Roblox switched "Friends" to "Connections" to match how the platform actually works
In 2023, Roblox changed the word "Friends" to "Connections" throughout the platform. The shift was not cosmetic. Roblox wanted the language to reflect what the feature actually does: it connects you to other players you can message and play with, but it does not create the same kind of persistent social relationship that "friends" implies on other platforms. A Connection on Roblox is someone you have added to stay in touch with during gameplay — you can message them, see when they are online, and join their games — but the relationship exists primarily within Roblox itself.
The change also simplified how Roblox talks about social features across the platform. Before, Roblox used "Friends," "Followers," and "Following" in different places, which confused new players about what each one meant. Now, Connections is the main social link between players, and the older follower system has been phased out. This made the interface clearer for people learning the platform for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Roblox renamed "Friends" to "Connections" to describe the feature more accurately — a link between players within the game, not a broader social relationship.
- You can message Connections, see when they are online, and join their games, just as you could with the old Friends feature.
- The change removed confusion from having multiple social labels like Friends, Followers, and Following scattered across the platform.
- Your existing Friends list automatically converted to Connections when the update rolled out, so you did not have to do anything.
What you can actually do with a Connection
Adding someone as a Connection lets you message them directly through Roblox. You can see their username, avatar, and whether they are currently online or in a game. If they are in a game, you can usually join that game from their profile without having to search for it yourself. You can also see what games they have played recently and what groups they belong to.
Connections are mutual — when you add someone, they see that you have added them, and they can add you back. Unlike some platforms, there is no "follow without following back" option on Roblox anymore. If you want to stay in touch with someone, you both have to add each other as Connections.
How the old Friends system worked before the change
Before the Connections update, Roblox had a Friends list that worked almost identically to how Connections work now. You could message friends, see when they were online, and join their games. The main difference was the name — Roblox called it "Friends" even though the relationship was limited to the platform and did not carry the social weight that "friends" usually implies.
Roblox also had a Followers system at the same time, which created a second layer of confusion. You could follow someone without them following you back, similar to Twitter or Instagram. Over time, Roblox realized having both Friends and Followers made the social system harder to understand, especially for younger players. The shift to Connections eliminated the Followers option and consolidated everything into one clear feature.
Why the name matters for how players understand the platform
Language shapes how people use a tool. When Roblox called the feature "Friends," new players sometimes expected it to work like their friends list on Discord, Facebook, or other social platforms they already knew. They might have been confused when they realized the connection only existed within Roblox and did not sync with their real-world social networks.
By calling it "Connections," Roblox signals that this is a gaming-specific link. A Connection is someone you play with and message on Roblox — not necessarily someone you know outside the platform. This is more honest about what the feature does and helps players set the right expectations from the start.
How to find and add Connections on your device
On a computer, you can add someone as a Connection by visiting their profile page and clicking the "Add Connection" button. You can find players by searching for their username in the search bar at the top of the Roblox website. Once you add them, they will see a notification and can add you back.
On a mobile device (phone or tablet), the process is the same. Open the Roblox app, search for the player's username, go to their profile, and tap "Add Connection." You can also add Connections while you are in a game — if you see someone's username in the chat or in the player list, you can click on their name and add them from there.
Your Connections list is private. Other players cannot see who you have added unless you tell them. You can remove a Connection at any time by going to their profile and clicking "Remove Connection."
What happened to your old Friends list
When Roblox made the change, every player's Friends list automatically became their Connections list. You did not have to do anything — your existing friends were still there, just under the new name. All your messages with those people stayed in your inbox, and you could still message them and join their games exactly as before.
If you had blocked someone before the update, they remained blocked. If you had a pending friend request that someone had sent you, it converted to a pending Connection request. Nothing was lost in the transition; Roblox straightforward renamed the feature and removed the Followers system that had existed alongside it.
Why Roblox continues to change its social features
Roblox updates its social system regularly because the platform is used by millions of players of different ages, and what works for one group does not always work for another. Younger players need clear, straightforward social tools. Older players might want more control over their privacy and who can contact them. Roblox tries to balance these needs by testing features, listening to player feedback, and making changes when something is confusing or not working well.
The shift from Friends to Connections was one of several updates Roblox has made to how players interact with each other. The platform has also changed how direct messaging works, how groups function, and how players can customize their profiles. These changes are not always announced loudly, so many players do not realize the platform has evolved since they last played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message someone who is not a Connection?
No. On Roblox, you can only send direct messages to people who are your Connections. If you want to talk to someone you just met in a game, you have to add them as a Connection first and wait for them to add you back before you can message them.
What is the difference between a Connection and a follower now?
Roblox removed the Followers system when it introduced Connections. There is no longer a way to follow someone one-way. Connections are mutual — you both have to add each other. This simplified the social system and removed the confusion of having multiple types of relationships.
Do my Connections know when I am online?
Yes. Your Connections can see your online status and what game you are playing (if you have not turned off that setting in your privacy options). You can change this in your account settings under Privacy if you want to hide your status from other players.
Can I add someone as a Connection if they have not added me back?
You can send a Connection request, but they have to accept it before you are officially Connections. Until they accept, you cannot message them or see their online status. They will see a notification that you have sent a request.
What happens if I remove a Connection?
If you remove a Connection, you will no longer see their online status or be able to message them. They will not receive a notification that you removed them, but they will notice they can no longer message you if they try. You can add them back later if you change your mind.