How to Use Ghost Mode on Snapchat (Plus, What to Do if You're Ghosted)

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about every kind of Snapchat ghosting
PDF download Download Article

Ghost Mode is a feature on Snapchat that hides your location on the Snap Map, which shows your friends where you are and lets strangers view your public stories. Of course, “ghosting” is also when someone cuts off contact with another person, often without explanation. This wikiHow article teaches you how to use Ghost Mode, as well as answer some tough questions about ghosting and being ghosted on Snapchat.

Ghost Mode and Being Ghosted on Snapchat

  • Enable Ghost Mode in Snapchat by navigating to the Snap Map, then Settings, then toggle the “Ghost Mode” setting to “On.”
  • Get even more privacy by also toggling “Live Location” in the Snap Map settings page to “Hide My Live Location.”
  • People sometimes ghost others if they feel the relationship isn’t working for them, or if they want to avoid a confrontation or tough conversation.
Section 1 of 6:

About Ghost Mode

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Snap Map is a feature that uses your location to show you snaps from nearby users, and to find the current locations of your friends. Ghost Mode disables Snapchat from showing your location to anyone else. [1]
    • To access the Snap Map, press the map pin icon on the bottom menu of your Snapchat app. Tap on a location to see local snaps, or a friend’s Bitmoji to see their location and profile info.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

Using Ghost Mode

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Snap Map by tapping on the map pin icon on the bottom menu of the app. Then tap on the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner. Tap the toggle to turn off Ghost Mode, then select how long you’d like it to be off. [2]
    • Ghost Mode can be turned off for 3 hours, 24 hours, or indefinitely.
    • You can tap the toggle switch in the Snap Map Settings menu to toggle Ghost Mode on or off at any time
    • You can choose who can see your location in the Snap Map menu. You can choose to show your location to all friends, all friends except certain users, or only certain friends.
Section 3 of 6:

What is ghosting?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The term "Ghosting" or "Ghosted" is often used in the context of a romantic relationship. However, it can also apply to friends, family, and even work relationships. Ghosting may happen abruptly, or it may be a gradual process where the other person starts distancing themselves before cutting off communication completely. Ghosting can often cause people distress, as it ends a relationship abruptly without an explanation or closure., especially if it was a close or romantic relationship.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

Signs you've been ghosted on Snapchat?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before being ghosted, you may notice the conversation start to change. They may start to seem uninterested or their texts may seem half-hearted. This is a good sign they are losing interest.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before getting ghosted, you may notice they start to seem less friendly or annoyed.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If they don't want to go on a date, they cancel plans, or don't seem like they want to meet with you, this is a sign they are starting to distance themselves. It could also mean they are busy or they don't feel comfortable meeting in person just yet.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice they keep posting stories on Snapchat or they are active on other social media platforms, but they aren't talking to you. This could be a sign you've been ghosted. However, it could also mean they haven't thought of a response or they overlooked your message.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you open someone's profile, you can see their Snapchat score next to the Snapchat logo below their avatar or Bitmoji. Make a note of their Snapchat score. If it increases in a short period of time, then this means they are actively chatting with other people on Snapchat. You may have been ghosted. However, if their Snapchat score doesn't change for a long period of time, it means they are not using the app. They may be away from their phone. [3]
    6. Advertisement
Section 5 of 6:

Why was I ghosted on Snapchat?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Studies show that ghosting often happens if someone anticipates a tough conversation that they’d rather avoid. [4] Maybe they did something to hurt you and feel too guilty to own up to it, or wanted to dodge the consequences of something they did by cutting off contact.
    • If the matter is important, reach out to one of their friends and explain the situation. Their friend may be able to help you sort things out, or mediate the conflict.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whether you were friends or romantic partners, they might have decided the relationship wasn’t working for them, and that it was better to end it all at once. [5] It doesn’t feel good, we know. We also know that hanging around someone who doesn’t appreciate your company hurts more than moving on and finding new friends or partners.
    • If you think you were genuinely ghosted, do your best to distract yourself with your hobbies, spending time with other friends, or even making new friends.
    • There’s a whole world of worthwhile people out there, even if this person wasn’t worthwhile.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Life happens when you least expect it. They may be grieving a loss, or navigating a new and busy job. Whatever the reason, it could be that other things caught their attention, and they had to let some things fall by the wayside for a bit while they sorted other things out.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes it’s not you that’s been ghosted, but the app itself, and their contacts and friends are unfortunate collateral. They might have decided that Snapchat wasn’t good for their mental health, or they got bored of it, and wanted to move on. They may not be responding because they simply don’t have the app anymore.
    • Reach out on other social media, or by call or text. They might be happy to talk to you, but didn’t realize they lost your contact info when they deleted the app.
  5. 5
    It could just be their communication style. Not everybody is a social butterfly or is active on social media all the time. Some people may go a few days or even a week or so without checking their messages. They may just be an infrequent Snapchat user.
    6. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Ghosting Someone Else

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ask yourself if ghosting is the right move—it isn’t something to do lightly. It can seriously hurt the other person’s feelings, and even cause prolonged depression or distress. [6]
    • That said, there are plenty of valid reasons to ghost someone, like if they make you feel unsafe, or if they keep pursuing you (as a friend or romantic interest) even after you’ve made it clear you’re not interested.
    • Otherwise, it might be best to tell them you’re not interested firmly but decisively to give you both some closure.
    • You might say, “Sorry, I just don’t feel like this relationship is what I want right now, and I’d appreciate it if we went our separate ways.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To remove a Snapchat friend , swipe right on the home screen to go to the Chat screen. Find the friend to remove, then tap and hold on their name. Tap “Manage Friendship,” then tap “Remove Friend.”
    • Block them for added privacy by tapping “Block” instead of “Remove Friend.” This way, they can’t view your public story.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Ghosted-on-Snapchat-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ghosting someone is an all-or-nothing deal, even if you’re doing it gradually. Remove or block them from your other social media, and avoid them in real life if possible to make the break clean.
    • If you do encounter them, be prepared for questions or a confrontation—not everyone takes being ghosted well.
    • You might explain that you were having a rough time in life and needed to concentrate on other things, or you might simply say that you didn’t think your relationship was what you wanted.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      2 Easy Ways to Import Twitter (X) to Bluesky
      How to
      Watch TikTok Content Without Having to Install the App
      How to
      Find Out Who Owns an Instagram Account
      3 Simple Ways to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus
      How to
      See Deleted Tweets of Your Own or Others
      What Does <3 Mean on Social Media?
      Explaining Whether You Look Like Your Inverted or Mirror Image
      How to
      React When Someone Blocks You
      What Happens When You Block Someone on IG: Will They Know?
      How to
      Half Swipe on Snapchat to Read Messages Secretly
      100 Cute, Funny, and Hype Comments for Social Media Posts
      8 Easy Ways to Fix Instagram Invite Collaborator Not Showing
      This Story is Unavailable Instagram: 9 Reasons & Fixes
      Simple Ways to Unfollow on TikTok: Unfollowing Limits & Fixes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012322854932-How-do-I-turn-on-Ghost-Mode
      2. ↑ https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012322854932-How-do-I-turn-on-Ghost-Mode
      3. ↑ https://www.yourtango.com/2019326139/am-i-being-ghosted-summer-fling-how-to-know
      4. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330235766_Ghosting_in_Emerging_Adults'_Romantic_Relationships_The_Digital_Dissolution_Disappearance_Strategy
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/ghosting
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/400-friends-who-can-i-call/202209/7-myths-about-ghosting-and-the-truth

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,707 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement