Snapchat is rolling out a new safety feature designed to give users and their loved ones greater peace of mind. The new tool, named Home Safe, makes it easier for Snapchatters to notify close friends or family members once they’ve reached home safely after being out.
How It Works
To use the Home Safe feature, users first need to designate their home location. This can be done by tapping on their Bitmoji icon within the Snap Map, followed by selecting the “My Home” option. Then, whenever heading out, users can choose a friend to be notified once they return home. This is done by opening the relevant chat, tapping the map icon, and selecting the Home Safe button.
Once the user gets home, the selected friend will automatically receive a message confirming their safe arrival. It’s a simple, thoughtful addition aimed at making daily outings feel a little safer for everyone involved.
Privacy First
Snapchat is emphasizing user control with this feature. Only friends who already have access to your shared location will be able to receive these alerts. Since location sharing on Snap Map is disabled by default, no one can track your whereabouts or get notified without your explicit permission. The alert system is designed to work within the boundaries of existing privacy settings, ensuring users maintain full control over their data.
A Useful Companion for Daily Life
Whether you’re returning from a night out, a concert, a vacation, or just a walk home, Home Safe offers reassurance for those who care about you. It’s especially helpful in situations where safety might be a concern, such as walking home late or traveling alone. The feature can act as a silent check-in that doesn’t require ongoing texting or phone calls.
Snap Map’s Growth Continues
The addition of Home Safe comes on the heels of Snapchat revealing that its Snap Map feature now attracts over 400 million monthly active users. Since its debut in 2017, Snap Map has grown from a simple friend-locating tool into a platform where users can explore events, check out local hotspots, and see public snaps from across the globe.
With the introduction of Home Safe, Snapchat continues to evolve by blending social interaction with user-focused safety tools — a welcome move in today’s digital age.
