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How to sync your contacts on Instagram to find and follow people you know

Instagram iphone app
Instagram has a built-in feature that lets you sync your phone contacts, and then find them on Instagram. Amr Alfiky/AP

  • Instagram's built-in contacts syncing feature can help you find your phone's contacts in the app.
  • You'll need to give Instagram permission to access your contacts for the feature to work.
  • You also have the option to turn off Instagram's contacts syncing feature at any point.
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Whether you're setting up a new Instagram account, or you want to expand your existing profile's reach, there is a simple way to make sure that you're following all of your contacts. The best tool is Instagram's built-in contacts syncing tool.

Once enabled, it will access your phone's contact list and then recommend profiles for you to follow based on your contacts. If you want to stop syncing your contacts, you have the option to turn off the feature at any time. 

Here's how to find which of your contacts are on Instagram, using the app for iPhone and Android devices.

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How to find your contacts on Instagram using contacts syncing

1. Open the Instagram app and sign in, if needed.

2. Tap the profile icon, located on the bottom-right side of the screen.

Screenshot highlighting the profile icon on the Instagram app.
Tap your profile icon. Devon Delfino

3. Tap the three lines, located in the top-right corner and choose Settings.

Screenshot highlighting the three lines menu on the Instagram app.
Tap the three lines. Devon Delfino

4. Select Account.

Screenshot highlighting the account section of the Instagram app’s settings.
Select Account. Devon Delfino

5. Tap Contacts Syncing.

Screenshot highlighting the Contacts Syncing option on the Instagram app.
Choose Contacts Syncing. Devon Delfino

6. Tap the toggle on the Contacts Syncing option.

Screenshot showing the Contacts Syncing toggle on the Instagram app.
Toggle on Contacts Syncing. Devon Delfino

7. If necessary, give Instagram permission to access your contacts.

Screenshot showing the pop up that appears if you haven’t yet given Instagram permission to access your contacts.
Tap Ok to give Instagram permission to access your contacts. Devon Delfino
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How to stop contacts from syncing on Instagram

You can turn off contact syncing at any time:

1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three lines in the top-right corner of the screen.

2. Select Settings.

3. Choose Account.

4. Go into Contacts Syncing and toggle the option off.

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