How To Create An Instagram QR Code And Share Content In 2025?
Barsha Bhattacharya, 2 days ago
Barsha Bhattacharya, 3 days ago
Barsha Bhattacharya, 1 week ago
Barsha Bhattacharya, 2 weeks ago
As a self-proclaimed Instagram addict, it is very convenient to look for someone by directly typing their username into the platform’ search bar. However, have you ever stopped to wonder: ‘can I search Instagram by phone number without account?’
I don’t think so…
But what if I told you it is super easy (not to mention convenient) to find someone with their phone number when you aren’t sure about their exact username.
So, whether you are reconnecting with old friends or just satisfying your curious self, trying to find a particular contact amidst 2 billion active Instagram users, this guide will definitely come in handy.
In this guide, I will discuss how to find an account on Instagram with the help of the user’s phone number.
Stay tuned!
Key Takeaways:
1. Instagram does not have a search function for phone numbers directly. Instead, this method includes inviting a contact via standard texts via your contacts. And this method only works if the number happens to be linked to the user’s Instagram account.
2. This method typically works well for most public profiles. Even if private accounts are linked to specific phone numbers, they are not easily discoverable.
3. Using such a method does raise certain privacy issues. So, it is essential to be transparent and respectful, making sure that you have a legitimate reason (and the consent of the user) before looking for them in this way.
4. If this method fails to help, then you can always directly ask the person about their username. Or you can just use third-party tools to find the answers, but ensure you are exercising caution.
Instagram is a leading social media channel, much like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. But, unlike social media channels like Facebook, Instagram does not have an in-built search function for phone numbers.
This is typically because Instagram search mostly depends on usernames. Also, attempting to look for people on Instagram with phone numbers can pose multiple challenges due to the privacy policy of Instagram and access restrictions without authentication.
Having said that, I’ve highlighted the steps to find people on Instagram with the help of phone numbers. Please note that if the person concerned has already restricted or blocked you on Instagram, then you will not be able to find them on the platform.
Open Instagram on your phone and log in to your account. Now, if you are not logged into your account already, then just do so. If you are completely new to the world of Instagram, then you can access your account with your password and username.
Also, you can always click on ‘forget my password,’ to reset your password in case you forget your login details.
Once you log into your Instagram account, click on the hamburger-like menu located on the screen’s upper-right-hand side. From the menu, a pop-up menu will appear – from this menu, click on ‘Settings and Privacy.’ Now, scroll down the list under ‘Settings and Privacy,’ and click on the ‘Follow and invite friends’ option.
The final step here is to select the ‘Invite friends by SMS’ option if you have the person’s phone number in your contacts. This, in turn, will prompt the social media platform to share invite links for following you on Instagram.
Alternatively, you can invite the same people through Email or WhatsApp. Moreover, if you feel like it, then you can also edit the text that comes with the follow-up invite link.
In this context, please note that if a user doesn’t have their account linked to the phone number saved on your device, then you will not be able to find them.
Also, searching Instagram with phone numbers might just reveal people with public accounts. However, private accounts might not crop up even when using the same number.
The question here is only one! Is it okay to search Instagram by phone number without account? Truth be told, the answer depends on different factors such as privacy considerations, ethical boundaries, and intent.
But in specific situations like reconnecting with colleagues or friends, using phone numbers to look for people on Instagram can still be considered appropriate and acceptable.
Also, this is an excellent way of building an organic following, especially if you are currently losing followers. However, using such a method without the consent or knowledge of a person raises issues about both ethical considerations and privacy invasion.
It is vital to approach these actions with transparency, a genuine reason, and respect. Also, it is best to ensure that the personal information you are using respects the individual boundaries and ethical standards in the modern digital landscape.
Nonetheless, it is best to always take into consideration the other individual’s privacy as well as the context behind your action before resorting to such methods.
Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.