Discord is a great communication platform for gamers, content creators, and communities. Whether you’re trying to reconnect with an old friend, searching for a specific user, or trying to locate a server member, knowing how to use the Discord user search feature can make your experience much easier. This article introduces the different methods of finding someone on Discord and highlights some lesser-known tips.
Understand the Discord User Search Feature
Discord provides multiple ways to search for users. The platform has evolved, and so have its search functionalities. Here’s a breakdown of the primary methods you can use:
- Search by Username
- Search by Discord Tag or ID
- Using a Server’s Member List
- Use the Nearby Scan Feature
- Use Discord Bots
- Using External Tools and Social Media
Each method has its benefits and limitations. Let’s explore these in more detail.
1. Discord User Search by Username
The most straightforward way to find someone on Discord is by their username. Discord usernames are unique identifiers for each user, and the search bar in the Discord app allows you to look for these directly. Here’s how to use this feature:
Steps to Search Users on Discord by Username:
- Open the Discord app or website and log in to your Discord account.
- At the top left of your screen, you’ll see the Search Bar. Type the username you’re looking for in the search field.
- Discord will provide suggestions based on your input. However, if there are many users with similar usernames, you might have to sift through results manually.

Limitations:
- If the person you’re looking for has a very common username, it might be challenging to find them, especially if they are not in your friend list or server.
- Additionally, usernames can be easily changed, so this method isn’t always the most reliable way for tracking down a specific user.
2. Discord User Search by Tag
The Discord Tag is a unique 4-digit number that can distinguish users with the same username. So, if you know someone’s username and their tag, you can easily find them.
Steps to Search Users by Discord Tag:
- Open Discord and click the Friends tab on the left sidebar.
- Click on the Add Friend button.
- In the text field, enter the username followed by the hashtag (#) and the 4-digit tag number. For example: Username#1234.
- Press Send Friend Request. If the person you are searching for accepts your request, you will be able to see their profile and interact with them.
Limitations:
- You need to know the person’s tag number to search for them this way. If they haven’t given it to you, this method won’t work.
- The tag numbers are randomly assigned unless the user has a Discord Nitro subscription, which allows them to change their tag.
3. Discord User ID Search
If you know the user ID of the person, you can search for the Discord user by ID. Check the steps below.
Steps to Search Discord Users by User ID:
- Open Discord.
- Go to Settings > Advanced.
- Turn on the “Developer Mode” option.
- Then copy and paste the user ID in the search bar to search for the target Discord user.
Limitations:
If you don’t have the User ID, you cannot search for it. The User ID is not visible in Discord’s standard user interface, making it harder for non-developers to search for users.
4. Using a Discord Server’s Member List
If the person you are trying to find is in the same Discord server as you, locating them is much easier. Discord servers have a built-in Member List that allows you to see everyone who’s online and offline. Here’s how to use it:
Steps to Search Users on Discord by Member List:
- Go to the server you’re both in.
- On the right sidebar, you will see the list of all members in that server.
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top of the member list to type the person’s name to locate him/her.
Limitations:
- You can only access the member list if you’re in the same server as the target person. If you are not in any shared servers, this method won’t work.
- Some servers may have a large number of members, making it difficult to find specific users.
Also Read: How to Transfer Ownership of a Discord Server
5. Use the Nearby Scan Feature
If you don’t know the username, tag, or ID of the Discord user, you may use the Nearby Scan feature to find him/her. Please note that the Nearby Scan feature can only detect users within a 30-feet radius. You can only use this feature on mobile devices, and make sure the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services are turned on.
Steps to Find Someone on Discord by Nearby Scan:
- Launch the Discord app on your mobile device.
- Tap the “Friends” icon.
- Tap the “Add Friend” button.
- Tap the “Nearby Scan” option, and Discord will begin scanning for nearby users who have the same feature enabled. If you don’t see the Nearby Scan feature, you may go to Settings > Advanced and enable “Developer Mode” first.
- After scanning, you can see a list of available users who are within Bluetooth range. You can find the target person and send them a Friend Request.
- If they accept, you can start chatting with them.

Limitations:
- The scan only works within Bluetooth range, typically around 30 feet (about 10 meters), so it’s only effective if you’re in the same general area as the other user.
- For the feature to work, both you and the person you’re trying to connect with need to have Nearby Scan enabled on your devices.
- Depending on your region or the version of Discord you’re using, the Nearby Scan feature might not be available, or it may be restricted in certain countries due to privacy laws.
6. Use Discord User Search Bots
Some Discord bots offer search capabilities within servers. For large Discord servers or communities, you may use Discord bots to find Discord users.
Steps to Use Bots to Look Up Discord Users:
- Find a bot that supports user search functions, such as MEE6 or Dyno.
- Add the bot to your Discord server or join a server that has it installed.
- Use commands (usually /search or !finduser) as specified by the bot’s documentation to search for specific users on Discord.
Limitations:
- Bots typically only search within the server you’re in. They can’t look for users across all of Discord unless you know their User ID and are interacting with them via the API.
- Some bot commands require specific permissions in a server. If you don’t have administrative rights, some features might be restricted.
7. Look Up Discord Users via Third-Party Tools
There are some third-party websites that allow you to search for Discord users and list their Discord profiles. You may try websites like Discord Lookup, Discord.ID, DiscordGate, etc.

Limitations:
- These websites may claim to search for Discord users by username or ID. However, you must already know the User ID or have specific details to use their search functionality.
- Note that using these sites can be a privacy concern, and you should be cautious when providing personal data.
8. Using Social Media
If you are unable to find someone on Discord directly, you can use social media to track them down. Many users include their Discord username or invite link on social media profiles like Twitter, Reddit, or Facebook. This is especially common for content creators and influencers.
- Search the person’s name or username on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Reddit.
- If you find their profile, check if they’ve listed their Discord username or server invite link in their bio or posts.
- Send them a message or request if you find them.
Limitations:
- Not everyone posts their Discord info on social media.
- You may need to navigate various profiles and posts to find the exact information you’re looking for.
Additional Tips for Finding Someone on Discord
- Friend Requests: If you already know the person’s username or tag, the fastest way to find them might be by sending them a friend request. If they accept, you can chat and interact easily.
- Check Profile Pictures: If you recognize the person by their profile picture, try searching through shared servers or communities where you might have interacted.
- Be Cautious: Always be respectful of privacy. Just because a user is on Discord doesn’t mean they’re open to being found by everyone. If you’re looking for someone, make sure you have a legitimate reason and follow appropriate etiquette.
The End
Finding someone on Discord may seem challenging at first, but with the right methods and tools, you can locate users quickly and efficiently. This post provides 8 methods with detailed instructions to help you with Discord user search, hope it helps.