The unexpected appearance of a cryptic grey “X icon” on Snapchat, supplanting the familiar camera symbol next to a user’s name, can leave users puzzled. While Snapchat itself has remained mute on this perplexing phenomenon, we have endeavored to assemble a trove of probable explanations and solutions to unravel this mystery, the “X on Snapchat.”

Understanding the Snapchat X Icon
Typically, the “X” symbol on Snapchat is not a glitch but rather an indicator of a pending friend request. If it’s bothering you, here’s a quick way to make it vanish:
- Open Snapchat and click on the user’s name where the X shows up.
- You’ll see options to either click “Okay” or “Report or Block.” By clicking “Okay,” you accept their friend request.
- You might also see an “Add” button, indicating that the user hasn’t blocked you, but merely unfriended you. Tap this if you wish to befriend them once again.
Other Causes for the Snapchat X Icon
However, a pending friend request isn’t always the culprit behind the grey X. For instance, if a friend blocks or removes you, an X might show up. Here’s how you can verify:
- Tap on the grey X replacing the usual camera symbol.
- If you see options like “block,” “report,” and “clear,” it signifies that the user has blocked you.
How to Address Persistent Snapchat X Icon
There might be situations when the X stays put even after you’ve befriended someone and they’ve accepted your request. Here’s a method to resolve this:
Time needed: 2 minutes
- Navigating to the Settings
Once logged in, make your way to the “My Profile” section, indicated by a tiny picture of you in the top left corner. Upon clicking it, you will notice a settings icon resembling a cogwheel. Go ahead, give that a tap.
- Spotting the “Clear Cache” Option
Like treasure hidden within a sea of options, you’re looking for the “Clear Cache” choice.
- Taking the Cache Clearance Leap
If you’re an Android user, press “Continue”. For those on an iOS device, go ahead and select “Clear All.” This act will give your Snapchat a much-needed cleanse, ideally ridding you of that stubborn X.

Updating Snapchat
Keeping your Snapchat up to date ensures its smooth operation. If the X still appears after adding the person to your friend list, an update might help. Here’s how:
For iOS:
- Open the App store and click on your profile.
- Swipe down to refresh the updates.
- If Snapchat requires an update, the “Update” button will be visible next to it.
For Android:
- Open the Play Store and tap the profile icon.
- Go to “Manage apps & device” then “Updates Available.”
- If Snapchat needs an update, it’ll show on the list. Tap “Update.”
Adding Friends on Snapchat
One way to dodge the grey X on Snapchat is to ensure you’ve added everyone on your list as friends. Here’s how:
- Open Snapchat and click on your profile icon.
- Click on “Add Friends.”
- You can add friends by typing their usernames in the search bar or scanning their Snapcode.
Blocking Users on Snapchat
In some cases, blocking a user might be more beneficial than adding them. Here’s how:
- Open Snapchat and access your profile by swiping down.
- Tap the gear icon and select “Blocked.”
- You can block someone either by typing their username or directly from a chat.
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Conclusion
The elusive “X” on Snapchat can be an annoying riddle to crack. But with our detailed analysis, its meaning and potential solutions are now within your grasp. Whether it’s a pending friend request, an unexpected block, or an irksome glitch, you are now equipped with the arsenal to vanquish the enigmatic “X” from your Snapchat realm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, the X signifies a pending friend request or that you’ve been blocked or removed by the user.
You can eliminate it by accepting the friend request, clearing the cache, updating the app, or blocking the user.
Not typically. The X isn’t usually a result of an app glitch, but more of a communication between users.
If the X remains even after accepting a friend request, try clearing your app’s cache.
No, clearing your Snapchat Cache won’t delete your chats, settings, or saved items. Instead, it helps your device free up storage space and resolves persistent issues.