How To Find Someone on Instagram

Profile photo of Karen Lin, author

Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | May 31, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

Have you just started your journey as an Instagram influencer? Then, you may want to connect with potential followers or network with a brand on Instagram. But to do that, you must know how to find someone on Instagram. 

The platform has over 2 billion active users. So, finding someone on social media platforms like Instagram can sometimes be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Especially if you don’t know the username of the person or are new to the platform. But there’s nothing to worry about. We will be your guide. 

In addition to the straightforward username search, there are alternative methods like searching by email, number, hashtags, or personal information. 

Let’s walk you through potential ways to find someone on Instagram. Whether you’ve got the person’s username, number, or vague details, these ways can help you reach them.

A person holding a phone viewing a person's Instagram profile. 

Ways to Find Your Lost Contacts On Instagram

With over 500 million active users, It’s no wonder that finding a specific Instagram account can be daunting. However, the evolving algorithm of Instagram offers various effective solutions to help you effortlessly find common friends and acquaintances.

1. Finding Instagram Account by Username

If you already know the username of the person you’re trying to find, locating their Instagram profile is a breeze. Here are the steps to do it through Instagram: 

  1. Open the Instagram app.
  2. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Enter the username into the search bar.
  4. The relevant accounts should appear in the results.

2. Finding Instagram Account by First and Last Name

For situations when you don’t have the exact username but know the person’s full name, Instagram provides another search option. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Instagram app.
  2. Enter both the first and last name of the person you’re searching for in the Search Bar.
  3. Instagram will display profiles with matching names.
  4. Examine the search results to identify the correct individual.

However, some users may not include their names in their bios. If the person you’re searching for falls into this category, you can use the next method.

A woman is holding a book with a hashtag symbol and the phrase “girl boss” on it.

3. Finding Instagram Account by Hashtags

Hashtags on Instagram are an integral part of this platform, and many users use them to categorize their posts. If you know the hashtag of the content you’re interested in, you can follow it. 

This will display the public posts that include that specific hashtag, making discovering new users and content easier. Ensure you add the # sign before the keyword you’re searching for. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log in to your Instagram account.
  2. Tap the search bar in the Instagram app or browser.
  3. Choose the “Tags” option under the search bar.
  4. Enter the desired hashtag with the # sign.

When you search for a hashtag, several posts with the same hashtag appear in the search results. Click on the search results to access a list of posts categorized as “Top,” “Recent,” and “Reels.” You can also follow the hashtag if you want. 

4. Finding an Instagram Account by Following

Another way to find people on Instagram is by checking mutual friends or acquaintances’ following or Instagram followers list. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Visit the profile of someone who might be following the person you’re looking for.
  2. Select “Followers” or “Following on their profile page.
  3. Browse through the list of usernames, scrolling until you spot the correct one. You can identify them by their profile photos and usernames.
  4. You can also run a search with their username if you know it.

A person holding their phone viewing a photo of two friends on Instagram.

5. Search Instagram Users by Photo

Do you have a photo of someone but not sure who they are? No worries! You can easily search Instagram users using images. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s give it a shot with Google Pictures. 

It is a valuable resource for finding individuals on Instagram using photographs. This web-based service, powered by Google’s advanced image recognition technology, allows you to search for images across the internet. Here’s how to do it: 

  1. Visit the official website.
  2. Click on the camera icon located near the search bar.
  3. Upload the photo directly from your computer or provide a link to it.
  4. Allow the system to process your request.
  5. Google will show you similar images and website links to these photos. Browse each webpage, and you may just find the person you’re searching for.

6. Search Instagram Users by Synchronizing Facebook Friends

Facebook and Instagram share the same owner. If you have connected your Facebook account to Instagram, you can search for Instagram users among your Facebook friends. Instagram will suggest users you’re already friends with on Facebook, making it easier to find and follow them. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Launch Instagram and tap the triple bar icon.
  2. Navigate to “Find Interesting People.”
  3. Locate “Connect to Facebook” and tap on it.
  4. Sign in to your Facebook account.

