What Does the Yellow Dot Mean on the Snapchat Application?
Have you noticed a small yellow dot near your Bitmoji or profile icon in Snapchat and wondered, “What’s that supposed to mean?” Don’t worry—you’re not the only one asking.
The yellow dot on Snapchat is actually a notification alert, designed to let you know that you have something pending—like:
- A friend request
- An unread story
- An account update or new feature

Let’s break down what this little yellow indicator actually means, where it appears, and how to remove it.
What Is the Yellow Dot on Snapchat?
This dot is Snapchat’s way of nudging you to check something. It’s typically attached to your Bitmoji/profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
Here’s what the yellow dot may indicate:
- You have a new friend request
- There’s a Snapchat update
- One of your friends added a private story
- You have new Bitmoji customization options
- You haven’t viewed new profile-related notifications
Once you view or respond to the action, this dot disappears automatically.
Where Is The Yellow Dot Appears?
The dot in Snapchat is visible on some parts of the application.
Profile Icon: This is the most common one. A yellow dot on your profile shows an unaccepted friend request or unread story update.
Quick Add Section: A yellow dot on the chat screen also appears close to the add friends button. This suggests that there are more friend recommendations that you did not previously accept. If there is an “add” next to someone’s name, Snapchat is suggesting a user as a friend. Next to the accept button, it indicates you want to request this user as a friend.
Going through these placements ensures you do not miss any notifications when using the application. Do you know what does the eyes on snapchat story mean?
Why Does Snapchat Use Color-Coded Notifications?
Snapchat has unique colour-coded functions that help in better communication:
Color 231_16816f-74> | Meaning 231_fa2dcb-4c> |
---|---|
🟡 Yellow Dot 231_8b1b65-21> | Profile updates, friend requests, or general notifications 231_ae64db-80> |
🔵 Blue Dot 231_639c17-46> | Unread chat messages 231_1a2ce2-e9> |
🔴 Red Dot 231_2fcf58-6e> | Received snaps or Memories 231_b1540d-f1> |
🟣 Purple Circle 231_91de8b-67> | Unread stories from friends 231_e4712d-26> |
🟢 Green Dot 231_418755-c5> | Indicates someone is currently active (Activity Indicator) 231_6bc39e-f6> |
Each color serves a different purpose, making it easier for you to navigate and prioritize your notifications.
How to Remove the Yellow Dot
This dot can go away after you catch up to its notification. Follow these instructions to remove the thisdot:
Tap the Profile Icon: Look for any pending friend requests, unread messages, or updates.
Clear Pending Actions: Remove friends, check out stories, or clear notifications to acknowledge updates.
Restart the app: If the yellow dot still exists, close Snapchat from recent apps and open it again.
For those in search of reduced interruptions, additional customization options are available in the notification settings:
Disable friend requests for alerts or story notifications. Unsubscribe from marketing messages or game request invites. Read about What Does LMR Mean on Snapchat?
Optional: Customize Notification Settings
If you want fewer interruptions from these types of indicators:
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Turn off alerts for friend suggestions, Bitmoji changes, or new stories
- Disable marketing or game invites
This won’t remove the dot entirely—but it can reduce how often it appears.
Yellow Dot vs Yellow Circle — Not the Same!
It’s easy to confuse the dot with the circle on Snapchat. But they mean totally different things.
Symbol 231_decc58-f9> | Meaning 231_02db92-82> |
---|---|
🟡 Yellow Dot 231_e9f7eb-74> | Profile-related updates or notifications 231_393c1c-c5> |
🟡 Yellow Circle 231_e48cef-06> | Someone shared a private story with you 231_c5cc93-69> |
The yellow circle will usually appear around a friend’s Bitmoji on the story screen—tap to view their private story.
Final Thoughts
This dot on Snapchat is a useful tool to ensure that you do not miss updates, whether it be a friend request or a story updated by your friend. By understanding Snapchat’s color-coded system, you can efficiently deal with the app and manage your notifications.
Catch up with your friends! Make the most of Snapchat’s advanced features to benefit you! Happy socializing! Do you know What Does IMY Mean on Snapchat?