What does the lock mean on Snapchat?

If you’re new to Snapchat (or just a casual Snapchat user), you might not be aware of all of its features, including a certain lock-shaped icon. If you’ve ever wondered what that little lock icon means on Snapchat, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explain what the lock is for and how it’s connected to a Snapchat feature.

What does the lock mean on Snapchat?

In Snapchat, that lock icon indicates that the Snapchat story you’re seeing is what’s known as a Private Story.

What exactly is a Private Story?

The New Private Story menu option on Snapchat.screenshot

A Private Story is a type of Snapchat story that allows the Snapchatter who posts it to restrict that story’s visibility to only a few, select friends.

That is to say, if you post a Private Story, you can choose which of your friends can see it. Additionally, the only user who can invite other users to it or add Snaps to a Private Story is the user who created the Private Story in the first place. So, if you see a lock icon on a Story, it likely means that you were selected by one of your Snapchat friends to view a Private Story they posted.

And according to Snapchat’s help guide, if you post a Private Story, friends who weren’t selected to view it won’t know about that story as they won’t be notified about it. You can post a Private Story by going to your Profile screen in the app and selecting +New story. Then from the menu that pops up, you’ll choose New Private Story and just follow the on-screen instructions.

Other things to know about Private Stories on Snapchat

Here are some other details you should know about Private Stories:

  • Up to 20 Private Stories can be made at a time.
  • Private Stories are not the same as Snapchat’s My Eyes Only feature: The My Eyes Only feature is a place where users can store Snaps and keep them private.

    Essentially, once set up, the My Eyes Only feature (and the Snaps you put there) is only accessible with a passcode.

    So if you have Snaps in your Memories section that you don’t want to be viewable by anyone but you, you can set up My Eyes Only and then send those Snaps to it.

  • When you want to view the Snaps you stored in My Eyes Only, you’ll then enter the passcode you created when you set up My Eyes Only.

    Private Stories, on the other hand, are just Snapchat stories restricted to only being visible to a specific audience, an audience that you get to choose the members of.

Editors’ Recommendations

flannels listed on couponmatrix.ukmountain-warehouse listed on couponmatrix.uksimply-be listed on couponmatrix.uksosander listed on couponmatrix.uksun-transfers listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-fragrance-shop listed on couponmatrix.uk
flannels listed on couponmatrix.ukFounded in 1976, Flannels was created to bring high-end designer clothing from London to the rest of the world. Lap up a little luxury for less with a Flannels discount code and go all out for every occasion. Stocking big-brand names such as Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Gucci and Prada, Flannels’ expansive collections for men, women and children exudes timeless style and sophistication.
mountain-warehouse listed on couponmatrix.ukFor those of us that like to get out and about and sample the best that nature has to offer and to do that comfortably and safely you will need to invest in good, quality outdoor wear. To get everything you need at a fantastic price, pick up a Mountain Warehouse discount code and start saving. Whether you are a hill walker or a festival goer, having the correct clothing and accessories can make a huge difference.
simply-be listed on couponmatrix.ukCalling all girls with curves! Find your fashion fix with high street favourite Simply Be. Flaunt your signature style with zero limits thanks to a Simply Be discount code from us. We’ll make your spending a rewarding experience and your debit card will thank you later! Whether you’re hitting the treadmill or bundling up for a work do, Simply Be has got you covered – and we'll help you save on your shop.
sosander listed on couponmatrix.ukReinvent your wardrobe with Sosandar, the brainchild of two talented women designers with one clear goal – to make immaculate clothing by women, for women. Regardless of if you want to strut your stuff during a night out or simply look elegant in the office, a Sosandar discount code is all you need to make your goals a reality for a fraction of the price.
sun-transfers listed on couponmatrix.ukSuntransfers is an airport transfers site that helps you save money on your traveland holidays. Suntransfers provide low-cost transfers around the world, and we've got a Suntransfers discount code for all the major airlines and travel companies, so you can be sure to get the best deal possible. Whether you opt to fly to Europe or Asoa, trust Suntransfers to secure savings on your trip. At Groupon, we work hard to find the best deals and discounts for our customers. That's why we've put together a page of Suntransfers discount codes. We know that planning a holiday can be expensive, so we want to help you save as much money wherever possible. With our phenomenal offers, you can get a great price on Suntransfers transfers and make your dream holiday more affordable. So whether you're looking for a discount code for your next booking or just want to browse our selection vouchers, we've got you covered. We've got a selection of Suntransfers voucher codes for you to choose from, so you can get the best price on your next booking - be it in Malaga or the Maldives. Start wherever your dream destination may lie, get the best budget transfer from airport to hotel with Suntransfers.
the-fragrance-shop listed on couponmatrix.ukThe Fragrance Shop are the UK’s largest independent fragrance retailer and give their customers the option of shopping online at their own convenience or making the most of their friendly and knowledgeable staff in one of over 200 UK stores. With The Fragrance Shop discount code to hand you can discover over 130 brands fragrances for less. With so much choice, you will likely find your favourite scent or something new! From CHANEL, Burberry and Ghost to Gucci, Hugo Boss and many more - whether its a perfume, eau de toilette or aftershave - The Fragrance Shop has you covered!