Snapchat has officially announced a major expansion of its popular location-sharing tool, rebranding “Home Safe” to “Arrival Notifications.” Launched on February 9, 2026, to coincide with Safer Internet Day, this update allows users to set automated arrival alerts for any destination on the Snap Map, moving beyond the previous “home-only” restriction.
From “Home Safe” to Everywhere Safe
Originally introduced in the summer of 2025, the “Home Safe” feature was used by over one million Snapchatters to notify trusted friends when they returned to their residence. The new “Arrival Notifications” tool builds on this success by offering a flexible solution for modern routines. Users can now drop a pin at a friend’s house, a concert venue, a weekly sports practice, or a workplace and trigger an automatic notification once they reach the designated area.
How to Use Arrival Notifications
Setting up an alert is designed to be seamless and “frictionless,” eliminating the need for manual “I’m here” texts:
- Select a Friend: Open a chat or friendship profile with a trusted contact.
- Customize the Spot: Tap on the map, select a location, and give it a label (e.g., “Run Club,” “Library,” or “Hotel”).
- Choose Frequency: Users can opt for a one-time alert (ideal for rideshares or travel) or a recurring alert for daily schedules.
- Privacy Controls: Alerts only trigger for friends with whom you have already enabled active location sharing.
Privacy-First Architecture
Snapchat emphasizes that privacy remains the core of the Snap Map ecosystem.
- Opt-In Only: Location sharing is turned off by default and must be explicitly enabled for specific friends.
- Ghost Mode: If a user enters “Ghost Mode,” all notifications are instantly paused.
- Ephemeral Alerts: One-time alerts automatically expire after 24 hours if the destination is not reached, ensuring no lingering location data is shared unnecessarily.
Part of a Broader Safety Push
The feature arrives alongside “The Keys: A Guide to Digital Safety,” a new interactive course for parents and teens developed with Common Sense Media. This initiative reflects Snapchat’s strategic shift toward becoming a “real-world utility,” helping millions of users coordinate safety in physical spaces while maintaining digital boundaries.
Key Highlights:
- Universal Reach: “Home Safe” is now Arrival Notifications, allowing automatic check-ins at any location worldwide.
- Flexibility: Supports both one-time alerts for events and recurring alerts for routine commutes or classes.
- Safety First: Integrated into Snapchat’s Family Center, providing parents with peace of mind without constant tracking.
- User Control: Notifications are strictly opt-in, respect Ghost Mode, and work only with trusted friends.