Snapchat is a widely used multimedia messaging app, particularly popular among younger audiences for its unique feature of temporary messaging. One of the most intriguing aspects of Snapchat is the Snapstreak feature, which keeps track of consecutive days two users have been sending snaps (not text) to each other. However, when you’re on the verge of losing a Snapstreak, you might notice an hourglass icon appear next to the person’s name. So, what exactly does the hourglass emoji mean on Snapchat, and how does it affect your Snapstreak?
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a multimedia app designed for sharing images, videos, and chats between users. What makes it unique is the temporary nature of these messages—also known as “Snaps”—which disappear after being viewed. You can send Snaps to individuals or share them on your Story, which remains visible for 24 hours. Snapchat also features Chat, which works similarly to instant messaging apps like WhatsApp but with the added twist that messages disappear after being read unless you choose to save them.
For first-time users, getting familiar with the app involves creating an account, providing essential information like name, birthdate, and phone number, and selecting a username. Once you’ve set up your account, you can start sending Snaps, which can include time limits or loop indefinitely. These Snaps are deleted once the recipient views them and exits the screen.
Understanding the Snapstreak Feature
One of Snapchat’s more engaging features is the Snapstreak, which appears next to a friend’s name after you and that person have exchanged Snaps for three consecutive days. To keep the Snapstreak going, you both need to send each other at least one Snap every 24 hours. Once established, a fire emoji appears next to your friend’s name, signifying that you’re on a streak.
The Snapstreak serves as a playful reminder of your continuous engagement with a friend. However, if you forget to send a Snap within the 24-hour window, you risk losing your streak, which can be disappointing, especially after maintaining it for an extended period. This is where the hourglass emoji comes into play.
What Does the Hourglass Emoji Mean on Snapchat?
The hourglass emoji is a warning that your Snapstreak with a friend is about to expire. It acts like a countdown timer, indicating that you and your friend are running out of time to exchange Snaps before the streak ends. Snapchat introduced this feature to notify users that they need to act fast to maintain their Snapstreak.
The hourglass appears when you’re nearing the end of the 24-hour window since the last Snap exchange. While it doesn’t specify exactly how much time is left, it serves as a reminder that your streak is in danger, and you need to exchange Snaps to prevent the streak from breaking.
How Long Does the Hourglass Emoji Last?
The duration of the hourglass emoji is not set in stone and can vary depending on different factors. In general, the hourglass icon will appear when you are within four hours of losing your Snapstreak. However, in some cases, especially with longer Snapstreaks, the hourglass may appear as early as six or even eight hours before the streak ends.
Some Reddit discussions suggest that the hourglass may last between two to four hours, while others report that it can remain active for up to seven hours, especially for users with a long-standing Snapstreak. The appearance and duration of the hourglass emoji depend on your Snapstreak length and the frequency of your Snap exchanges.
How Long Before You Notice the Hourglass?
There’s no universal answer to how long it takes for the hourglass to appear. The time the hourglass becomes visible may depend on when you sent your last Snap. For example, if you last exchanged Snaps 20 hours ago, the hourglass could appear around the 21-hour mark. However, some users have reported seeing the hourglass just minutes before the Snapstreak is about to expire.
In some cases, Snapchat may offer a small buffer of extra time, possibly around 30 minutes, allowing you to send a Snap and continue the streak. Nonetheless, this isn’t something you should rely on, as it varies between users.
How to Remove the Hourglass Emoji
The easiest way to remove the hourglass emoji is to send a Snap to the person with whom you share the streak. Once you’ve both exchanged Snaps, the hourglass will disappear, and the fire emoji indicating your Snapstreak will remain.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove the hourglass emoji:
- Open Snapchat on your device and check your friend list to see if the hourglass emoji is next to your friend’s name.
- If the hourglass is present, send a Snap to your friend as soon as possible. This must be a photo or video—text messages won’t count.
- Wait for your friend to send a Snap back. The hourglass emoji will disappear once both of you have sent each other a Snap.
Keep in mind that both parties must send Snaps. If only one of you sends a Snap and the other doesn’t respond, the streak will end, and the hourglass emoji will disappear, signaling that your Snapstreak has concluded.
What Happens If You Lose Your Snapstreak?
If the hourglass emoji expires and you didn’t exchange Snaps in time, your Snapstreak will end. Once a Snapstreak is broken, you will lose the fire emoji, and the streak counter will reset to zero.
However, if you believe your Snapstreak ended due to a technical glitch or other unusual circumstances, Snapchat provides a way to recover it. Here’s how you can try to restore your Snapstreak:
- Go to Snapchat’s support page or use the “I lost my Snapstreak” option within the app.
- Submit a support request explaining the situation. Snapchat often reviews these requests and, in many cases, will restore the Snapstreak, especially if it ended due to factors outside of your control.
Final Thoughts
The hourglass emoji on Snapchat is a helpful feature that reminds users when their Snapstreaks are close to ending. By sending Snaps to each other within the 24-hour window, you and your friends can keep your streaks alive and avoid the disappointment of losing them.
If you want to maintain long Snapstreaks, keep an eye out for the hourglass emoji and make sure to exchange Snaps daily. And if you ever lose a Snapstreak unintentionally, don’t worry—Snapchat’s support team may be able to help you get it back.
Common Snapstreak and Hourglass FAQs
How Can You Remove the Hourglass Emoji?
To remove the hourglass emoji, both you and your friend need to exchange Snaps before the timer runs out. Once you’ve both sent Snaps, the hourglass emoji will disappear, and your Snapstreak will continue.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Snapstreak?
If you lose your Snapstreak, you can try contacting Snapchat support. They are often willing to restore Snapstreaks if the loss was accidental or due to technical issues.
Does Sending a Text Count for the Snapstreak?
No, text messages or chats do not count towards your Snapstreak. Only Snaps—photos or videos—will continue your streak with a friend.
How Long Does the Hourglass Emoji Stay Active?
The hourglass emoji typically lasts for about four hours, but this can vary depending on the length of your Snapstreak. For some users, the hourglass may remain visible for up to seven hours before the streak expires.
How Can I Tell If My Snapstreak Is About to End?
The hourglass emoji is your primary indication that a Snapstreak is about to end. Once it appears next to your friend’s name, you need to send a Snap immediately to keep the streak going.
