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Home » Facebook Tips » Why Can’t I Send a Friend Request on Facebook? Resolved!

Why Can’t I Send a Friend Request on Facebook? Resolved!

Updated on: December 14, 2022 by Louise Myers 39 Comments

purple textured banner says can't add a facebook friend?

Trying to send a friend request on Facebook?

It’s one of Facebook’s key features.

And now you want to add someone to your list of connections. But something happens and you can’t!

There are a few reasons why you can’t send a friend request to someone on Facebook.

And a few possible issues that are out of your control.

Let’s look and see if we can solve the problem!

facebook profile with disneyland castle banner shows add friend button.

How to Send and Cancel a Friend Request on Facebook

The process to add someone on Facebook hasn’t changed much.

You can search for them by name, as with most social media platforms. If they have a public profile, you’ll be able to find them this way.

You may also see them if they have a ‘friend of friend’ setting, and you have a mutual friend.

If you do, you can go to that mutual friend’s profile and scroll through their Friends tab until you find the person you want to add.

From here, you can just select the ‘add friend’ button and they will receive a standard Facebook friend request.

list of friend's friends shows how to add from here.

If you suddenly realize it’s the wrong person, go to their profile.

The ‘add friend’ button will now become a ‘cancel request’ button you can click, and the request will vanish.

Why is there no add friend button on some Facebook profiles?

Occasionally, you will see a profile where there is no ‘add friend’ button.

That’s because they have their privacy settings in a way that anyone who doesn’t have an existing connection can’t send them a friend request.

If this is the case, you might have to accept you can’t add them as a friend.

Why can’t I add someone on Facebook, only follow?

Another situation you might encounter is the option to follow someone but not send a friend request.

Again, this is a privacy settings choice the person has made. It allows people to follow them but not to send a friend request.

So, you can follow them to see the updates they allow followers, but that’s all.

With each post they make, they can choose if the want it seen by only friends, or an even more selective audience.

How facebook users can select an audience for each post they make.

Why Can’t I Add Someone on Facebook?

Now we know a few of the basics of adding, or not being able to add, someone on Facebook, let’s look at the most common problems.

These sometimes come from your profile, but sometimes from the person you are trying to send the request to.

That means there isn’t always a lot you can do about it.

Their privacy settings mean you can’t see their account

Privacy settings is something Facebook spends a lot more time highlighting to users these days. This means that people are more likely to change their settings to tighten privacy.

If someone has their account set to ‘friends of friends’ and you don’t have a mutual friend, you won’t be able to send them a request.

You can still try to send them a Messenger message, but this will go into the ‘message request’ section. Then it depends on how often they check this for them to see the request!

facebook message requests button to check for messages from non friends.

They have blocked you on Facebook

Another common reason for not being able to add someone on Facebook is if they’ve blocked you.

There are loads of reasons they can do this. It may be an accident, or intentional.

However, if they’ve blocked you, you can’t see their profile or any public content.

You also won’t be able to message them.

Have you blocked them?

If the person is someone you’ve had contact with before, you may have blocked them. The result is similar to them blocking you.

But you can check for this.

Just go to your Settings then Privacy > Blocking.

Here you’ll see a list of the people you’ve blocked on Facebook. If the person you want to add is there, you can unblock them and then send the request.

where to block and unblock facebook users.

Their account has been deactivated

If someone has deactivated their account but not deleted it, you can’t send a friend request. But you can still see them on Facebook.

Unless they’ve scheduled the account to be deleted, at which point it will vanish.

While it’s deactivated, you can still send a Messenger message.

Has Facebook restricted their account?

If someone ends up in ‘Facebook jail’ for various reasons, they won’t show up for you to send a request.

Most of the time, people are restricted from using Facebook for a set period. It might a day, a week, or a month. So it can be worth checking back later to see if they reappear.

Sometimes you still have the option to send them a Messenger message, depending on how much trouble they are in!

They have the maximum number of friends

It seems weird with billions of users, but there is a cap on the number of friends you can have on Facebook.

Currently, there’s a limit of 5,000 friends. If you try to add someone that has this number, you won’t be able to.

But you can still go down the Messenger contact route. If they want to add you, they can unfriend someone else.

Have you sent a lot of friend requests in a short time?

It can be fun to find new people to connect with. Sometimes we get a bit excited and send a whole bunch of friend requests in a short time.

