With the introduction of a new feature called “Home Safe,” Snapchat is reinforcing its commitment to user safety. Announced on Thursday, the feature lets users automatically alert selected friends or family members when they return home from an outing. The alert is sent directly within the app, eliminating the need for a separate text or phone call and ensuring a smooth, time-saving experience.
How Home Safe Works
To set up Home Safe, users first establish their home location by tapping their Bitmoji on Snap Map and selecting “My Home.” Before heading out, they simply press the Home Safe button, tap the Map icon, and start a chat with a trusted friend. Once they arrive at their saved home address, Snapchat automatically sends an arrival notification in the chat.
This process reassures both the traveler and the person waiting for them, while removing the need for constant manual updates.
Privacy at the Core
Snapchat designed Home Safe with privacy as a top priority. Only friends who already have access to your location on Snap Map can receive Home Safe alerts. By default, location sharing remains off, so no one can see your location or receive notifications unless you choose to share it. This approach allows users to maintain control over their privacy while still benefiting from the feature’s peace-of-mind value.
Why It’s Useful
Home Safe feels particularly valuable when returning from a weekend trip, leaving a late-night event, or coming home from a first date. According to Snapchat, the feature gives loved ones reassurance without requiring constant check-ins. This small addition could make a significant difference in how users rely on the app to look out for one another.
Tied to the Growth of Snap Map
The launch of Home Safe follows Snapchat’s announcement that Snap Map now has over 400 million monthly active users. Originally introduced in 2017 as a simple way to view friends’ locations, Snap Map has evolved into a comprehensive discovery tool. Today, it helps users explore local events, discover trending spots, and stay informed about community activities.
The addition of Home Safe builds on this evolution, positioning Snap Map as not just a social feature but also a practical safety companion.
Blending Protection and Connection
With Home Safe, Snapchat blends protection and connection in a way that fits seamlessly into its platform. This is not just another location-sharing feature—it’s a thoughtful safety tool that respects boundaries while becoming part of everyday life. The update shows how apps can develop features that feel both functional and personal, maintaining meaningful moments as location-based tools continue to evolve.
