Adding friends on LINE

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On LINE, you can add friends using information such as QR codes, phone numbers, LINE IDs, and links.

Choose the method for adding a friend that is appropriate for your situation, depending on whether they're nearby, you know their contact information, or you have a shared friend or group.

List of methods to add friends

You can add friends with the following methods.

If the other person is right next to you

In this case, you can add them as a friend with the following method.

If the other person isn't nearby

You can use their information to add them as a friend if they aren't nearby.

Other methods

You can also add friends using one of the methods below depending on your situation or conditions.

Steps to add friends


Adding friends with QR codes

You can use this feature on devices aside from LINE for PC sub devices.

This method is convenient when the other person is right next to you.

Please note that since anyone who is a LINE user can add you as a friend using your QR code, do not share it with people you don't know.

Users in Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Chats tab > plus icon at the top of the screen.
  2. Select Scan QR code or My QR code.
  3. Add your friend with either of the following methods.

    If you're scanning a friend's QR code (for the person who opened the QR code reader)
    Scan your friend's QR code, then tap Add.

    If someone is scanning your QR code (for the person showing their QR code)
  1. Tap My QR code to show your code.
  2. After the other person scans your QR code, tap the Chats tab > plus icon at the top of the screen > Add friends, then add them as a friend from Friend recommendations.
Users outside of Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Home tab or the Chats tab > scan icon to the right of the search box.
  2. Add your friend with either of the following methods.

    If you're scanning a friend's QR code (for the person who started the QR code reader)
    Scan your friend's QR code, then tap Add.

    If a friend is scanning your QR code (for the person showing their QR code)
  1. Tap My QR code to show your code.
  2. After the other person scans your QR code, tap the Home tab > Add friends icon, then add them as a friend from Friend recommendations.

Searching by phone number

Note: If the person you're trying to add is using LINE outside of Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, or Thailand, this feature is only available if their account was created on a version earlier than 13.11.0 and still has a registered phone number.

You can use this feature on devices aside from iPad/Android sub devices.

Enter the phone number of the person you want to add as a friend to search for them.

Requirements

  • In Japan, you can only use the phone number search feature if you are 18 or older and have verified your age.
  • The other person needs to turn on Allow others to add me.
Users in Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Chats tab > plus icon at the top of the screen > Add friends.
  2. Tap Search.
  3. Choose Phone number.
  4. Select a country and enter your friend's phone number, then tap search icon.
Users outside of Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Home tab > Add friends icon.
  2. Tap Search.
  3. Choose Phone number.
  4. Select a country and enter your friend's phone number, then tap search icon.

Searching by LINE ID

You need the LINE ID of the person you want to add as a friend.

Because other users' LINE IDs cannot be checked, have them tell you their LINE ID, then search for it with the following steps.

Users in Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Chats tab > plus icon at the top of the screen > Add friends.
  2. Tap Search.
  3. Choose ID.
  4. Enter your friend's ID and tap search icon.
Users outside of Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Home tab > Add friends icon.
  2. Tap Search.
  3. Choose ID.
  4. Enter your friend's ID and tap search icon.

You can use this feature on devices aside from LINE for PC sub devices.

You can have a link issued for people to add you as a friend with the following steps.

Please note that since anyone who is a LINE user can add you as a friend using your link, do not share it with people you don't know.

The recipient of the link can add the sender as a friend by tapping it.


Adding friends through groups they're members of

You can add members who are in the same group as you as friends.

  1. Open a group chat that the person you want to add as a friend is in.
  2. Tap their icon.
  3. Tap Add.

Adding friends via Contact (if you have mutual friends)

You can use this feature on devices aside from LINE for PC sub devices.

You need to have a mutual friend send the LINE account information of the person you want to add as a friend.

  1. Open your chat with the person who wants to receive an introduction.
  2. Tap plus icon > Contact > LINE friend.
  3. Select the person to introduce, then tap Share.

Adding friends via your friend recommendations (if they've already added you as a friend)

Users in Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Chats tab > plus icon at the top of the screen > Add friends.
  2. Tap add friend icon next to the person you want to add under Friend recommendations.
Users outside of Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Home tab > Add friends icon at the top of the screen.
  2. Tap add friend icon next to the person you want to add under Friend recommendations.

Automatically adding friends using your device's contacts

Note: If the person you're trying to add is using LINE outside of Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, or Thailand, this feature is only available if their account was created on a version earlier than 13.11.0 and still has a registered phone number.

You can only use this feature on your main device (typically your smartphone).

This feature adds people as friends based on your device's contacts.

  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Home tab > Settings > Friends.
  2. Turn on Auto-add friends.

If you're using an iOS device, give LINE permission to access your contacts in your device's settings.

If you want to stop contacts from being added automatically, turn off Auto-add friends.

If they weren't automatically added, see I have Auto-add friends turned on, but my contacts weren't added.


Using invitations (text messages/emails)

You can use this feature on devices aside from LINE for PC sub devices.

You can send invitation messages to people who aren't using LINE.

Note:
- If the person you invite doesn't receive your text message, please contact your mobile service provider.
- You can only send invitations via text message if you're using LINE in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, or Thailand.

Users in Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Chats tab > plus icon at the top of the screen > Add friends > Invite.
  2. Select Text message or Email.
  3. Choose someone and tap Invite.
Users outside of Japan
  1. In the LINE app on your main device, tap the Home tab > Add friends icon > Invite.
  2. Select Text message or Email.
  3. Choose someone and tap Invite.