How to Search Instagram by Phone Number: A Complete Guide 

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Mamta October 25, 2024

Reconnecting with old friends is no longer the impossible task it once used to be! Even with a name, phone number, or location–you can probably try looking for an individual on social media.  

But what if you only have a phone number to rely on? In this case, you’ll want to know how to search Instagram by phone number! But is that actually possible?  

In this guide, let’s discuss in detail the methods you can use & alternative ways to look up social media by phone number. Let’s dive in now!  

Can You Search Instagram by Phone Number? 

Yes, you can indirectly search Instagram by phone number.  

Instagram doesn’t allow direct searches using phone numbers (due to privacy reasons), but you can sync your contacts to discover users. This lets you see who from your phone’s contact list is using Instagram. 

So, while there’s no straightforward Instagram search by phone number, syncing your contacts is the closest option. 

How to Search Instagram by Phone Number? 

Here’s how to search Instagram by phone number through contact syncing: 

  • Open Instagram and go to your profile. 
  • Tap the menu (three lines in the upper right). 
  • Select “Settings.” 
  • Choose “Follow and Invite Friends.” 
  • Tap “Follow Contacts.” 
  • Allow Instagram to sync your phone contacts. 

Once you sync contacts, Instagram will show you profiles linked to phone numbers in your phone. It’s an indirect way to find Instagram by phone number, but it works. 

What If It Doesn’t Work? 

Sometimes, you won’t find the profile you’re looking for. There are a few reasons why: 

  1. The person may not have linked their phone number to their Instagram. 
  1. Their privacy settings may prevent them from being found. 
  1. They may have a private account that doesn’t appear in suggestions. 

In these cases, you might need to try different ways to search social media by phone number. 

Alternative Ways to Find Someone on Instagram 

If syncing contacts doesn’t help, there are other methods to try.  

These methods won’t directly involve phone numbers but can still help you find the right profile. 

Search by Username 

The simplest way to search Instagram account is by entering the person’s username.  

Type the possible username variation into Instagram’s search bar and scroll through the results until you find the profile you’re looking for. 

👉 If you want to get creative and unique Instagram username ideas, try out AI username generator now! 

Search for Social Media by Phone Number via Facebook 

Since Instagram is owned by Facebook and both share a same creator studio, you can connect your Facebook account to Instagram. This will show you suggestions based on your Facebook friends, even if you don’t have their phone number saved.  

Linking your Facebook account to Instagram is easy! Follow these steps: 

  • Go to your profile on Instagram. 
  • Tap the menu and choose “Settings.” 
  • Select “Account” and then “Linked Accounts.” 
  • Link your Facebook account to Instagram. 

This will give you new ways to search for social media by phone number if the user has connected their Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

Use Third-Party Tools 

There are some third-party tools that claim to help with Instagram lookup by phone number.  

However, you need to be careful. Many of these tools pose privacy risks and could violate Instagram’s terms of service. I’ll advise you to use them at your own risk and always check the reviews first. 

How to Protect Your Privacy on Instagram? 

Just as you might want to find someone, it’s important to know how to protect your own privacy on Instagram. If you don’t want people to find Instagram by phone number and find your profile, here are a few steps you can take: 

Turn Off Contact Syncing 

You can prevent others from finding your account through contact syncing. To turn it off: 

  • Go to your profile and tap the menu. 
  • Select “Settings” and then “Account.” 
  • Tap “Contacts Syncing” and disable it. 

Remove Your Phone Number 

If you really don’t want your profile connected to your phone number, you can remove it from your account settings. Keep in mind, this may affect two-factor authentication and account recovery. 

Set Your Account to Private 

A private account means only your approved followers can see your posts. This can be helpful if you want more control over who can view your content. 

To further keep your account secure, you can explore different options like Restrict, Mute, or even Block. Check our detailed guide on What Does Restrict Mean on Instagram to know more.  

The Risks of Using Third-Party Tools 

While some tools will let you search social media by phone number, they come with certain risks. These tools may ask for sensitive data and put your privacy at risk.  

Moreover, Instagram also strictly prohibits scraping data, and using unauthorized tools could lead to permanent account suspension. 

As such, it’s always best to stick with Instagram’s built-in features. If you’re not comfortable using third-party apps, avoid them entirely. 

How to Search Someone by Phone Number on Other Social Media Platforms? 

If you’re looking to search for social media by phone number, some platforms offer more direct options.  

For example, Facebook and LinkedIn both allow you to look up users by phone number in some cases. However, much like Instagram, privacy settings can block these attempts. 

Conclusion 

While you can’t search Instagram by phone number directly, syncing your contacts is the easiest way to find people you know on the app. It’s a great way to reconnect with old friends or discover new accounts. 

Just remember to be respectful of people’s privacy settings and avoid using shady third-party tools. And if you’re worried about your own privacy, make sure to follow the steps I mentioned to keep your account safe. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Find Someone's Instagram with Their Phone Number?

No, Instagram does not allow you to directly search Instagram by phone number. The best method is syncing contacts, but you cannot type a phone number into the search bar and find someone. 

How to Find Someone on Instagram by Phone Number?

The best way to find Instagram account by phone number is by syncing your phone contacts. Instagram will then suggest users who are linked to numbers in your contact list. 

Can You Search Instagram by Phone Number Without Account?

No, you cannot search Instagram by phone number without an account. You must have an Instagram account to access the contact syncing feature or any other search tools.

About the Author

Mamta

Mamta

Mamta is an SEO Analyst with 2 years of experience. Currently, she is spending her time on content roadmapping to drive organic growth and engagement for SaaS businesses. Mamta is also an avid cinephile who spends her spare time watching latest action and sci-fi flicks from around the world.

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