If you’ve been scrolling through your Snapchat contact list and suddenly noticed an “X” next to someone’s name, you’re not alone. One of the most asked questions on forums, social media, and search engines today is, why is there an x next to someone’s name on Snapchat? The confusion often arises because Snapchat’s design updates frequently, and icons can change in both look and meaning. Whether you’re concerned about being blocked, unfriended, or simply curious about what that “X” means, this guide will cover everything you need to know. We’ll explain the symbol’s purpose, when and why it appears, how it compares to other Snapchat icons, and how to remove or manage it. Let’s dive into all the reasons behind that little gray “X”—and how it might affect your Snapchat experience.
Why Is There an X Next to Someone’s Name on Snapchat?
The “X” next to someone’s name on Snapchat usually means you haven’t added them back, or the person has removed you from their friend list. It can also appear when there’s a pending friend request or no mutual connection.
What Does the X on Snapchat Mean?
The “X” next to someone’s name on Snapchat is one of the app’s most commonly misunderstood icons. Unlike emojis or streak symbols that represent interaction or friendship milestones, the “X” typically signals the absence of a mutual connection. It often appears when someone hasn’t added you back, when you haven’t accepted a friend request, or when one user has removed the other. In some cases, the “X” can also show up if the conversation has been archived, deleted, or blocked.
Snapchat uses these icons to simplify social interactions, but the “X” tends to raise confusion because it doesn’t directly indicate what action was taken or by whom. Instead of the usual camera or chat icons that appear next to mutual friends, the “X” often comes with options like “Add Friend” or “Block” when tapped. This is Snapchat’s way of encouraging users to either reconnect or move on from inactive or non-mutual relationships.
Importantly, the “X” is not permanent. It can disappear if the relationship status changes, such as when both users add each other as friends. At that point, Snapchat replaces the “X” with more familiar icons that reflect active engagement. In essence, the “X” is a placeholder signaling a missing or broken link.
When and Why Does the X Appear on Snapchat?
Unadded or Removed Friends
One of the most common reasons why there is an X next to someone’s name on Snapchat is that you’re not mutual friends. This happens when someone adds you, but you don’t add them back—or vice versa. It can also occur if the other person has removed you from their friend list entirely. When Snapchat detects that the connection is incomplete, it replaces the usual chat or Snap icons with an “X.”
Pending Friend Requests
If you’ve sent someone a friend request and they haven’t accepted it yet, Snapchat may display the “X” to indicate that the relationship is still pending. This symbol serves as a reminder that the connection hasn’t been confirmed and remains in limbo.
Archived or Deleted Conversations
When conversations are archived, deleted, or inactive for an extended period, Snapchat might interpret the lack of activity as a sign that the relationship is not currently active. In such instances, it may automatically assign the “X” icon to the user, prompting you to reengage or add them.
Being Blocked by the User
In some cases, the “X” may appear if the other person has blocked you. While Snapchat usually removes blocked users from your list entirely, there are situations where they may still appear briefly, and the “X” functions as a placeholder.
System Glitches or App Bugs
Occasionally, the “X” might appear due to a temporary glitch or issue with the app itself. This could be caused by a failed update, a data sync problem, or a cache error. Restarting the app or clearing your cache can often correct the issue and remove the incorrect “X” icon.
What Should You Do If You See an X on Snapchat?
Seeing an “X” next to someone’s name on Snapchat might feel confusing at first, but it doesn’t always signal something negative. It’s often just a prompt that your connection with that user hasn’t been fully established. Here are several steps you can take to better understand or resolve the situation:
- Check the Friendship Status. Tap on the name with the “X” to see what options Snapchat provides. If you see an “Add Friend” prompt, it means the person hasn’t added you back or you haven’t added them yet.
- Resend a Friend Request. If you believe the connection was removed by mistake or you still want to reconnect, try sending or resending a friend request. If accepted, the “X” will be replaced with the normal icons.
