How to Find Contacts on Instagram in Just a Few Easy Steps? (Android, iOS, and Desktop)

| Updated on May 13, 2025

Are you still endlessly scrolling to find your friends and family on Instagram? Well, one question that I often get asked is how to find contacts on Instagram, especially when they have weird usernames.

When I started my IG business page, I made sure that I reached out to my friends whom I already knew. Trust me, it has been game-changing for my page. It is essential if you plan to expand your network and increase interaction on your page. But how exactly is it done?

Now, if you are also looking for an elaborate guide that helps you in searching someone on Instagram by their phone number or username, you have reached the right place.  

Jump in, explore this step-by-step guide, and learn how to find a contact on Instagram using desktop and mobile devices.

Why is Syncing Contacts on Instagram Essential?

Have you ever wondered why Instagram always keeps recommending profiles to follow? They might be your friends or someone mutual, but note that it’s not just a random pop-up. In my opinion, there are several reasons why syncing contacts on IG or any social media platform is essential. Ahead, let’s explore them in detail.

  • Find Friends Easily: As soon as you save a contact on your device, IG will show their profile in the “suggested for you” section. Syncing makes it easier for you to find your friends, family, or acquaintances without having you search for them manually.
  • Network Expansion: If you are a budding content creator or an influencer, or planning to start an online business, it is easier to expand your network by connecting with people already present in your contact list. 
  • Better Engagement Rate: Another benefit that linking people on your phone book offers is a boost in engagement rate. Following people whom you know are more likely to respond to or interact with your content.
  • Stay Informed and Updated: Syncing helps you stay in the loop. If someone deactivates their profile and later rejoins or creates a profile with a new username, you will not lose the contact. It keeps you updated and informed. 
  • Time Saving Procedure: Aligning your phone book with the social media platforms is a time-saving process. Instead of manually searching for every new person, the platform will automatically initiate the process once you add the number. 

So, next time Instagram asks you to allow access to your contacts, remember that it is not just a random feature. Whether you are a common user or have a professional account, syncing contacts is a powerful and must-do step to stay in touch and grow your presence. 

How to Find Contacts on Instagram Using Mobile Devices and Desktop?

Whether you are scrolling through your phone or surfing Insta on your desktop, finding contacts and syncing them to your account can be done in a few easy steps. 

Ahead, allow me to walk you through the simple procedure in the following sections

How to Sync Contacts on Instagram Using a Mobile Device?

Whether you are an iOS or an Android user, the steps to find contacts on IG are the same. If you are new to Instagram and wondering whether your friends from your contact list are on Instagram or not, the only way is to find them! Jump in and explore the easy steps.

  1. Open the IG application on your mobile device.
    Open Instagram
  1. Tap on the profile icon present in the bottom right corner of the page.
    Tap on the profile icon
  1. Tap on the menu (three horizontal lines) option present in the top right corner of your profile page.
    Tap on the menu icon
  1. Scroll down to the “How others can interact with you” section.
    Scroll down to the How others can interact with you section
  1. Tap on Follow and invite friends.
    Tap on Follow and invite friends
  1. Tap on Follow contacts.
    Tap on Follow contacts
  1. Enable syncing by tapping on Continue, and it’s done.
    Tap on Continue

Whether you use Android or iOS, you now know how to see contacts on Instagram. However, if you are an Android user, Instagram will automatically sync all your contacts and display their profiles in the “discover people” section, while iOS allows you to choose which contacts to add from your list. 

Moving ahead, explore the steps to find people on IG using a desktop or laptop in the upcoming section. 

Steps to Find Contacts on Instagram Using Desktop/Laptop

As has been noted earlier, to stay in the loop and to expand your network, it is essential to sync your contacts to your IG account so that you can reach out to a wider audience. 

Now, if you wish to explore the steps to find contacts on Instagram via desktop, I have curated an illustrative guide specially for you. 

  1. Log in to your Instagram account.
    Instagram Login Page Image
  1. Click on Search from the list of options present in the panel on the left side of the page.
    Click on Search
  1. Once the search bar appears, enter the username or the name of the profile you are looking for.
    Enter the username
  1. Click on the profile and hit the Follow button.
    Click on the Follow button
  1. Once you follow the profile and return to the homepage, you will be able to see the “Suggested for you” option on the right side of the page, where you can explore similar pages. 
    Suggested for you option

Note that syncing contacts is not available on desktop, and it only allows you to add people manually. Users can only add contacts through their mobile devices. 

Another workaround to connect with contacts on Instagram is via their phone number or username. But is it really possible? Let’s explore in the section ahead. 

Is Searching People by Phone Number or Username Possible on Instagram?

Are you trying to find someone specific on IG? Now, whether you have the phone number of the person or the username, the social media platform has its own way to reach out to those people. Let me break down whether it is possible or not.

  • Searching by Username: If you are seeking answers to how to find your contacts on Instagram using their username, then let me tell you the process is quite simple. You simply need to enter the exact profile name or a close match in the search bar, and Insta will instantly show you all the relevant profiles. 
  • Searching Someone by Their Phone Number: Difficult, but possible! It’s not like you simply type in the contact number in the search bar, and you will have the profile. However, if you have the number added to your directory, IG can scan it and show the profiles linked to it under the “Discover People” section. 

To put it in simple terms, finding someone using their username or Insta handle is an easy, direct, and reliable process rather than looking for them via their phone number. 

Notes

Searching someone via their contact details will only work if the person has their number linked to their account and has enabled the discoverability feature.

Steps to Restrict Connecting Contacts on Instagram

Now you know how to add contacts on Instagram, but if you feel that the platform knows too much about your phone book, and you wish to stop syncing and want to maintain your privacy, don’t worry. I have got you covered! 

Check out the steps given below to stop connecting your contacts with Instagram.  

  1. Similar to the steps above, open the IG application on your device and click on the profile icon, present in the bottom right corner of the screen.
    Click on the profile icons
  1. Tap on the menu icon present in the top right corner of the screen.
    Tap on the menu icon
  1. Under the Settings and activity tab, tap on Activity Center.
    Tap on Accounts Center
  1. In the Account settings section, tap on Your information and permissions
    Tap on Your information and permissions
  1. Tap on Upload contacts
    Upload contacts
  1. Toggle off the button next to Connect contacts to turn off the syncing, and it’s done. 
    Toggle off the button

Although the process is straightforward, it is an essential step in order to maintain privacy and protect your data. 

Summary

By now, it is pretty clear that finding someone on Instagram is an easy procedure. With just a few clicks and taps here and there, you can find your friends and family on your social media accounts. No matter whether you are using a mobile device or a desktop, the process is straightforward. 

Go ahead, explore the steps! Syncing, searching, and connecting have never been easier. 

FAQ

How to find my contacts on Instagram?

You can either search for your contacts by their username, or simply enable contact syncing on your device.

How to search contacts on Instagram using their phone number?

Looking for people on IG using their phone number is a difficult yet possible method, but the person should have their account linked to the number.

How to see contacts on IG?

There are multiple methods to see contacts on IG. It can be done either by their profile name, via their mobile number or can also be done by manually searching for them.

Is it possible to stop syncing your contacts on Instagram?

Yes, you simply need to toggle off the connect contact button under the profile settings label, and it’s done.

Is it essential to link your contacts with your social media account?

Although it is completely a personal choice, linking contacts to your social media handles is beneficial if you wish to boost engagement or grow your network.

Sources


Janvi Panthri

Senior Writer, Editor


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