Facebook’s extensive network connects billions of users worldwide.
While Facebook has made it easier for you to get in touch once again with your old friends or maybe your crush, do you sometimes wonder if – if you search for someone’s profile, will they know about it?
We have the answer to this in today’s blog.
If I Search for Someone on Facebook Will They Know?
No, Facebook profile searches are private, meaning it does not notify the user when you search for them.
Your search activity is not visible to anyone except you or those who have access to your account.
However, there are a few exceptions to this:
- If you have mutual friends with the person you searched for or are on their contact list, based on your search activity, Facebook may suggest your profile to them in the People You May Know section.
- If you do not follow them and still like and comment on any of their posts or view their stories, they may infer that you were stalking their Facebook profile.
Are Facebook Profile Searches Private?
Yes, Facebook prioritizes users’ privacy, which is why searches on it are completely private.
Neither you can find out who visited your profile, nor will others know about the same.
Furthermore, no third-party applications can provide any information about who searched for you.
Do remember that while you cannot, Facebook can still track your activity on the platform.
Also Read: How to See Secret Groups on Facebook
What Happens When You Search for Someone on Facebook?
When you search for someone on Facebook, it suggests all profiles with that username or display name from where you can find the appropriate one.
After your search, their username will be displayed in your search history unless you choose to remove it.
No notifications are sent to them and your activity remains confidential.
Will Visiting Someone’s Facebook Page Put You on Their People You May Know List?
No, simply visiting someone’s Facebook page does not automatically guarantee that you will appear on their People You May Know list.
Facebook algorithms consider several factors such as mutual friends, connections from the same school or University, shared contacts, being employed at the same organization, and many others to show people on the list.
Also Read: How to Find Someone on Facebook Using a Picture
What Happens When You Go Poking Around on Facebook?
Facebook’s poke feature acts as an indirect way to express interest or initiate interactions with a friend on the platform.
When you poke someone on Facebook, they will receive a notification about it.
In return, they have the option to poke you back. Remember, if they don’t, you cannot poke them more than once at a time.
Also Read: How Do You Poke Someone on Facebook App
How to Enhance Privacy on Facebook
Here are some effective tips you can take to enhance the security and privacy of your Facebook profile:
- Regularly review and limit who can see your posts, profile, and personal information.
- Turn on Two-Factor Authentication to add an extra layer of security and prevent unauthorized access to your account.
- Manage who can tag you in their posts.
- Limit your audience to friends only.
Check our Ultimate Guide to Manage Your Facebook Privacy Settings for more help.
How can I Hide My Profile from Someone
Here’s how you can hide your profile from others on Facebook:
1. Open Facebook and tap on the hamburger (Menu) icon at the top right corner.
2. Tap on the Settings & privacy option, followed by Settings.
3. Tap on How people find and contact you.
6. Under Who can Facebook suggest your profile to based on your phone number or email address?
- Select No one for People with your email address
- For People with your phone number set it as No one.
7. Turn off the toggle for Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is It Possible to Clear My Search History on Facebook?
Ans. Yes, it is possible to clear your search history on Facebook. You can remove your searches directly through the Facebook search bar.
Q2. Can I See Who Has Viewed My Profile Recently?
Ans. No, you cannot see who has viewed your profile recently as Facebook does not provide any tracking or visibility into the same.
Q3. Is It Okay to Search for Someone I Don’t Know on Facebook?
Ans. Yes, it is generally acceptable to search for someone you don’t know on Facebook unless you do not aim to harm or harass the person.
However, it is always important to respect someone’s privacy.
Q4. Are Friends Suggested by Searches?
Ans. No, Facebook does not suggest friends based on searches but on mutual friends, contacts, users who have been tagged in the same posts, and those who attended the same school, university, or workplace.
We hope our blog has answered you whether if search for someone on Facebook, will they know or not.
If you have any other queries or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below, and stay tuned to TechCult for more informative blogs.