But that can also look a bit like bot behavior and make Facebook suspicious! It may then limit your ability to add someone for a while.

You should get a notification if this happens, so you’ll know when you’ll be able to add friends again.

Then just add them a little slower next time!

Have you already sent a request?

If you have sent a request and the person hasn’t actioned it, then you won’t be able to send another.

Maybe it’s been a while since you sent the request, and it’s become lost among other notifications.

While you can’t send another, you can send a Messenger message.

They have denied your friend request

Sadly, if you send a friend request and the person declines it, you won’t be able to send another one.

However, if it was done by mistake and you reach out to them, they could send you a friend request instead. Once again, try Messenger.

Sometimes it’s a Facebook glitch

Occasionally, the problem is something as random as a glitch on Facebook. A ‘Facebug.’

You can always try again later.

Check that your app doesn’t need any updates, and see if there are any notifications about problems.

If the problem persists, you can always get in touch with Facebook support for more help.

You might also enjoy: How to Find a Facebook Account by Phone Number.

6 Solutions to “You may not know this person”

UPDATE: Here’s a new glitch that has been reported by several readers. You try to send a friend request, and this error message pops up:

It looks like you may not know this person. Send requests to people you know personally to see their updates on Facebook.

I found that a few years ago, some people got a similar error:

Only add people who you know
Please only send friend requests to people who you know personally. If you think you’re seeing this by mistake, please let us know.

A possible reason is that Facebook is trying to improve their security and the privacy of accounts. But it seems like a strange way to go about it. Facebook usually loves for users to add friends – I’ve recently gotten suggestions from FB to add people I don’t know at all!

But if you just created a new account, beware. If people ignore your friend requests or report them as unwanted, your account may be flagged as violating community standards. Be sure to start by only adding people you know, who would want to be your Facebook friend!

Here Are the Solutions to “Only add people you know personally”

1 | Make sure you’re using your real name, and your own photo as your Facebook profile picture.

2 | Slow down! If you’ve sent a bunch of requests before getting the error message, take a break for at least 24 hours. Then…

3 | Sync the contacts from your phone:

  • Go into the Settings in the mobile app.
  • Scroll down to Permissions and tap Upload Contacts.
  • Tap Learn More for additional info.
  • Turn on Upload Contacts, if you decide to.

This might help FB recognize who you do know when sending friend requests!

where to upload contacts in facebook app.

4 | Text the potential FB friend and ask them to send you a friend request.

5 | In person ask: this is guaranteed to work, if they agree to it.

  • The next time you see them at school, work, or wherever you know them from, ask if you can friend them on FB.
  • Ask if they have a minute right then so you can “help them find you.”
  • Have them open the FB app and prompt them on how to find your profile.
  • Then accept their request right away! Problem solved.

6 | New account? Once you start building a few friends, only send requests to people you know in common. That is, FB friends of your new Facebook friends. This should help Facebook trust your new account.

Please enlighten the community if you know more! Leave a comment below.

Adding someone on Facebook

Adding someone to Facebook is a natural part of using the platform. But there are times when things just won’t work as they should.

Use these tips and ideas to help you troubleshoot the problem.

And know there will be some times when you just can’t send a friend request – but you could contact them off FB and ask them to add you.

Next, check out How to See More Friends Posts on Facebook.

woman's hand reaching for friend at the beach says why can't I add a friend on Facebook.

Filed Under: Facebook Tips Tagged With: troubleshooting

About Louise Myers

Louise Myers is a graphic design expert whose designs have been featured by Disney, Macy's, WalMart and more. Her straightforward writing style empowers small business owners to make their own graphics for social media success!

Comments

  1. Lillian Elise Masters says

    November 29, 2022 at 12:40 AM

    I got logged out of my old account, I made a new one using my email address. I can’t recover my old account due to not being able to delete this account and not having my old phone numbers. My new number is currently being used on a account that’s not mine. How do I recover my old account?

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      November 29, 2022 at 10:59 AM

      This is an issue I’ve yet to see since most people keep their numbers forever. But apparently if you get a “new” number it may have been used in the past. I hope another reader can help!

