How to Find Someone on WhatsApp (Number, Username, Invite)

I get asked this one a lot, usually by people who want to reach a customer, an old friend or a new contact without much to go on. The honest answer is that WhatsApp isn't a social network with a public directory. WhatsApp's help pages describe two ways to reach someone: their phone number, or their username if they've set one up. Neither lets you browse for strangers, and that's deliberate. This guide sticks to reaching people who want to be reached, for everyday users and for small-business owners.

How to find someone on WhatsApp with their phone number

The long-standing way is the phone number. WhatsApp's help page says it identifies which of your contacts use WhatsApp when you sync them with your phone's address book.

1. Save their number in your phone's contacts. If it's an international number, use the full international format. My guide to adding a contact on WhatsApp has the steps.
2. Open WhatsApp, go to the Chats tab and tap the new chat icon.
3. Tap the search bar and enter the name or phone number.
4. Tap the person to open the chat.

WhatsApp's help page adds that contacts who don't use WhatsApp are listed under Invite to WhatsApp rather than in the main list. If you can't find someone, check that they're using WhatsApp, that you've saved their number, and that WhatsApp is allowed to access your phone's contacts in your phone's settings.

How to find someone on WhatsApp by username

This is the newer option, and it changes the answer a little. WhatsApp's help centre says you can message, call or save someone as a contact with their username. Its help pages also say usernames are rolling out gradually and might not be available to you yet, so check what your own app offers.

1. In the Chats tab, tap the new chat icon.
2. Tap the search bar.
3. Type the person's full, exact username. WhatsApp's help page says you need the exact username to find someone.
4. If the username exists, tap Chat.
5. If they've set up a username key, enter it and tap Next.

WhatsApp's help pages say you'll then see their username and display name in the chat, and you won't see their phone number unless you've already saved it. The same search works from the Calls tab for a call, and from a group's Add members screen to add someone.

What a WhatsApp username key means when you try to find someone

A username key is an optional extra. WhatsApp explains that some people set one for more control over who contacts them. If they have one, you'll be asked for it the first time you try to message them, and the help page says that without it you can't reach them by username. It's meant to be shared alongside the username.

You don't need the key if you already have their phone number saved, you've chatted before, you share a group, you scanned their QR code, or they messaged you first. In short, a key is a gate for strangers. It isn't a barrier for people they already know.

Why there's no way to search for any WhatsApp user

It's worth being clear about the limits, because I see a lot of confusion online. WhatsApp's help page on usernames says there isn't a searchable directory, so you need to know someone's exact unique username. There's also no search by name across all users. Searching in WhatsApp looks at your own chats and contacts. I'd treat any website or app that claims to find any WhatsApp user for you with suspicion, because WhatsApp doesn't offer that and such services are a risk to your own data.

• No public directory of users.
• Usernames must be typed exactly.
• Names alone only search the people you already have.

Ask someone for their WhatsApp username, number or QR code

The friendliest way to find someone on WhatsApp is to ask. WhatsApp's help pages say people can share their username link or their QR code, which now includes their username, and the help page mentions this works in person, on social media or on a business card. If you're passing details between two people, my guide to sending a contact on WhatsApp shows how to share a contact card.

For a business, look for a WhatsApp number, link or QR code on their website or social profiles. If you run a business yourself, putting one of those where customers will look is the easiest way to be found.

Invite someone who isn't on WhatsApp yet

If you've got a number and the person doesn't use WhatsApp, you can invite them. According to WhatsApp's help page:

1. Go to the Chats tab and tap the new chat icon.
2. Scroll to the Invite to WhatsApp section.
3. Tap Invite next to the person.
4. Tap the send icon to send the invite link.

Your profile name appears in the link preview, so they can see who it's from. There are also routes under Settings and Invite a friend, where you can send the link by SMS or copy and share it through another app. A short message about why you'd like to chat helps.

Find someone you share a WhatsApp group with

If you're in the same group, WhatsApp's help page says you won't need a username key to message them. Tap their name in the group to see their details. Be thoughtful, though. Some people join a group to talk to the group, not to be contacted privately, so a note mentioning the group is polite. If you're an admin looking to bring someone in, my guide to adding someone to a WhatsApp group covers the options.

Find someone on WhatsApp safely and respectfully

I want to be clear about the line here. This guide is for reaching people who are happy to be reached. Don't use tricks, lookup services or fake accounts to find someone who has chosen not to be in touch. If someone has gone quiet, that's their choice. WhatsApp's help pages also note that when you message someone for the first time who hasn't saved you, it might share the country your number is registered in, to help them stay safe from unwanted contact.

If you're being contacted when you don't want to be, you can block and report the sender, and my explainer on blocking someone on WhatsApp shows how. If you ever feel threatened, report it to the platform and, if you're in danger, contact the police.

Frequently asked questions

Can I find someone on WhatsApp by name?

Only among your own contacts and chats. WhatsApp's help pages say there isn't a searchable directory of users, so a name alone won't find a stranger.

Can I find someone on WhatsApp by username?

If they've set one up, yes. Start a new chat, tap the search bar and type their full, exact username. Usernames are rolling out gradually, so your app may not offer them yet.

What is a WhatsApp username key?

It's an optional setting that means people must enter a key before messaging by username for the first time. You don't need it if you have their number saved, share a group, scanned their QR code or they messaged you first.

Is a username the same as the name on someone's profile?

No. WhatsApp's help page says a username is unique, while a display name, the name in their profile, doesn't have to be.

How do I invite someone who doesn't use WhatsApp?

Start a new chat, scroll to Invite to WhatsApp, tap Invite next to the person and send the invite link.