TL;DR: Snap Map location sharing is off by default and only goes to friends you pick. If you do share, choose “Only while using” rather than background (“Always”) sharing, which keeps updating after you close the app. To disappear from the map, open the Map, tap the gear icon and turn on Ghost Mode for 3 hours, 24 hours or until you turn it off. Snaps you submit to the Map can still show up publicly.
How Snap Map shares your location
Snapchat's Snap Map safety reminder sets out the basics:
- Location sharing is turned off by default. You switch it on in Map settings.
- You share with friends and family you choose, not strangers.
- Only while using: your location updates only while Snapchat is open.
- Always (background): chosen contacts see your real-time location even after you close the app.
Snapchat itself recommends sharing only with people you trust, only for as long as you need, and being especially careful with background location.
How to turn on Ghost Mode
From Snapchat Support:
- Open the Map.
- Tap the gear icon in the corner to open Map Settings.
- Turn on Ghost Mode.
- Pick a timer: 3 hours, 24 hours, or Until Turned Off.
In Ghost Mode, your location still goes to Snap but isn't visible to anyone else on the Map.
Three things people miss
- Map submissions are separate. Snaps you submit to the Map can still appear, whatever your location setting. A snap of your street is a location clue.
- Your phone's permission matters. Setting Snapchat's device location permission to “While using” stops background sharing at the source. Our guide on checking which apps have location access covers iPhone and Android.
- Friend lists change. Someone you added years ago may still be on your sharing list. Review it, especially after a breakup.
Can I see who viewed my location on Snapchat?
Snapchat doesn't give you a list of people who looked at your spot on the Map. The safer approach is to control who can see it in the first place: share with a short list, or use Ghost Mode.
For parents
Check whether your child is sharing location, with whom, and whether it's set to Always. Talk through why posting public snaps from home or school gives away more than they think. Our guide to sharenting covers the parent side of the same problem.
Location sharing is one way people get tracked; others include AirTags and stalkerware. And if your Snapchat account was in a breach, see the Snapchat data breach.
A free email exposure check shows whether your email appears in known breaches, and the full Scan My Shadow scan adds your phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off Snap Map?
Open the Map, tap the gear icon and turn on Ghost Mode, choosing 3 hours, 24 hours or Until Turned Off. Your location is then hidden from others on the Map.
Is Snap Map location sharing on by default?
No. Snapchat says location sharing on Snap Map is turned off by default.
What is the difference between Only while using and Always?
Only while using updates your location only when Snapchat is open. Always keeps sharing your real-time location with chosen contacts after you close the app.
Can people see my location in Ghost Mode?
No one else on the Map can see it, though Snap still receives your location. Snaps you submit to the Map can still appear.
Can I see who viewed my Snap Map location?
Snapchat doesn’t provide a list of who viewed your location. Limit sharing to trusted friends or use Ghost Mode.
Sources
- Snapchat Support: How do I turn on Ghost Mode?
- Snapchat Support: Snap Map privacy and safety reminder