Syncing your Instagram account with Facebook will make it easy to export your friends list or suggestions to Instagram. 

A person using a Macbook to search on Google.

How To Find Someone on Instagram Without an Instagram Account

Don’t have an Instagram account and want to find someone through their username? You’re in luck because Instagram allows you to search for users without having an account. It’s very simple – all you have to do is do a quick web search. 

If you have the user ID of any user or brand, here’s what you can do: 

  1. Open Google or any other search engine.
  2. Input the username or brand name into the search box of Google.
  3. See if any of the results match your search .
  4. Click on the link that seems like the account you’re looking for.
  5. The link will open the profile of the user. 
  6. If the user is public, you will be able to see the posts. If it’s private then you will only see limited information. This info includes their Instagram profile picture, bio, and number of following, following, and posts. 
  7. Now you can either log in and follow the person or continue to view the profile without logging in. 

How To Find Someone on Instagram by Phone Number

Finding someone on Instagram by their phone number is a feature that enhances user connections. To use this method, ensure the person’s phone number is in your device’s contact list. Here’s how to find someone on Instagram by phone number:

  1. Open the Instagram app.
  2. Go to your profile by tapping the profile picture icon.
  3. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to access the menu.
  4. Select “Settings,” then tap “Account.”
  5. Choose “Discover People” and then “Connect Contacts.”

Instagram will sync your contacts, and if the person’s phone number is associated with their Instagram account, you’ll see their profile in the suggested contacts.

How To Find Someone’s Location on Instagram

You have the option to narrow down search results by location using the “Places” feature located below the search bar. This feature filters results to display accounts in your current city. Here’s how to find someone’s location on Instagram:

  1. Log in to your Instagram account.
  2. Tap the search bar in the Instagram app or browser.
  3. Choose the “Places” option under the search bar.
  4. Enter the username you’re searching for or browse the list of suggested accounts.

How To Find Someone Who Blocked You on Instagram

Did you recently have an argument with one of your acquaintances? Chances are you may be sitting on their block list. But how do you find someone who blocked you on Instagram

That’s the problem—you can’t.

But, if you doubt someone may have blocked you, there are a few simple ways you can confirm it. Here’s how:

  • Check Their Profile: You won’t be able to see the person’s posts, followers, or following list when you visit their profile. If you can’t access any of this information, it’s an indicator that you’re blocked.
  • Search for Their Username: Search for the person’s username in the Instagram search bar. If their profile doesn’t appear in the search results, they’ve likely blocked you.
  • Use a Friend’s Account: Ask a trusted friend to search for the person’s profile using their Instagram account. If your friend can see the profile and you can’t, you’re blocked.
  • Check Direct Messages: If you’ve had previous conversations with the person through Instagram Direct Messages (DMs), check your DMs. If the person’s messages are no longer visible, they may have blocked you.

A grey wooden signage that says "Private".

Instagram’s Limitations To Search Users

Instagram, like other social networks, has certain limitations when it comes to finding people. The restrictions are active for users’ profiles who have set it to private.

In such cases, you won’t be able to view their posts or follow them without their approval. Additionally, Instagram doesn’t provide a feature to search for someone solely by their location.

Build a Lasting Instagram Community With Path Social

Finding an Instagram account of someone is easy if you have their username or phone number. But if you don’t have the basic information, there are various alternate ways to find the user you want. 

These methods can help you connect with your long-lost friends and potential followers or increase your network within your niche. But it’s important to stay in check with the new developments and updates on Instagram since it’s constantly evolving. 

At Path Social, we have an in-house platform with an AI-targeting algorithm for Instagram influencers. 

With a decade-long experience in social media management and growth, we are well-equipped to help you achieve Instagram fame. Be it learning how to find someone on Instagram or boosting an account’s visibility, Path Social makes Instagram management a breeze. Start growing and gaining Instagram followers today!