Typically, you can find an Instagram profile by simply searching for their username. But are you wondering if it's possible to search for a user by phone number? In this guide, I’ll show you how to check if someone has an Instagram account using just their phone number. Let’s go!
Why Searching by Phone Number Doesn't Work
You’ve probably tried using the search and explore tab to find someone’s profile by typing in their phone number. However, this doesn’t work. While Instagram users can link their phone numbers to their accounts, the platform prioritizes privacy. That means phone numbers won’t appear in searches or on profiles.
The Alternative: Syncing Your Contacts
Don’t worry, though! There’s another way: syncing your address book with Instagram. This allows the app to recommend profiles based on the phone numbers stored in your contacts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sync Contacts
Enable Contact Access
Open your phone’s Settings.
Find Instagram in the list of apps.
Toggle on Contacts if it’s not already enabled.
Sync Contacts in Instagram
Go to your Instagram profile dashboard.
Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
Navigate to Settings.
Proceed to the Account Center and open Information and Permissions.
Tap on Upload Contacts.
Select your Instagram profile and toggle on Connect Contacts.
Explore Recommendations
With your contacts synced, Instagram will start suggesting profiles based on your address book.
Head back to your profile and look for the Find People section to browse recommendations.
If you don’t see the “Find People” option, go to your Following list and look for the feature below it.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
You won’t see phone numbers directly, but you should now be able to find familiar faces to follow. Note that this only works if the person has linked their phone number to their Instagram account.
Typically, you can find an Instagram profile by simply searching for their username. But are you wondering if it's possible to search for a user by phone number? In this guide, I’ll show you how to check if someone has an Instagram account using just their phone number. Let’s go!
Why Searching by Phone Number Doesn't Work
You’ve probably tried using the search and explore tab to find someone’s profile by typing in their phone number. However, this doesn’t work. While Instagram users can link their phone numbers to their accounts, the platform prioritizes privacy. That means phone numbers won’t appear in searches or on profiles.
The Alternative: Syncing Your Contacts
Don’t worry, though! There’s another way: syncing your address book with Instagram. This allows the app to recommend profiles based on the phone numbers stored in your contacts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sync Contacts
Enable Contact Access
Open your phone’s Settings.
Find Instagram in the list of apps.
Toggle on Contacts if it’s not already enabled.
Sync Contacts in Instagram
Go to your Instagram profile dashboard.
Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
Navigate to Settings.
Proceed to the Account Center and open Information and Permissions.
Tap on Upload Contacts.
Select your Instagram profile and toggle on Connect Contacts.
Explore Recommendations
With your contacts synced, Instagram will start suggesting profiles based on your address book.
Head back to your profile and look for the Find People section to browse recommendations.
If you don’t see the “Find People” option, go to your Following list and look for the feature below it.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
You won’t see phone numbers directly, but you should now be able to find familiar faces to follow. Note that this only works if the person has linked their phone number to their Instagram account.
Typically, you can find an Instagram profile by simply searching for their username. But are you wondering if it's possible to search for a user by phone number? In this guide, I’ll show you how to check if someone has an Instagram account using just their phone number. Let’s go!
Why Searching by Phone Number Doesn't Work
You’ve probably tried using the search and explore tab to find someone’s profile by typing in their phone number. However, this doesn’t work. While Instagram users can link their phone numbers to their accounts, the platform prioritizes privacy. That means phone numbers won’t appear in searches or on profiles.
The Alternative: Syncing Your Contacts
Don’t worry, though! There’s another way: syncing your address book with Instagram. This allows the app to recommend profiles based on the phone numbers stored in your contacts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sync Contacts
Enable Contact Access
Open your phone’s Settings.
Find Instagram in the list of apps.
Toggle on Contacts if it’s not already enabled.
Sync Contacts in Instagram
Go to your Instagram profile dashboard.
Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
Navigate to Settings.
Proceed to the Account Center and open Information and Permissions.
Tap on Upload Contacts.
Select your Instagram profile and toggle on Connect Contacts.
Explore Recommendations
With your contacts synced, Instagram will start suggesting profiles based on your address book.
Head back to your profile and look for the Find People section to browse recommendations.
If you don’t see the “Find People” option, go to your Following list and look for the feature below it.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
You won’t see phone numbers directly, but you should now be able to find familiar faces to follow. Note that this only works if the person has linked their phone number to their Instagram account.