Have you seen the phrase ‘Time Sensitive’ notification pop up on Snapchat lately? If you’re an iPhone user, you might have encountered this new feature introduced in May 2023. But what exactly does it mean?
This article discusses what ‘Time Sensitive’ notification means, how it works and steps to disable it.
Also read: How to know if someone is online on Snapchat?
What does ‘Time Sensitive’ notification mean?
The ‘Time Sensitive’ notifications are Snapchat’s way of flagging certain messages or Snaps as a high priority. These notifications bypass your iPhone’s Focus mode, including Do Not Disturb, ensuring they appear on your lock screen. This way, even if you’ve silenced your phone to minimise distractions, important messages from Snapchat can still get through.
How does it work?
Focus mode (or Do Not Disturb on older iPhones) is useful for managing interruptions. But sometimes, you might want to receive alerts for specific contacts or apps even when Focus mode is on. Snapchat’s time-sensitive notifications address this by prioritising certain snaps and messages, ensuring you don’t miss anything crucial.
The decision of whether a notification is time-sensitive lies with Snapchat itself. The app’s algorithm likely considers factors like the sender, the message type (text or Snap), and potentially even your past interaction history to determine urgency. However, some users have expressed confusion, as not every notification seems time-sensitive.
Are all snaps Time-Sensitive?
No, not every Snap or message will be flagged as time-sensitive. Snapchat’s criteria for urgency aren’t entirely public, but it’s safe to assume they prioritise snaps from close friends, replies to your chats, or Snaps with critical content (like urgent messages). While the concept helps stay in touch, some users have raised concerns about Snapchat potentially overusing this feature. Not every Snap or message might need such a high-priority notification.
Can you turn it off?
While the feature aims to be helpful, it might not always be what you want. Luckily, you can disable time-sensitive notifications for Snapchat directly from the notification itself. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Settings app and tap on the Notification option.
- Scroll down, find and tap on Snapchat.
- Now, turn the toggle off beside the Time-Sensitive Notifications option. To enable this feature, follow the same steps.
It’s important to note that Time-Sensitive notifications are exclusive to iPhone users with iOS 15 or later and Snapchat versions released after May 2023. Android users haven’t received this feature yet, but it’s possible Snapchat might roll it out in the future.
Ultimately, the ‘Time-Sensitive’ notification feature is a double-edged sword. It ensures you don’t miss important messages but can also disrupt focus. Whether you find it helpful or annoying depends on your needs and preferences.
Also read: Why are random people adding me on Snapchat?
