Snapchat’s Quick Add feature suggests new friends and accounts to add based on mutual connections. While useful for discovering new Snapchatters, some users prefer to disable Quick Add for privacy or to avoid unwanted friend requests.
Fortunately, turning off Quick Add is simple – just a few taps in the app’s settings. Here is a step-by-step guide to disabling Quick Add on Snapchat using both iOS and Android devices.
Table of Contents
What is Snapchat Quick Add?
Snapchat’s Quick Add feature displays a list of suggested accounts to add as friends. These recommendations are based on mutual friends, contacts, shared interests, location data, and other connections.
When someone views your profile, they may see an “Add Friend” button to send you a friend request via Quick Add. Similarly, Quick Add may show profiles of people you know or share common connections with, making it easy to expand your Snapchat network.
While useful for meeting new Snapchatters, some users prefer to disable Quick Add for privacy reasons or to avoid unwanted friend requests from strangers.
How to Turn Off Quick Add on iPhone
Follow these steps to disable Snapchat’s Quick Add on an iPhone:
- Open the Snapchat app and tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top left corner
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner
- Scroll down and tap See Me in Quick Add
- Toggle the switch off to disable Quick Add
Once disabled, your profile will no longer appear as a suggested friend in other users’ Quick Add sections. However, you can still receive friend requests directly.
To re-enable Quick Add later, simply repeat the steps and toggle the switch on again.
How to Turn Off Quick Add on Android
The process is very similar on Android devices:
- Open Snapchat and tap your Bitmoji or profile icon
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon
- Scroll down and tap Who Can See Me > See Me in Quick Add
- Toggle the switch off to disable Quick Add
As on iOS, disabling Quick Add prevents your profile appearing as a friend suggestion. You can still receive direct friend requests.
Customizing Quick Add Settings
Beyond fully disabling Quick Add, Snapchat also lets you customize exactly who can see you as a suggestion:
- Friends – Only people already in your Snapchat friends list
- Friends of Friends – Friends, plus friends-of-friends
- Everyone – All Snapchat users (default)
To update these settings:
- Follow the steps above to access Quick Add settings
- Tap Who Can See Me
- Choose the option you prefer
Setting to Friends or Friends of Friends reduces exposure from strangers, while still allowing friends and mutuals to discover you.
Additional Privacy Settings
Along with Quick Add, consider updating these privacy settings:
- Who Can Contact Me – Choose who can send you friend requests
- Who Can View My Story – Pick who sees your public Stories
- Ghost Mode – Makes your location private on Snap Map
Adjust based on your comfort level for visibility and engagement with other Snapchatters.
Why Disable Quick Add?
There are a few reasons you may want to disable Snapchat’s Quick Add, including:
- Avoid unwanted friend requests – Reduce spam from strangers
- Enhanced privacy – Limit visibility and exposure to unknown viewers
- Control friend list – Carefully curate who you connect with
- Prevent targeting – Protect yourself from harassment or bullying
Essentially, disabling Quick Add gives you greater control over your Snapchat experience. While still allowing direct friend requests, it reduces unsolicited contacts from those you don’t know.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s Quick Add can be useful for expanding your social network and meeting new friends-of-friends. However, if prefer greater privacy or a more curated feed, disabling Quick Add gives users more control.
Turning off Quick Add only takes a few taps by navigating to settings and toggling it off. You can still reconnect with friends you know through direct friend requests.
Along with Quick Add, be sure to review all Snapchat privacy and account settings to customize your ideal experience. Adjust visibility, Story viewers, location sharing and contact methods based on your comfort level.
By disabling Quick Add and locking down other settings, Snapchat can provide a fun, engaging platform to safely connect with your real-life friends and mutual contacts.