Short answer
Search X for the person's name or likely username, then narrow with the People tab; finding someone by email or phone only works if they allowed it in their discoverability settings and you sync your contacts.
Key takeaways
- The People tab in search filters out posts and shows accounts only.
- Email and phone lookup depends on the other person's privacy settings.
- Their website or other social profiles often link to their X account directly.
Most people are found the simple way, by typing a name into search. When that fails, a few other routes work, and some depend on choices the other person made.
How do I search by name or username?
Type the name into Search, then switch to the People tab to see accounts only.
On the web, use the search box at the top of Explore; in the app, tap the magnifying glass. Results start with a mix of posts and accounts. Tap People to see accounts only. Try variations: full name, nickname, name plus city or employer, and likely usernames (firstnamelastname, firstname_lastname).
If you know a username exactly, go straight to x.com/username.
Can I find someone by email or phone?
Yes, if they allow it: sync your contacts, and X suggests accounts whose owners let people with their email or phone find them.
- Go to Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety > Discoverability and contacts.
- Turn on Sync address book contacts (in the app).
- Check Who to follow suggestions and the "Connect" or contacts list.
X won't show a direct "search by email" box. This route only works when both sides opt in, and many people switch discoverability off.
What else works?
Look for links: people often connect their X account on their website, LinkedIn, Instagram bio or email signature.
You can also search X for posts that mention them ("Maya Okafor" in quotes) and check who replies or tags them. Our advanced search guide shows operators like to: and @ that help.
What if the account is protected or blocked?
Protected accounts still appear in search, but their posts are hidden until they approve your follow request; if they blocked you, you'll see that on their profile.
Respect both. Creating another account to get around a block breaks X's rules on ban evasion and won't end well. If the account seems to have vanished, it may be deactivated; it can come back within 30 days.
Questions people ask
Why can't I find someone I know is on X?
They may use a different name, have a protected or deactivated account, have blocked you, or have turned off discoverability by email and phone.
Can people find me by my email address?
Only if 'Let people who have your email address find you on X' is on in Settings > Privacy and safety > Discoverability and contacts. Turn it off if you'd rather not be found that way.
Does syncing contacts upload my address book?
Yes, X stores synced contacts to suggest accounts. You can remove them at any time in the same discoverability settings.