WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services around today, and the app’s popularity is connected to the way it allows you to call and message internationally without fees or special mobile phone plans.
However, WhatsApp can be confusing to those who haven’t used it before, and you might be wondering how to search for people on WhatsApp and connect with them. Our article gives you the best search methods for finding someone on WhatsApp using either your phone or desktop computer.
WhatsApp People Search Methods
There are a few different ways to find someone on WhatsApp using either your mobile device or the WhatsApp desktop app. We list these search methods below so you know what your options are when it comes to finding someone and connecting with them on this app.
Searching With Your Smartphone
Searching with your Android device or iPhone is the most common way to find someone on WhatsApp. The search method differs slightly depending on if you are using an iPhone or Android device. We detail both search methods below.
On an Android device, search for people on WhatsApp by:
- Opening WhatsApp and registering your phone number with the app if necessary. If you’ve already registered, make sure you are logged in.
- Select the ‘chats’ open at the top of the screen. If selecting this opens up a conversation, hit the back button located near the bottom of the screen.
- Locate the green button near the bottom of the screen. This is the icon you need to select to bring up your list of contacts.
- Once you’ve tapped the new chat button, search through your contacts for the person you are trying to connect with.
- If you don’t see the person you are searching for listed on your contacts list, you can tap the option to ‘invite friends’ and send the person a link to download WhatsApp and connect up with you.
On an iPhone, search for people on WhatsApp by:
- Opening WhatsApp on your device and locate the ‘chats’ button along the bottom of the screen. This will be blue and look like a speech bubble.
- Tap the ‘chats’ button, and if you are taken to a conversation, hit the back button found at the bottom of the screen.
- Look for the ‘new chat’ button at the top right corner of your screen; it will look like an empty blue square with a pencil icon in it.
- Once you’ve tapped the new chat button, you will be brought to your contact list on WhatsApp. You can then scroll through your contacts and look for the person you are trying to connect with.
- If you don’t see the person you are searching for, scroll all the way down to the bottom of your contacts list and select the option to ‘invite friends.’
Searching With a Web Browser
If you use WhatsApp on your computer, you can search for people using the desktop app or the web browser-based version of WhatsApp. Both search methods are similar. For this method to work, head over to the web browser version of WhatsApp or open the desktop app.
Make sure your WhatsApp account is registered to the device you are using and that you are logged into your account. Keep in mind that linking your smartphone device with your computer or other web browsing device might involve scanning a QR Code and following on-screen instructions that WhatsApp provides.
Once you are logged into your WhatsApp account on your web browser, navigate to the top of the screen where a grey text message box is. This is the ‘new chat’ button. Click on the icon, and you will be taken to a list of your WhatsApp contacts. From there, you can scroll through the list until you find the contact you need, or you can invite someone to join WhatsApp and connect with you.
Searching Via a Phone Number
If you only have a phone number and aren’t sure whether or not that person is on WhatsApp, there are two methods you can take. The first one is simply entering that person’s phone number into your contacts list and then syncing your contacts with WhatsApp. You can then proceed through the steps above to find the person on WhatsApp, and message or call them using the app.
Alternatively, you can search via a person’s phone number by following the iPhone or Android search method above. However, when you get to the ‘new chats’ screen, instead of searching through the contacts list, select the option to add a new contact. Once you tap on it, you will be prompted to add the phone number (make sure the country code is correct when you type it in).
After you type the number in, WhatsApp will tell you whether or not that person is on WhatsApp. If they are, you can save the contact and connect up with the person via the app. If they aren’t, you can send out an invitation to the phone number to join WhatsApp and connect with you.
Searching Without a Phone Number
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to locate someone on WhatsApp without first having their phone number; you can only add contacts and message or call people that are connected to your WhatsApp account via phone number. Speak with the person and ask for their number directly, or try out an online person search to locate the person’s phone number and eventually contact them using WhatsApp.
How Would Someone Find Me on WhatsApp?
The easiest way for someone to find you and connect with you on WhatsApp is to have your phone number. They can simply add you by syncing their phone’s contact list up with their WhatsApp, and then selecting your name to message or call.
If they don’t have your phone number, they can use one of our search methods above or ask you directly to find your phone number and input it into their WhatsApp.
Connecting With Others on WhatsApp
Connecting with others via WhatsApp doesn’t have to be a difficult process. There are many different search methods to help you find someone on WhatsApp and add them so you can start a conversation.
And, if you don’t have someone’s phone number, you can always locate the person in an online people search tool or ask them to send you their WhatsApp information directly via another communication source.
No matter which method you follow, you are sure to connect with those you care about on WhatsApp in no time.
