Snapchat is a dynamic platform that constantly introduces new visual cues, features, and status indicators. Among these, two features often confuse users: the green dot and Snapchat Planets (also called the Friend Solar System). This comprehensive 2000-word guide explains both in depth, ensuring you understand their meaning, usage, and privacy settings.
Part 1: The Green Dot on Snapchat
What Is the Green Dot?
The green dot on Snapchat is officially called the Activity Indicator. It appears next to a friend’s Bitmoji or profile icon in places like Quick Add, search results, or their profile. Its primary purpose is to let you know the person has been recently active on Snapchat.
Where and When You See It
- On the Add Friends or Quick Add screen, next to suggested users.
- In search results, near a person’s profile or avatar.
- Sometimes on a friend’s profile when viewing their Snap info.
How Long the Green Dot Lasts
The green dot may remain for a few minutes after someone stops using the app, generally between 3–5 minutes. In some cases, if a user has opened Snapchat in the past 24 hours, the green dot may still appear even if they’re not currently online.
Common Misconceptions
The green dot does not always mean someone is online right now. It simply indicates recent activity, not live activity. It’s also not limited to active chats—it reflects overall app usage.
How to Turn Off the Green Dot
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon or Bitmoji.
- Tap the gear icon to access Settings.
- Scroll to Privacy Controls.
- Locate Activity Indicator and toggle it off.
Turning it off hides your activity from others, but you’ll still see green dots for those who have theirs enabled.
Why Snapchat Uses the Green Dot
This indicator increases engagement by showing who’s recently active, encouraging communication. However, it can also create social pressure, which is why Snapchat allows you to disable it.
Part 2: Snapchat Planets (Friend Solar System)
What Are Snapchat Planets?
Snapchat Planets are part of the Friend Solar System feature, exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers. They visually rank your closest friends as planets orbiting you—the Sun—based on interaction frequency.
How the Ranking Works
There are eight planets, representing your top eight friends:
| Planet | Rank |
|---|---|
| Mercury | #1 closest friend |
| Venus | #2 |
| Earth | #3 |
| Mars | #4 |
| Jupiter | #5 |
| Saturn | #6 |
| Uranus | #7 |
| Neptune | #8 |
How to Enable Planets
- Subscribe to Snapchat+.
- Go to your profile → Snapchat+ → Feature Management.
- Toggle on Solar System.
- Visit a friend’s profile, tap the Best Friends badge to see which planet you are.
Why Planets Matter
They add a fun, gamified layer to friendships. Many users enjoy competing for top positions or simply seeing their place in others’ social circles. From Snapchat’s perspective, Planets increase engagement and boost Snapchat+ subscriptions.
Part 3: Green Dot vs. Planets—Key Differences
The green dot reflects recent activity, while Planets reflect long-term interaction levels. You can have a high Planet ranking but no green dot if you’re not recently active. Similarly, someone might have a green dot but be a low-ranking Planet.
Part 4: Privacy Tips
- Disable the Activity Indicator if you value privacy.
- Only enable the Solar System if you’re comfortable with others seeing rankings.
- Don’t overinterpret these indicators—they don’t always reflect real-time intent or feelings.
Part 5: FAQs
1. Does the green dot mean someone is online now?
No, it indicates recent activity, not live usage.
2. Can I still see others’ green dots if I disable mine?
Yes, disabling yours doesn’t affect visibility of others’ indicators.
3. Why can’t I see Planets for some friends?
Either you or your friend might not have Snapchat+, the feature may be toggled off, or there isn’t enough interaction data.
4. Does turning off the green dot affect Planet rankings?
No, Planet rankings are based on interaction frequency, not activity visibility.
5. How can I manage privacy for these features?
Adjust your Snapchat privacy settings: turn off Activity Indicator, control Solar System visibility, and review location sharing.
Part 6: Conclusion
Understanding the green dot and Snapchat Planets helps you navigate Snapchat’s social ecosystem. The green dot simply indicates recent activity, while the Planets represent deeper friendship rankings. Both features can be customized for privacy and used to enhance your Snapchat experience.