- Clear the Cache or Restart the App Occasionally, the “X” appears due to app glitches. Clearing the Snapchat cache or restarting the app can fix misidentified or outdated status indicators.
- Don’t Jump to Conclusions. The “X” icon doesn’t necessarily mean you were blocked or unfriended. It can simply indicate that a mutual friendship hasn’t yet been confirmed.
- Review Privacy Settings. Visit your Snapchat settings and check your privacy preferences. Understanding who can add or message you may prevent future confusion and improve how your profile interacts with others.
How Is the X Different from Other Snapchat Icons?
Snapchat uses a variety of icons to represent relationships, interactions, and message statuses, each carrying its meaning. While most symbols reflect activity—such as the flame emoji for Snapstreaks or the smiley face for best friends—the “X” icon stands apart. It doesn’t indicate ongoing communication or engagement. Instead, it represents a lack of connection between users.
Unlike the red or gray chat indicators that signal unopened messages or expired snaps, the “X” appears when two users are not mutual friends or when a friend request is pending. It acts as a visual placeholder, signaling that a connection has not yet been established or has been broken. The “X” is passive, waiting for the user to take action, whether by adding someone back, accepting a request, or deciding to block or ignore.
Importantly, the “X” isn’t permanent. Once the connection status changes—such as through mutual addition or user interaction—it is replaced by other familiar Snapchat icons like the camera or chat bubble, signaling active engagement.
Why Is There an X Next to Someone’s Name on Snapchat? Explained in Everyday Scenarios
Understanding why there is an X next to someone’s name on Snapchat becomes easier when you look at real-life examples. This icon is Snapchat’s way of signaling that a friendship is incomplete, pending, or broken. Below are some of the most common everyday situations where you might see the “X” appear.
- You haven’t Added Them Yet. One of the most straightforward reasons is that you haven’t added the person back. If they sent you a friend request and you haven’t responded, Snapchat displays the “X” to prompt action.
- They Removed or Blocked You. If someone deletes you from their friend list or blocks your account, the “X” often replaces any previous icons like the chat bubble or camera. It’s Snapchat’s subtle way of indicating that the relationship has changed.
- You’re Not Mutual Friends. Even if someone adds you, the “X” will remain if you haven’t added them in return. The icon is essentially a placeholder until a mutual friendship is confirmed.
- Snapchat Needs to Refresh. Occasionally, a minor glitch or app delay causes the wrong icon to show. In such cases, refreshing your friend list, restarting the app, or clearing your cache can correct the display.
- Group Chat Appearances In group chats, the “X” may appear next to users who are not currently on your friend list. It’s Snapchat’s way of informing you that not everyone in the group is part of your direct network.
Final Remarks
Knowing why there is an X next to someone’s name on Snapchat can take the mystery out of one of the app’s most misunderstood icons. Far from being a cause for alarm, the “X” is simply a signal that the connection isn’t mutual—yet. Whether you’ve been removed, haven’t accepted a request, or are just dealing with app lag, the icon is Snapchat’s way of keeping your contact list clear and actionable. Once both users add each other, the “X” disappears, making way for regular interaction symbols. As Snapchat continues to change and refine its interface, understanding these visual cues will help you stay confident, connected, and in control of your social experience.
FAQ’s
Q. What does the X mean on Snapchat?
A. It indicates that you are not mutual friends with that person or that the connection has been removed or is pending.
Q. Can the X mean someone blocked me?
A. It can, but more often it means you’re not friends yet. If you’re blocked, you might also not see the person at all.
Q. How do I remove the X next to someone’s name?
A. Add the person as a friend or wait for them to add you back. The X will disappear once the connection is mutual.
Q. Does the X affect my ability to send messages?
A. Yes, if you’re not mutual friends, you may be restricted from sending messages until the other person accepts your request.
Why does the X appear in group chats?
A. It appears that someone in the group isn’t on your friend list, indicating you don’t have a direct connection with them.
Q. Is the X a permanent symbol?
A. No, it is dynamic. Once the friendship status changes—like mutual addition or blocking—the icon will update accordingly.
