What does received mean on Snapchat?
It’s a common question among Snapchat users, especially those who are new to the app.
In short, “received” means that someone has sent you a Snap or Chat that you haven’t opened yet.
Snapchat uses different icons to indicate whether the Snap or Chat has audio, text, or a combination of both.
Red icons mean the Snap doesn’t have audio, while purple indicates it does have audio.
Blue icons refer to Chat text messages.
When you see the “received” label on a Snap or Chat, it means that the sender has successfully sent the message to you, but you haven’t opened it yet.
Understanding the meaning of “received” on Snapchat is crucial if you want to stay up-to-date with your friends’ Snaps and Chats.
Knowing what the different icons mean can also help you differentiate between different types of messages.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of “received” icons you might encounter on Snapchat, as well as what they mean.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about what “received” means on Snapchat!
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Understanding Snapchat

Snapchat is a popular social media platform that has become a staple for many millennials and Gen Zers.
It is a mobile app that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages with their friends.
One of the unique features of Snapchat is that the content disappears after a short period, making it an ideal app for those who value anonymity culture.
Snapchat has become an essential tool for communication among friends and family.
allows users to share their daily lives, experiences, and feelings in a fun and engaging way.
The app is user-friendly, and its interface is easy to navigate.
It offers a wide range of filters, lenses, and stickers that add a creative touch to your snaps.
The app has gained popularity due to its unique features, such as Stories, Snap Map, and Bitmojis.
Stories allow users to share their experiences with all their friends, while Snap Map allows users to see where their friends are located.
Bitmojis are personalized avatars that users can create to represent themselves in the app.
Snapchat’s popularity has made it a significant player in the social media industry.
It has become a platform for businesses to reach out to their target audience and engage with them.
The app’s advertising features allow businesses to create sponsored ads that appear in between users’ stories.
Snapchat Icons and Their Meanings

When you use Snapchat, you will come across various icons that represent different things.
Understanding these icons is crucial to using the app effectively.
Below are some of the most common Snapchat icons and their meanings:
Sent Icons
Icon | Meaning |
---|---|
Hollow Arrow | A Snap without audio was sent |
Hollow Red Arrow | A Snap with audio was sent |
Hollow Purple Arrow | A Snap with video was sent |
Hollow Blue Arrow | A Chat message was sent |
Opened Icons
Icon | Meaning |
---|---|
Red Square | A Snap without audio was opened |
Purple Square | A Snap with audio was opened |
Blue Square | A Chat message was opened |
Received Icons
Icon | Meaning |
---|---|
Red Square | A Snap without audio was received |
Purple Square | A Snap with audio was received |
Blue Square | A Chat message was received |
Screenshot Icons
Icon | Meaning |
---|---|
Circle | A Snap or Chat was screenshotted |
Circular Arrow | A Snap was replayed |
Status Icons
Icon | Meaning |
---|---|
Hollow Green Arrow | A Snap was sent to someone who is not your friend |
Hollow Gray Square | A Snap was sent to someone who has not added you back |
Other Icons
Icon | Meaning |
---|---|
Crossed Red Arrows | A Snap without audio failed to send |
Crossed Purple Arrows | A Snap with audio failed to send |
Crossed Blue Arrows | A Chat message failed to send |
What Does Received Mean on Snapchat
When you receive a message on Snapchat, you will see a square icon with the word “Received” next to it.
This means that someone has sent you a Snap or Chat that you haven’t opened yet.
The received icons on Snapchat can come in different colors depending on the type of message you received.
A red square icon means that the Snap does not have audio, while a purple square icon indicates that the Snap has audio.
On the other hand, a blue square icon refers to Chat text messages.
It is important to note that any message, including text, audio, or snap, can be included in the received icons on Snapchat.
This means that you will see the “Received” icon regardless of the type of message you receive from your friends on the platform.
When you receive a message on Snapchat, it is up to you to decide whether to open it or not.
If you don’t open a message, the sender will not be notified that you have received it.
However, if you open the message, the sender will receive a notification that you have viewed it.
Snapchat Messaging Features

