kids use Bitmoji via family-friendly apps
  • Disable social media account connections
  • Limit sticker pack and avatar clothing choices
  • Monitor kids’ Bitmoji messaging frequently
  • Frequently check Bitmoji privacy and account settings

With involved parental supervision, Bitmoji can provide a safe, fun way for kids to express themselves digitally. But proper configuration and monitoring is vital for child safety.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting Bitmoji issues with friends can be frustrating, but is typically possible with consistent account linking, privacy settings review, app updates, troubleshooting steps, and contacting support. Ensuring proper use cases, account settings, parental controls, and privacy protections can also optimize positive Bitmoji experiences for both adults and children.