Chat with someone by username

You don't need someone's phone number to message them. Their @username is enough.

Find someone by username

1. On the Chats screen, tap Send message.
2. Tap Search by username.
3. Start typing their @username. Usernames match from the start, so type the beginning of the name.
4. Tap the person to open a chat.

Zaplog shows the closest matches as you type. If nobody matches, check the spelling or invite them from your contacts. Only people who allow it can be found this way. See Searchable username.

Your phone numbers stay private

A chat that starts from a username search is number-free on both sides:

• They can't see your phone number, and you can't see theirs.
• Nothing you do in the chat shares it, not even saving them as a contact.
• The chat shows a notice explaining this. If you don't recognize the person, block them.

How your first message arrives

If the other person hasn't been in touch with you before, your first message waits in their Requests. They see it there and can reply, which opens the conversation, or block you. See Message requests.