Finding someone’s WhatsApp number can be tricky, especially if you only have their name to go by. WhatsApp is an incredibly popular messaging app used by over 2 billion people worldwide, but it doesn’t have a built-in search function to look up users by name. So how can you track down someone’s WhatsApp number if you don’t already have it saved in your contacts? Here are some tips and methods you can try.
Search your existing contacts
The first place to check is your existing phone and WhatsApp contacts. Scroll through your contacts list and search for the person’s name. If you already have them saved in your phone, their number may be linked to their WhatsApp account. WhatsApp automatically pulls in the mobile numbers from your device’s contact list.
If you have their phone number saved but not their WhatsApp number, try sending them a text and ask them to share their WhatsApp details. This is the easiest way to get someone’s WhatsApp number if you already have their mobile number.
Ask mutual friends
Reach out to any mutual friends or connections you may share with that person. Explain you need to get in touch with them over WhatsApp and want to get their number. Your mutual friends likely have their contact details saved and can share their WhatsApp number with you.
This is one of the most effective ways of getting someone’s WhatsApp number if you have overlapping social or professional circles. Even if some friends don’t have the number on hand, they may be able to point you to others who do.
Search WhatsApp Groups
If you and the contact are both members of any common WhatsApp groups, you can get their number right off the group chat. Open the group and tap on the person’s name to open their profile information. Their mobile number will be displayed there which you can save to your contacts.
This method works well if you share WhatsApp groups related to work, school, hobbies, or mutual friends. As long as you can identify the person in the group, you can quickly grab their number.
Look up their Facebook profile
Facebook and WhatsApp are both owned by Meta, so you may be able to find someone’s WhatsApp number via their Facebook profile. Search for them on Facebook and see if their WhatsApp number is listed on their profile or contact info page.
People often link their WhatsApp and Facebook accounts to be more easily reachable across different platforms. As Facebook continues to integrate its messaging services, more users may display their WhatsApp details publicly on their profile.
Search by their phone number
Some WhatsApp lookup services allow you to search for WhatsApp users by entering their phone number. Sites like WhatsAppNumber.org maintain directories of WhatsApp numbers submitted by users.
Enter the person’s phone number and the service will try to match it to an associated WhatsApp account if available. However, these directories depend on user submissions so the number you need may not be listed there.
Use third-party search apps
If the above methods don’t work, some third-party apps claim to offer WhatsApp lookup services to help find people’s numbers. Apps like MSGPlus and MobileNumberTracker promise to provide WhatsApp numbers linked to names and phone numbers.
However, many of these apps seem dubious, asking for paid subscriptions and access to your contacts. User reviews frequently cite inaccurate search results and wasted money using the apps. Exercise caution before installing any such app.
Search Google
Try doing some creative Google searching to find clues about the person’s WhatsApp number. Search their name in quotation marks along with keywords like “WhatsApp number”, “WhatsApp contact”, or their city.
You may come across their WhatsApp number on their professional site, resume, or some public directory or listing. Social media profiles like Twitter or Instagram may also display contact details like WhatsApp.
Ask the person directly
If all else fails, reach out to the person directly through a phone call, email, social media message, or other channel. Explain you need to get in touch with them over WhatsApp and want to add their number. This is the most direct way to get their WhatsApp contact.
Keep the request friendly and straightforward. Avoid coming across as demanding or creepy. Politely ask if they feel comfortable sharing their WhatsApp number so you can stay in touch.
Add a disclaimer when messaging new contacts
When you do get the person’s WhatsApp number and contact them for the first time, add a courteous disclaimer. Mention how you got their number and from whom if relevant.
For example: “Hi Sarah, this is John from the yoga studio. Vicky gave me your number so I could add you on WhatsApp about scheduling private sessions. Hope this is alright!”
This avoids any confusion or alarm at being messaged out of the blue on WhatsApp by an unknown number. Always identify yourself and explain why you wanted to contact them on WhatsApp specifically.
Respect their privacy
If your contacts are reluctant to share their private WhatsApp number, respect their decision and privacy. Avoid pestering them repeatedly if they seem hesitant or decline the first request.
Consider if there are other ways to get in touch with them, or if a WhatsApp connection is even necessary for your use case. Harassing someone for their personal information will likely damage any positive relationship.
Conclusion
Locating someone’s WhatsApp number without having it already saved can take some detective work. Leverage your mutual connections, search social media, try public directories, and make a polite direct request. Ultimately, don’t be creepy or demanding, and respect people’s privacy if they aren’t comfortable sharing their personal WhatsApp number. With the right approach, you can usually find the WhatsApp details you need to stay in touch with important contacts.
| Method | How it Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Check existing contacts | Look for their name in your phone/WhatsApp contacts | Highly effective if the number is already saved |
| Ask mutual friends | Reach out to shared connections who likely have their contact | Very effective with mutual friends |
| Search WhatsApp groups | Get their number right off any shared WhatsApp groups | Works well if you’re in groups together |
| Check Facebook profile | Their WhatsApp number may be linked on their Facebook account | Hit or miss depending on if they’ve connected accounts |
| WhatsApp lookup sites | Enter their phone number to search for associated WhatsApp accounts | Limited effectiveness as databases are user submitted |
| Third-party search apps | Apps claim to match names/numbers to WhatsApp accounts | Questionable effectiveness and safety of many apps |
| Search Google | Try to find their WhatsApp number in search results | Works if they’ve publicly posted the number somewhere |
| Ask them directly | Politely request their WhatsApp contact details | Very effective if they’re willing to share |