Snapchat offers a variety of messaging features that allow you to communicate with your friends in different ways.
Here are some of the key features you can use:
- Snaps: Snaps are photos or videos that you can send to your friends. You can add filters, stickers, and text to your snaps to make them more fun and interesting. Snaps can be sent with or without audio.
- Chat: Chat is a messaging feature that allows you to send text messages to your friends. You can also send photos and videos through chat. Chat messages are indicated by a blue square icon.
- Statuses: Statuses are messages that you can post to let your friends know what you’re up to. You can choose from a variety of pre-set status messages or create your own.
- Screenshots: If you take a screenshot of a snap or chat, the sender will be notified. This is a security feature that helps to prevent people from sharing your messages without your permission.
- Replays: You can replay a snap or chat once per day. If you want to replay a snap or chat that you’ve already viewed, simply tap and hold on the snap or chat and select the replay option.
- Delivered and Viewed Statuses: When you send a snap or chat, you can see whether it has been delivered and whether it has been viewed. A filled-in arrow icon means the snap or chat has been delivered, while a filled-in square icon means the snap or chat has been viewed.
- Pending Snaps and Chats: If a snap or chat is still pending, it means that it hasn’t been delivered yet. This could be because the recipient is offline or because there is a problem with the Snapchat server.
- Unread Snaps and Chats: If you have an unread snap or chat, it will be indicated by a gray square icon. Once you’ve viewed the snap or chat, the square icon will turn into a filled-in square icon.
- Cash Gifts: You can send cash gifts to your friends through Snapchat. This feature allows you to send money to your friends for birthdays, special occasions, or just because.
Snapchat messaging features are constantly evolving, so be sure to check back frequently for new updates and features.
Snapchat Privacy and Security
Snapchat takes your privacy and security seriously.
Here are some ways you can protect your privacy and stay safe on the app:
- Privacy Settings: You can adjust your privacy settings on Snapchat to control who can contact you and see your content. You can also enable features like Two-Factor Authentication and Login Verification to add an extra layer of security to your account.
- Blocked Users: If someone is bothering you on Snapchat, you can block them so they can no longer contact you or see your content. To block someone, tap and hold on their name or Bitmoji in the Chat screen, then tap “More” and select “Block.”
- Filters: Snapchat offers a variety of filters that you can use to enhance your Snaps. Some filters, like the location-based ones, may share your location with other users. Be mindful of the filters you use and the information they may reveal.
- Gray Square: If you see a gray square next to someone’s name on Snapchat, it means they haven’t added you back yet. You can send them a Snap or Chat to remind them to add you.
- Pending Status: If you send a Snap or Chat to someone who hasn’t added you back yet, it will show as “Pending” until they add you. Once they add you, the Snap or Chat will be delivered.
- Date: Snapchat automatically deletes Snaps and Chats after they’ve been viewed or after a certain amount of time has passed. However, keep in mind that the person you sent the Snap or Chat to may have taken a screenshot or saved the content before it was deleted.
- Green Arrow: If you see a green arrow next to someone’s name on Snapchat, it means they’ve taken a screenshot of your Snap. Be aware that your content may be saved and shared even after it’s been deleted from Snapchat.
Remember to always be mindful of what you share on Snapchat and who you share it with.
By following these tips, you can help protect your privacy and stay safe on the app.
Key Takeaways
If you’re new to Snapchat or just curious about what the “Received” notification means, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- When you receive a Snap or Chat message on Snapchat, it will show up with a colored square next to it indicating the type of message.
- A red square means the Snap does not have audio, while a purple square indicates that it does have audio. Blue squares refer to Chat text messages.
- The “Received” indication just means that you have an unopened Snap or Chat message from a friend.
- Remember that just because you’ve received a message, it doesn’t mean you’ve actually opened it yet. You’ll need to tap on the message to see its contents.
- If you’re curious about the status of a message you’ve sent, keep in mind that “Sent” means the message has been sent from your device, “Delivered” means it has been successfully delivered to the recipient’s device, and “Opened” means the recipient has actually opened the message.
Overall, understanding the different message statuses on Snapchat can help you keep track of your conversations with friends and make sure you don’t miss any important messages.
Just remember to keep your notifications on and check your messages regularly to stay up-to-date.