Ways to add a friend on LINE: phone number, ID, QR scan and link, checked against LINE Help in October 2026, with fixes when adding fails and how to make it easy for customers to add your shop.
To add anyone on LINE, a new friend or a shop, there are several routes, and each needs different information and settings. This guide summarizes the methods from LINE Help, checked October 2026, explains why adding fails, and ends with how to make it easy for customers to add your shop. If you run a shop and want more friends seriously, read how to grow LINE OA friends.
Key takeaways
- QR scanning is fastest when you are together, and links, ID or phone number work at a distance
- Searching by ID or phone works only if the other person allows it in settings
- Shops use an ID starting with @, a QR code or an add-friend button for one-tap adding
NoteChecked October 2026
From LINE Help. Menus and conditions can vary by app version and country. If your app differs, follow what you see in the app.
What ways are there to add a friend on LINE?
Every method starts from the Home tab, then the add-friends icon, as LINE Help explains.
Add-friend methods listed on LINE Help
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LINE also supports adding from the recommendations list of people who added you, automatic adding from your device contacts, and invitation messages to people not on LINE.
NoteShake it
An older LINE help page described shaking devices together, but the current 'Adding friends on LINE' page checked does not list it. If your app has no such menu, use QR instead.
Steps for each method
Scan a QR code
Tap the add-friends icon, choose QR, and scan theirs, or show yours to be scanned.
Search by phone number
Tap the add-friends icon, choose search, enter the number, and tap add when the account appears.
Search by ID
Ask the owner for the LINE ID, since other people's IDs cannot be checked, then search for it.
Use a link
Have them create an add-friend link in the app and send it to you. Tap the link, then add.
TipMatch the situation
Use QR face to face, a link by message, and ID or number over the phone.
Cannot add: what to check first
Causes LINE Help lists
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LINE says phone number search has different conditions by country. If number search fails, try QR, a link, or adding through a group.
WarningBefore adding strangers
Check the account is really the person you spoke to. Do not tap add-friend links from messages of unknown origin, and never give anyone your LINE verification code.
If you do not want to be added
Turn off number search under Home, Settings, Friends by switching off Allow others to add me. Turn off ID search in the profile settings. If you already shared a QR code or link, regenerate the QR code so the old one stops working.
From adding friends to customers adding your shop
If you run a shop, asking customers to search a personal account does not work. Use a LINE Official Account (OA). LINE Developers lists several ways for customers to add it.
Ways for customers to add your LINE OA
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Put a QR sign at the counter and on parcels, add the link to your Instagram or TikTok bio, and say plainly what adding gives them, such as price questions or order status. Full tactics are in how to grow LINE OA friends for small shops. If you have no OA yet, start with setting up LINE OA for a small shop, and once you have friends see rich menu and broadcast.
To help an OA look active early on, see LINE services. Ordered numbers do not guarantee messages or sales and do not replace getting customers to add you themselves.
Checklist for adding friends
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ArticleHow Small Shops Grow LINE OA FriendsHow can a small shop add LINE OA friends who actually buy? Seven free methods, from QR codes in store to links on social media, plus what a friend-boosting service can and cannot do.LINE add-friend FAQ
Can I add a friend on LINE by name?
The LINE Help page checked does not list name search. Use phone number, ID, QR, a link, or open the profile from a group.
I cannot find someone by phone number. What now?
Check whether they allow being added, and note that number search depends on country conditions. Try QR or a link instead.
Why does ID search find nothing?
They have not set an ID, switched off ID search, or you passed the search limit.
Does a shop's ID need the @?
A LINE Official Account ID starts with @. Include it when searching.
Does shake to add still work?
The help page checked does not list it. See whether your app has the menu, and if not, use QR.
Summary
Use QR when together and a link when apart. ID and phone search work when the other person allows them. Shops should use an OA and make the QR, link and add-friend button as easy as possible.
To see which LINE services have a free trial before you decide, check the free trial page.
