Add random people on Snapchat: how it happens and how to stop

Snapchat, a popular social media platform, provides a unique & entertaining way of keeping in touch with friends. It offers users many features like stories, snaps, filters and a real-time map. Yet with the increasing number of users on Snapchat, people have seen a surge in strangers making random friend requests. This has led to discussions on different forums, including Reddit and Twitter/X. People are demanding the reason why people add random users on Snapchat and asking for ways to stop it.

Most users want to avoid unwanted interactions, especially from strangers, and raise concerns over the lack of privacy and security. It does not matter whether you are new to Snapchat or have been using it for a long time; the information provided in this guide will give you something new to learn. It will help you to handle the barrage of unknown friend requests and secure your overall Snapchat experience.

Why do random people add you on Snapchat?

There are different motives behind random adding on Snapchat, which include both harmless curiosity and malicious intent.

• Social interaction

One of the main reasons individuals add others on Snapchat is simply out of curiosity. Some users find adding strangers a way to discover new social circles and meet interesting people. Besides, Snapchat’s algorithm might suggest users to others based on shared contacts or mutual friends. Snapchat’s unique features make it easy to find friends and connect with other people.

• Snap Map activity

Users can share their real-time location with friends using the Snap Map feature. If your Snap Map is publicly visible, other users can learn where you are, and they might choose to add you. This is particularly common in big cities and tourist hotspots where people might be curious about what others are doing around them.

• Add Me on Snapchat (AMOS)

Another reason for random adds is the widespread trend of “Add Me on Snapchat” (AMOS). Most users, particularly influencers or celebrities with massive followers, post their Snapchat usernames on places such as Instagram, Twitter/X, and YouTube. Using hashtags such as #AddMeOnSnapchat or #SnapchatAddMe will result in people randomly adding you. This trend is widespread, especially among young users keen to make new friends or expand their online presence.

• Malicious intent

Scammers, spammers, or other strangers with malicious purposes might also add random users. They can make an attempt to send unsolicited messages, request personal information, or share harmful content. Scammers will often add and contact random unsuspecting people and entice them to fall into fraudulent schemes. Spammers may also send you adverts or links to harmful sites. Identifying signs of malicious intention and shying away from random adds from unknown accounts will help you stay safe on Snapchat.

Ways people can add random users on Snapchat

There are different ways to add random friends on Snapchat; some of those are mentioned below.

• Searching random usernames on Snapchat

One of the easiest ways to add friends on Snapchat is by searching for random names. Moreover, if your Snapchat account is public and you have linked it to other social networks, strangers can easily find your profile and add you. A simple search is still popular for adding random users. This is particularly true of accounts with simple usernames (first names, nicknames, etc.). You can regulate who might find you by adjusting your privacy settings.

• External tools and apps

Some people use external tools and apps to find new Snapchat friends. Applications such as AddMeS and Qudo enable users to find other Snapchat accounts with the help of location, interests, or mutual friends. These apps usually do not require registration; users only need to provide their Snapchat username. They typically enable the users to find and add random people by navigating through the profiles or clicking through lists of the currently active Snapchat users.

• Quick Add

The Quick Add option on Snapchat is another way of adding people randomly. Quick Add suggests friends through mutual connections, interests, or whereabouts. If your account is public, your name might show up in another person’s Quick Add recommendations. This often leads to random friend requests from strangers. Quick Add comes in handy if you want to add new people, but it also draws attention from unwanted users.

How to stop random adds on Snapchat?

There are several ways to stop receiving random friend requests on Snapchat: changing your privacy settings, deactivating some options, or directly ignoring anonymous friend requests.

Disable Quick Add

One of the simplest methods to eliminate random adds is to turn off the Quick Add feature. Quick Add recommendations are people you might know because of mutual friends or shared interests. It effectively reduces the number of random friend requests by pulling your profile out of the recommended slot. 

To disable Quick Add:

1. Open Snapchat and go to your profile.
2. Click on the gear icon, and the Settings will appear.
3. Scroll down to the “Who Can…” section.
4. Click on “See Me in Quick Add”.

5. Toggle the setting off.

Adjust privacy settings to limit who can contact you

Snapchat enables you to tweak your privacy settings to limit the people who can add you. Switching these settings will also allow you to block random people from sending friend requests.

To adjust your privacy settings:

1. Open your Snapchat and go to your profile.
2. Clicking on the gear icon will open Settings.
3. Scroll down to the “Who Can…” section.

4. Click “Contact Me” and choose “My Friends”.
5. This will limit friend requests from unknown users.

Limit finding you via your phone number

If your phone number is associated with your Snapchat account, others can also see it. Strangers can use the phone number to locate and add you. To restrict this, you can take the following steps:

1. Open up your Snapchat profile and open Settings.
2. Scroll down to the “Who Can….” section.
3. Click on “See Me By My Phone Number”.
4. Toggle the setting off.

Ignore unknown friend requests on the profile page

Another easy way is to ignore friend requests from unknown users. You can thoroughly check the sender’s profile and decide whether to accept the request. If you doubt who the person is, ignoring or blocking them is better.

Is it safe to accept random Snapchat friend requests?

Although it may be appealing to accept random friend requests, it is advisable to remain cautious. Allowing random adding requests can expose you to unwanted content, scams, or inappropriate interactions.

• Unwanted content: Some people send explicit or improper messages. If you accept a random friend request, the person may send you unsolicited or offensive content.

• Scams and spam: Scammers always target potential victims by adding random friends. They can attempt to steal your personal information, infect your device with malware, or fool you into clicking on harmful links.

It is vital to be cautious in your evaluation. If you do not recognize the person or something is suspicious about their request, it is best to ignore or block them.

Best practices for staying safe on Snapchat

To ensure a safe and secure Snapchat experience, follow these practices:

1. Report inappropriate contact: Report anyone who sends you harmful or improper messages on Snapchat. This will keep the platform safe for all users.
2. Review privacy settings: Get used to reviewing and updating your privacy settings. This guarantees the safety and privacy of your account.
3. Maintain social media etiquette: Be careful about the information you post on Snapchat and other platforms. Do not expose your private information to strangers.
4. Set up parental controls for kids: Third-party applications such as FlashGet Kids allow parents to monitor their children’s Snapchat activity. It offers screen mirroring and keyword detection features to help ensure that children are not exposed to harmful interactions. Besides, set screen time limits to manage your child’s Snapchat use via this reliable app to develop healthy digital habits.

Conclusion

Random adding is becoming a cause of concern on Snapchat. Some people add others out of curiosity or to expand their social network, while others may do so maliciously. Knowing this, the user is responsible for taking care of their account. By disabling functions such as Quick Add, tuning down your privacy settings, and discerningly analyzing friend requests, you can limit the level of random adds you get. Monitor and report any odd activity to maintain a safe and secure Snapchat community. Also, parents can rely on apps such as FlashGet Kids to safeguard their children from any online threat.