SocialGlyphsThat Grey Arrow on Snapchat Isn't Always What You Think — Here's What It Means
A grey arrow and 'Pending' on Snapchat doesn't always mean you're blocked. Here are the real reasons, how to tell which one it is, and how to fix it.
You sent a Snap and instead of a red, purple or blue arrow, you see a grey arrow and the word Pending. It’s one of the most-searched Snapchat symbols because it feels like rejection. Often, it isn’t.
What the grey arrow means
Grey means Snapchat couldn’t deliver your Snap or Chat yet. The message is waiting. The other person hasn’t been notified and can’t see it.
The 4 reasons you see “Pending”
| Reason | How likely | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| They haven’t added you back | Most common | You can still find their profile in search |
| They removed you as a friend | Common | You used to see blue/red arrows; now it’s grey |
| Bad connection or app glitch | Common | Other friends’ Snaps are stuck too |
| They blocked you | Possible | Their account doesn’t appear in search at all |
How to figure out which one it is
- Check your connection. If Snaps to other friends are also pending, it’s your internet or the app. Switch Wi‑Fi/mobile data, then restart Snapchat.
- Search their username. If their profile shows up and offers Add, they haven’t added you back or removed you.
- Search from another account. If their profile appears for a friend but not for you, you’re probably blocked.
How to fix a pending Snap
- Network issue: reconnect, update the app, clear the cache (Settings → Clear Cache) and resend.
- Not added back: you can’t force it — they need to accept your friend request. Your pending messages can go through once they do.
- Removed or blocked: there’s nothing to fix on your side. Respect it and move on.
The “grey arrow check”
Some people send a random Snap just to see if it turns grey — a quick test of whether someone removed them. If a friend asks for a “grey arrow check”, that’s what they mean.
For every other color and shape, see our full Snapchat symbols chart.
Frequently asked questions
Does a grey arrow on Snapchat mean I'm blocked?
Not necessarily. It usually means they haven't added you back or removed you as a friend. If you can't find their account at all in search, being blocked is more likely.
Will they get my Snap once they add me?
If they add you back, pending Snaps and Chats can be delivered. If they never do, the messages stay pending.
What is a 'grey arrow check' on Snapchat?
It's when someone sends you a Snap just to see whether it shows a grey arrow — a way of checking if you've removed them.
Can bad internet cause a grey arrow?
Yes. A weak or switching connection can leave a message stuck as Pending until it sends.
