Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. A key feature of Snapchat is that it allows you to quickly share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. This ephemeral nature is part of what makes Snapchat fun and casual. However, it can also make it challenging to find people you know on the app if you don’t already have their username.
Searching by Phone Number
A common question for new Snapchat users is whether you can search for someone by their phone number. Unfortunately, Snapchat does not have a built-in feature that allows you to search for users directly by their phone number.
Snapchat user profiles are tied to unique usernames rather than phone numbers. You need a person’s exact username in order to find their profile and add them as a friend. Snapchat does this intentionally as a security and privacy measure. They want to make it more difficult for people to get added by strangers without consent.
Using the Phone Number Verification Process
When creating a new Snapchat account, users have the option to verify their account with a phone number. This links the phone number to the account, but there is still no direct way to search Snapchat with just a phone number.
However, there is a workaround that uses the phone number verification process indirectly. Here are the steps:
- Try to sign up for a new Snapchat account using the phone number of the person you are trying to find.
- Snapchat will detect that this phone number is already linked to an existing account.
- You will see a message saying that the number is taken and to try logging in instead.
- This should reveal the Snapchat username associated with that phone number.
While this method can work, there are a few caveats:
- The person must have an existing Snapchat account that they verified with that phone number.
- They must not have changed their phone number since verifying the account.
- You have to actually attempt account creation, not just enter the number.
Overall, this is more of a workaround hack than a proper search function. It also doesn’t work if the person simply never verified with their phone number in the first place.
Searching by Name
Without a phone number lookup option, the only real way to find someone on Snapchat is to know their name or username. Here are some tips for tracking down a Snapchat account by name:
- Search for their name directly in the Snapchat app. This can work if the username contains their actual name or initials.
- Try name variations like first/last, full name, nicknames, etc. Get creative!
- Check other social media platforms where you are already connected and see if they have linked their Snapchat.
- Ask mutual friends if they are connected on Snapchat and can share the username.
The key is trying all possible name combinations that the person might use. With some detective work and help from friends, hopefully you can find the right username.
Using the Snapchat Add Nearby Feature
Snapchat also has an Add Nearby feature in the app that can help you find Snapchat friends based on geographic location.
Here’s how it works:
- Open your Snapchat app and tap the Add Friends icon (it looks like a little ghost).
- Select Add Nearby.
- This will open your camera. Point it at the ground and Snapchat will show you a list of Snapchat users nearby.
- Browse through the list to see if your friend appears.
- If you find them, select their name and you can then add them as a friend.
The Add Nearby feature generally pulls from a radius of about 100 feet. So this only works if you are physically close to the person you are trying to find. But it’s a handy last ditch option if you cross paths with the person in public.
Third-Party Apps and Websites
There are also some third-party apps and websites that claim to allow Snapchat searches by phone number. Examples include:
- Snapchat User Finder
- Snapchat Lookup
- Snapchat Search Engine
However, it’s unclear if these actually work since Snapchat usernames are not public information. Most appear to be scams or phishing attempts. I would not recommend using any third-party service claiming to lookup Snapchat users by phone number.
Contacting Snapchat Support
As a last resort, you can try contacting Snapchat’s official customer support. Here’s how:
- Open your Snapchat app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to Support > Contact Us.
- Select the topic Account and Security Issue.
- Pick Unable to Log In option.
- Complete the support contact form with an explanation of the issue.
Snapchat may be able to assist if you can provide enough context and details, such as:
- The full name and phone number of the person you are trying to find.
- Any old saved messages you have from that person with their old username.
- An explanation of your relationship to the person.
Keep in mind customer support is unlikely to just give out a username based on a phone number due to privacy protections. But they may be able to help recover an old account if you were previously connected on Snapchat.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no direct method to lookup a Snapchat user by only a phone number. Snapchat is designed to maintain privacy and security by separating usernames from phone numbers. The only reliable way to find someone is by knowing their exact Snapchat username or eventual name.
However, with some clever detective work searching names, asking friends, and trying location-based suggestions, you should hopefully be able to track down that Snapchat friend. Just be wary of any third-party sites claiming to offer Snapchat lookup services, as most are scams. With patience you can find the right account and restore your important Snapstreak!
Other Options for Finding Snapchat Friends
If you are struggling to locate someone’s Snapchat even by name, there are a few other options that may help expose their username:
Check Connected Social Accounts
Many people will link multiple social media profiles together. Check platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and see if the person has their Snapchat username listed on any of their bios or profiles.
