Snapchat’s New Footsteps Feature: A Complete Guide for iOS Users

Snapchat, one of the leading social media and photo-sharing platforms, has recently introduced a brand-new feature called “Footsteps” for iOS users. While this exciting addition has been rolled out to Apple device owners, there has been no official announcement regarding its availability for Android users. Initially, this feature was available only to Snapchat+ subscribers, but now it’s accessible to all iOS users.

The Footsteps feature allows users to track their travel history through Snap Map, giving insights into the places they’ve visited and how much of those areas they’ve explored. However, it’s important to note that this tracking is most accurate for users who frequently use Snapchat and take Snaps during their journeys.

Key Functions of the Footsteps Feature

Snapchat’s new Footsteps feature is more than just a location-tracking tool. It offers users an interactive and engaging way to review their travel history while also sharing it with friends. Here are some of its main functions:

1. Travel History Tracking: The feature displays the places you’ve visited and gives a detailed overview of how much you explored that area. It provides a visual representation on the Snap Map, making it easy to look back on your travels.

2. Custom Stickers: Users can create and share custom stickers with their friends that showcase their travel journeys. This adds a fun and personalized touch to conversations on Snapchat.

3. Snap Map Integration: The Footsteps feature is integrated into the Snap Map, allowing users to view their travel paths while reviewing old Snaps. This enhances the overall experience by letting users reflect on past memories tied to specific locations.

However, it’s essential to note that if Ghost Mode is activated, this feature will not work. In Ghost Mode, Snapchat does not share your location with others, making the Footsteps feature inactive during that time.

How to Use the Footsteps Feature

For users eager to start tracking their travel history on Snapchat, here’s a step-by-step guide to enabling and using the Footsteps feature:

1. Open Your Profile: Start by opening your Snapchat profile and tapping on the settings option.

2. Access Map Settings: Scroll down in the settings menu until you reach the “Account Actions” section, then tap on “Map.”

3. Enable Footsteps: In the Map settings, look for the option titled “Save new Footsteps as my location updates on the map.” Toggle this on to activate the feature.

4. Disable the Feature: If you ever want to turn off this tracking, simply toggle the option off.

5. Clear Footsteps History: If you wish to delete your previous travel data, go to the same settings and tap on “Clear Footsteps History” to remove all stored information.

This feature gives users flexibility in managing their travel data while also allowing them to turn it off or clear it whenever they choose.

Availability for Android Users

While iOS users can already enjoy this feature, there’s still no word on when Android users will be able to access it. It’s not uncommon for social media platforms to roll out features for iOS before Android, but Snapchat has not provided any specific timeline for the Footsteps feature on Android devices. It’s expected that Android users will receive this feature soon, but until then, iOS users have the exclusive access to it.

Major Updates from Snap Partner Summit 2024

The Footsteps feature is part of a broader set of announcements made by Snapchat during the Snap Partner Summit 2024. Some of the major updates include:

1. Integration of Gemini Large Language Model (LLM) into My AI: This integration aims to enhance the My AI feature on Snapchat, offering users a more personalized and smarter assistant experience.

2. Launch of 5th Generation Snap Spectacles: Snapchat unveiled its latest generation of Snap Spectacles, aiming to provide users with a more immersive and interactive experience with augmented reality (AR) technology.

These updates signify Snapchat’s commitment to staying innovative and continually improving user experiences on the platform.

Privacy Concerns Surrounding the Footsteps Feature

Since the launch of the Footsteps feature, some users have raised privacy concerns, particularly regarding location tracking. Given that this feature tracks a user’s travel history and movements, it’s understandable that some might be wary about how this data is used. However, Snapchat has assured its users that the Footsteps information is visible only to the user unless they choose to share it with friends.

The platform also emphasizes that the data is stored securely and users have full control over their travel history. By offering the option to clear Footsteps history, Snapchat ensures that users can maintain their privacy and erase any unwanted data.