How to Send a Friend Request on Facebook

Last Updated: August 16, 2022 References

Want to connect with someone on Facebook? Sending a Facebook friend request is easy—you'll just need to visit the person's profile and click the Add Friend button! Once your new friend accepts your request, you'll be able to see each other's' posts, exchange messages, and more. This wikiHow article will walk you through adding new friends to Facebook on your computer and in the mobile app.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Mobile App

1
Open the Facebook app.
2
Sign in to your Facebook account. If you’re already signed in, you can skip to the next step. Otherwise, enter your email address (or phone number) and Facebook password into the fields, then tap Log In.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Open the profile page of the person you want to add. There are a few different ways you can find someone's profile page:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Tap the search box (or magnifying glass) at the top of the screen, then type someone’s name, email address, or phone number.
- Tap a person's name in a comment or post to open their profile page.
- Tap the ☰ icon at the bottom right of the screen, and then tap "Friends." From there, you can see your list of current Friends or click "Suggestions," "Contacts" or "Search" to find other people you may know.
- Open your friends' friend lists and tap someone's name to see their profile.
4
Tap Add Friend. It’s below the person's profile photo and name, or next to their name in Find Friends. A friend request will be sent immediately, and you will receive a notification once it is accepted. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t see Add Friend, the person you are trying to add does not accept friend requests from people with whom they have no mutual friends.
- If you change your mind about a friend request you’ve already sent, you can cancel it by opening that person’s Facebook profile and tapping Cancel Request.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Web Browser

1
Navigate to https://www.facebook.com in your web browser.
2
Sign in to Facebook. Enter the email address (or phone number) and password you use to sign into Facebook into the blanks at the top right corner of the screen, then click Log In. You can skip this step if you’re already signed in.
3
Find a profile to add as a friend.^{[4]
X
Research source} There are many ways you can find potential friends on Facebook:
- Click someone's name in a comment or post to open their profile.
- Use the search bar at the top of the screen to search by name, email address, or phone number.
- Click the “Friends” icon (two peoples’ heads, near the top right corner of the screen) and then click Find Friends to see Facebook’s list of people you may know.
- Browse one of your friends’ friends lists by clicking the “Friends” tab at the top center are of the screen. Click any of your friends’ friends to view their profile.
4
Click Add Friend. If you’re currently on someone’s Facebook profile, you’ll see this button in the bottom-right corner of their cover image. Once clicked, the request will be sent. You’ll receive a Facebook notification once the person accepts your request.
- If you don’t see the Add Friend button, the person you are trying to add does not accept friend requests from users with whom they have no mutual friends.
- To cancel a friend request you’ve sent, point your browser to https://www.facebook.com/find-friends, click “View Sent Requests” and then and click Delete Request next to the person’s name.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if a friend accidentally removed me from Facebook?

Community Answer

If a friend accidentally removed you from Facebook, you can politely message your friend to ask why you were removed.
Question

I put the name in for friend request but it says they don't exist, what can I do?

Community Answer

You'll need to find some other way to track them down on Facebook. try entering their email address or phone number into the search field. You can also try to find posts they've made or commented on.
Question

How do I get friend requests on Facebook?

Community Answer

You'll need to wait until people you know send you friend requests. You're more likely to get friend requests if you're active on your other friends' pages. This will make you more visible, increasing the chances that someone you know sees you and sends you a request.