Look for Hints in Photos
People will sometimes include their Snapchat username in photos or videos they post publicly. Checking recent Instagram and Facebook posts could reveal their handle.
Use Snapchat’s Friend Suggestions
Snapchat’s friend recommendation algorithm may surface the person in your suggestions if you have overlapping contacts and social connections.
Search Snapchat Public Stories
You can browse public stories from events and locations. If the person has posted publicly you may be able to discover their username.
Check Snapchat Subscriber Lists
Popular Snapchat creators will sometimes list subscribers. See if the person follows any public figures and is included in subscriber name lists.
Ask Around School or Work
Talk to classmates or co-workers that know the person to see if they are connected on Snapchat and can share the username.
Check Other Messaging Apps
See if you are connected on other apps like WhatsApp or GroupMe and check if the person has their Snapchat linked.
Tips for Adding Someone on Snapchat
Once you’ve finally tracked down your friend’s elusive Snapchat username, here are some tips for sending a friend request:
Personalize the Request Message
Take the extra minute to customize your friend request with a personal message like “Hey! It’s [Your Name] from [Context]”. This gives them some context rather than a random add.
Remind Them Who You Are
If it’s been a while since you’ve talked, remind them in the message how you know each other. Jog their memory so they accept your request.
Tell Them You Want to Add Them
Straight up say you’ve been wanting to add them on Snapchat so they know the request is wanted rather than random spam.
Mention Your Snapchat Name
Tell them your Snapchat username in the message so when they see the request they know it’s really you.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
Give a reason like staying in touch or sharing fun Snaps to get them excited about connecting.
Ask a Question to Start the Conversation
Pose a broad question about how they are doing to kick off your Snapstreak and get the Snaps flowing!
Common Problems When Adding Snapchat Friends
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues that arise when trying to add friends on Snapchat:
Problem: Your friend request is pending forever
- Solution: Check the message you sent – does it give your friend enough context to accept?
- Solution: Follow up through another communication channel to let them know you sent a Snapchat request.
- Solution: Give it a few days then try sending another friend request with an updated message.
Problem: Your friend request says “Delivered” but not “Opened”
- Solution: Your friend may have notifications turned off – so try messaging them outside Snapchat to look.
- Solution: Verify you have the exact right username – double check for typos.
- Solution: Be patient, not everyone checks Snapchat every day.
Problem: Your friend request is stuck on “Sent”
- Solution: Check your internet connection – poor signal can prevent delivery.
- Solution: Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app to clear any issues.
- Solution: Try removing and re-adding the friend to reset the request.
Problem: Your friend request is rejected
- Solution: It could be accidental – try sending another request.
- Solution: Make sure your message explains who you are clearly.
- Solution: Ask them through another app why they rejected and clarify the misunderstanding.
Problem: You entered the wrong username and added a stranger
- Solution: Apologize to the stranger and explain it was a mistake.
- Solution: Delete the request before they accept it.
- Solution: Block the stranger to remove the awkward connection.
FAQs About Finding Snapchat Friends
Can I lookup someone’s Snapchat by phone number?
No, there is no direct way to search Snapchat usernames by phone number alone. The only way is if the user linked their number during account sign up.
How do I find old Snapchat friends?
To find old Snapchat connections, check your friend list for hidden friends, search old Snaps for usernames mentioned, or ask mutual friends if they are still connected.
Why can’t I find someone on Snap Map?
If you can’t find someone on Snap Map it’s likely because they have either turned off location sharing or put themselves in Ghost Mode.
Can someone find me on Snapchat if I delete them?
No, if you delete someone from your Snapchat friends list, they will no longer be able to find or contact you on Snapchat.
Is there a Snapchat user directory?
No, Snapchat does not have a public user directory or allow complete public access to all usernames, in order to maintain privacy and security.
Can Snapchat find accounts?
Snapchat’s Support team may be able to assist in recovering a lost or deleted account if you provide enough details on the original account name, phone number, etc.
Table of Contents
Section | Topics |
---|---|
Introduction | Overview of finding Snapchat friends by phone number |
Searching by Phone Number | Using phone number verification process to find accounts |
Searching by Name | Name search tips and tricks |
Using Add Nearby | Location-based friend finder |
Third-Party Apps | Risks of using third-party lookup sites |
Contacting Support | Reaching Snapchat for account recovery help |
Other Search Options | Checking connected accounts, public stories, etc. |
Adding Friends | Personalizing friend requests |
Troubleshooting Issues | Fixing pending, rejected, and wrong requests |
FAQs | Common questions about finding friends |