How to Find Someone on Snapchat: 7 Ways (Username, Number, Snapcode and More)
- A username search is the most reliable method because usernames are unique and display names aren't.
- Snapcodes and snapchat.com/add links in someone's other social bios lead straight to their account.
- Phone-contact search and Quick Add only work if the other person allows them in their privacy settings.
- If someone doesn't appear, check the spelling, a username change, privacy settings or a possible block.
- Searching or viewing a public web profile doesn't notify anyone. Sending a friend request does.
Looking for a friend, a classmate or a creator on Snapchat? There are several ways to find people, and some work better than others depending on what you already know about them. Here are seven methods, from the most reliable to the most hit-and-miss, plus what to do if someone just won't show up.
1. Search by username (most reliable)
Every Snapchat account has a unique username. If you know it, finding the account is easy:
- Open Snapchat and tap the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top.
- Type the username exactly. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes and underscores.
- Tap the right result and choose Add.
Note that usernames and display names are different. The display name is the name that appears on the profile, like "Sam ⭐", and doesn't have to be unique. The username is the handle in their profile link and is unique to one account.
2. Search by name
You can also type someone's real or display name into the same search bar. Snapchat suggests matching accounts, usually prioritising people you have mutual friends with. It works for unusual names, but common names produce long lists. Use profile pictures and mutual friends to work out which account is right.
3. Add from your phone contacts
If you've allowed Snapchat to access your contacts, it can show which of them use Snapchat. Go to Add Friends and look for the contacts section. This only works if the other person linked their phone number to their account and allows others to find them by it, which they can turn off in their privacy settings.
4. Scan a Snapcode
A Snapcode is the yellow square with a ghost and dots that's unique to each account. To use one, open the Snapchat camera, point it at the Snapcode and press and hold on the screen. If you have a screenshot of a Snapcode, open Add Friends and use the option to scan from your camera roll. People often put their Snapcode on other social profiles, business cards or websites.
5. Open a profile link
Every account can share a link that looks like snapchat.com/add/username. Creators often put it in their Instagram bio, TikTok profile or YouTube description. Tapping it on a phone opens the profile in Snapchat. On a computer it opens the public web profile. If you only want to look before adding, paste the link into our profile viewer to see their public profile without logging in, or into the profile picture viewer to check you've got the right person.
6. Quick Add suggestions
Quick Add shows people you might know, based on mutual friends and other signals. It appears in Add Friends and in your chat and story feeds. It's useful for finding friends of friends, but you can't search it directly. Users can also opt out of appearing in Quick Add.
7. Search for public profiles and creators
Public figures, brands and creators have public profiles that are easier to find. Search their name in Snapchat, or search the web for "[name] Snapchat". Many official websites link to their Snapchat. Verified creators usually show a badge, which helps you avoid fan or fake accounts.
Comparison of methods
| What you know | Best method |
|---|---|
| Their username | Username search or profile link |
| Their phone number | Add from contacts |
| Their face and name | Name search, then compare profile pictures |
| Their other social media | Look for a Snapcode or snapchat.com/add link in their bio |
| Mutual friends | Quick Add or ask a mutual friend for their username |
Why can't I find someone on Snapchat?
- Wrong spelling. Usernames must be exact. "jane.doe" and "janedoe" are different accounts.
- They changed their username. Snapchat lets users change their username occasionally, so an old handle may no longer work.
- Privacy settings. They may have turned off being found by phone number or appearing in Quick Add.
- You're blocked. Blocked users usually can't find the person in search.
- Deleted or locked account. Deactivated accounts don't appear in search.
Staying safe when adding people
Snapchat is a personal app, so think before adding strangers. Check that a profile is genuine: look at the profile picture, mutual friends and how long the account seems to have been active. Be cautious of accounts that immediately ask for money, photos or your login details. If an account impersonates someone you know, report it from the profile menu. Parents can also use Snapchat's Family Center to see who their teen is friends with.
FAQ
Can I find someone on Snapchat without them knowing?
Searching doesn't notify anyone. Adding them sends a friend request, which they will see. Viewing a public profile on the web doesn't notify them.
Can I search Snapchat by email?
No. Snapchat doesn't offer a search by email address.
How do I find my own username?
Tap your profile icon. Your username appears under your display name, and you can share your profile link or Snapcode from there.