Snapchat users may have noticed certain notifications labeled as “Time Sensitive.” You’re not alone if you’re wondering what this means and why some Snapchat messages are marked this way.
This feature is primarily related to iOS notifications and ensures that essential alerts break through Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb settings. However, Snapchat’s use of time-sensitive notifications has left many users confused.
In this guide, we’ll explain what “Time Sensitive” means on Snapchat, why you see it, and how to turn it off if needed.
What Does “Time Sensitive” Mean on Snapchat?
Snapchat’s “Time Sensitive” label appears on certain notifications, ensuring they get priority delivery even when Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus Mode is enabled on an iPhone.
This means that Snapchat may push specific alerts even when other notifications are silenced, ensuring you don’t miss particular Snaps, messages, or friend requests.
The feature is partly controlled by Snapchat and Apple’s iOS notification system, so it’s essential to understand how both work together.
Why Does Snapchat Send Time-Sensitive Notifications?
Snapchat marks certain notifications as time-sensitive to ensure you don’t miss important messages or app activity. Some possible reasons Snapchat sends time-sensitive alerts include:
- New direct messages from friends (especially unopened Snaps or Chats).
- Replies to your Snapchat stories or messages.
- Snapchat streak reminders if you’re about to lose a Snapstreak.
- Friend requests or mention notifications.
- Updates about your account security (such as login alerts).
Snapchat doesn’t let users manually choose which notifications are time-sensitive, but Apple’s notification system may automatically classify particular messages as more urgent based on your activity.
Can You Turn Off Time-Sensitive Notifications on Snapchat?
Yes, you can disable Snapchat’s time-sensitive notifications if you don’t want them to bypass your Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb settings.
If you want to stop Snapchat notifications from bypassing, Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus Mode, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Notifications.
- Find and select Snapchat from the list of apps.
- Locate the Time-Sensitive Notifications toggle.
- Please turn it off to prevent Snapchat from sending priority alerts.
Once this setting is turned off, Snapchat notifications will no longer override Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode.
Do Time-Sensitive Notifications Mean Something Important?
Many users assume that time-sensitive alerts mean something urgent, but that’s not always true. Snapchat doesn’t provide an official explanation for why certain notifications get this label, but based on user reports, they often include:
- Snaps and Chats that haven’t been opened yet.
- Messages from people you frequently interact with.
- Notifications about Snapchat Streaks (reminders to keep streaks going).
If you receive a time-sensitive Snapchat notification, it doesn’t necessarily mean the message is urgent—just that Snapchat prioritizes it over regular notifications.
How iOS and Android Handle Time-Sensitive Notifications
Here’s how iOS and Android treat time-sensitive notifications and why Snapchat messages might still appear even when your phone is silent.
iPhone (iOS 15 and Later)
Apple introduced Time-Sensitive Notifications as part of its Focus Mode feature, allowing specific alerts to break through silenced notifications. These notifications have special permissions that enable them to:
- Bypass Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode, ensuring important messages are delivered immediately.
- Stay on the lock screen for an hour, even when other notifications disappear.
- Be disabled per-app, so users can turn off time-sensitive alerts for apps like Snapchat.
That is why Snapchat messages marked as time-sensitive may still appear, even when your phone is silent or Focus Mode. If you find this disruptive, you can disable time-sensitive notifications in Snapchat’s iPhone settings.
Android Devices
Unlike iOS, Android does not have a dedicated Time-Sensitive Notification setting. However, Snapchat can still mark some notifications as a high priority, which means they may behave similarly to time-sensitive alerts. This can cause Snapchat messages to:
- Appear at the top of the notification panel, even when other alerts are minimized.
- Stay persistent on the lock screen until manually dismissed.
If you want to stop receiving high-priority Snapchat notifications, go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Notifications and look for options related to priority alerts. This will allow you to adjust how Snapchat notifications behave on your Android device.
How to Manage Snapchat Notifications for Better Control
If you want to customize your Snapchat notifications without completely disabling them, follow these steps:
Modify Snapchat Notification Settings in the App:
- Open Snapchat and tap on your profile icon.
- Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Notifications.
- Toggle on/off different notifications like Friend Requests, Mentions, Stories, or Chats.
This allows you to control which alerts you receive, even if Snapchat labels them as time-sensitive.
Common Issues With Snapchat Time-Sensitive Notifications
If you’re experiencing problems with Snapchat’s time-sensitive notifications, here are some common issues and their solutions.
Snapchat Is Sending Too Many Time-Sensitive Notifications
If Snapchat notifications are frequent and distracting, try these solutions:
- Disable Time-Sensitive Notifications in iPhone settings.
- Turn off Snapchat notifications for less important alerts within the Snapchat app.
Snapchat Notifications Aren’t Appearing at All
If Snapchat isn’t sending any notifications, check the following:
- Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus Mode may be enabled—try turning them off temporarily.
- Snapchat notifications may be disabled in iPhone or Android settings—check notification permissions.
- Background App Refresh must be enabled for Snapchat to send notifications properly.
If the issue persists, try logging out of Snapchat and logging back in or reinstalling the app to reset notification settings.
Final Thoughts
Snapchat’s “Time Sensitive” notifications ensure that important messages and updates are delivered, even if Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode is enabled. While this can be useful for urgent Snaps, Chats, or Streak reminders, some users may find it unnecessary.
If you don’t want Snapchat notifications bypassing your Focus settings, you can disable Time-Sensitive Notifications in iPhone settings. Alternatively, you can customize Snapchat’s notification settings within the app for better control over which alerts you receive.
Have you received time-sensitive notifications on Snapchat? Let us know in the comments! If this guide helped, feel free to share it with others who might be confused about Snapchat’s notification system.