Xbox Insiders Are Bringing Back Better Friend Requests on Xbox Console and Windows 11 PC Apps

Starting this week, Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and PC Gaming preview groups will get friend requests on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and handheld devices as well as an improved follower experience. As noted in a post by Xbox Wire, this new feature set brings back friend requests on Xbox, and updated privacy settings, and notification controls, allowing users to manage their social interactions more effectively across all devices.

Changes for Xbox Insiders and Xbox PC app testers

• Friend requests return: Users can now send, accept, or delete friend requests, making it easier to connect with others. Friendships are now two-way, invite-approved relationships, giving users more control and flexibility.
• Following remains one-way: Following someone allows users to stay updated with their shared content, whether it’s another player, club, or game.
• Automatic updates: Existing friends and followers will be updated automatically, ensuring that users remain connected with those who had previously added them as friends or followers.

Managing friends and followers

Users can manage friends and followers by pressing the Xbox button to open the guide and navigating to the People tab. Here, they can find existing friends, accept or delete new friend requests, or find new friends and send requests. The new experience is available on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, and handheld devices, with plans to roll out to other devices later.

Enhanced privacy and notification settings

Users can manage who can send them friend requests or follow their account by navigating to Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy, then selecting View details & customize > Friends, followers & clubs. Users can update their notification preferences on Xbox consoles from Settings > Preferences > Notifications, or online by navigating to Privacy & online safety and signing in.

Feedback and support

Users can join the Xbox Insider subreddit for support, where official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are available to help. Users can provide direct feedback to Team Xbox by following the steps outlined in the Xbox Insider Program.

Joining the Xbox Insider Program

Users who are not yet Xbox Insiders can join the program by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PC. For more information and to keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes, users can visit the Xbox Insider Home.

This new friends and followers experience is a significant step forward in enhancing the social aspect of gaming on Xbox, offering users more control and flexibility in managing their online interactions.