      Reply
  2. Carol says

    November 26, 2022 at 10:51 PM

    My page is public. I checked all the right things, all my post are hidden and my freind request is gone. It only says follow. When people who trys to find me only sees one post from 2010. All the other public post are gone. Can you tell ne what happened and what I can do to get it back

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      November 27, 2022 at 3:13 PM

      It sounds like you’ve reached the limit for FB friends. Is that possible? It once was 5k. Maybe someone else will have another idea.

      Reply
  3. Vincent says

    November 12, 2022 at 10:33 PM

    What if all my admin in page got ban by instant in 1 day and i cant open my page what should i do ? Please help

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      November 14, 2022 at 7:38 AM

      If your page has no admins, do you see a “claim this page” option? If not, sounds like you need to start a new page and avoid the tactics that got your admins banned.

      Reply
  4. Griffiths says

    July 21, 2022 at 3:13 AM

    My sister in law is trying to send me a friend request and she gets this message. It is absurd to think people only know people they share mutual friends with in FB. I even changed my settings for friend requests to allow everyone, so she could befriend me.

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      July 21, 2022 at 12:08 PM

      I am sorry this is getting so ridiculous 🙁

      Reply
      • Rocky says

        August 17, 2022 at 11:34 PM

        I’m have the same pro. HELP!!

        Reply
        • Louise Myers says

          August 18, 2022 at 10:55 AM

          There are a few suggestions for workarounds in the article. I hope one of them will help 🙂

          Reply
  5. Rhonda says

    June 13, 2022 at 6:17 AM

    How do you fix the Facebug ?

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      June 13, 2022 at 8:56 AM

      FB decides if and when they fix bugs. Unfortunately they hold all the cards.

      Reply
      • Ruben Gonzalez says

        June 19, 2022 at 7:53 AM

        I’m getting same message that I can’t send friend request looks like I don’t know this person is to everyone I Try to add

        Reply
        • Louise Myers says

          June 20, 2022 at 7:58 AM

          I wish FB would explain how we can get around this extreme restriction!

          Reply
  6. Linda says

    June 12, 2022 at 7:08 PM

    i have checked all settings for me and my friend. I still can not friend him. And when i tried to friend him he just disappeard and i can no longer see him. Why is this.

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      June 13, 2022 at 8:55 AM

      Unfortunately FB does what they want. Have you tried reaching out to him by another method and asking him to send you a friend request?

      Reply
    • Marilyn Farr says

      August 23, 2022 at 10:53 AM

      The new Facebook do not like it can’t get into my old friends back on the list I’ve had for years no

      Reply
  7. Nora Kira says

    May 24, 2022 at 9:30 AM

    I’m having the same problem setting up my account, it gives an error that says “It looks like you may not know this person. Send requests to people you know personally to see their updates on Facebook,” whenever i try friending anyone. Make this right please

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      May 25, 2022 at 8:38 AM

      I would if I could! Have you tried syncing your contacts? The FB would see that you know these people.

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        September 26, 2022 at 6:09 PM

        I really don’t feel like handing over all your contacts’ personal contact information to FB is a great “solution” to this issue.

        Reply
        • Louise Myers says

          September 27, 2022 at 10:57 AM

          I agree, but it is one option (of 6) for those who want to try it.

          Reply
  8. Molly says

    May 18, 2022 at 4:24 PM

    So i had to make a new account and keep getting this error. And I have discovered that you have to have 9-10 mutuals to friend someone for it to let the request go through. Fun times.

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      May 19, 2022 at 3:18 PM

      Yikes, I hope that isn’t forever. Maybe just until you get a certain number of friends?

      Reply
  9. rishiyaanah says

    May 4, 2022 at 8:12 AM

    when am sending friend request fb is telling me to add people who i know and its my new account its being annoying

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      May 5, 2022 at 7:22 AM

      This is either a new policy, or a bug. It’s been reported a few times here. Have you tried syncing contacts from your phone?

      Reply
  10. Roger says

    April 29, 2022 at 1:25 PM

    My Facebook I think got hacked I try to send a person I know a friend request it says I can’t send request to people you know but I do know them

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      May 2, 2022 at 11:26 AM

      If there are no other reasons to think your account was hacked, you are most likely mistaken. This is a known bug.

      Reply
      • Yussif seidu says

        May 30, 2022 at 7:29 AM

        My first account was hacked so i open another account items when added a friend request they told me the access is error they told me try again if i try it again the same system show to me

        Reply
        • Louise Myers says

          May 30, 2022 at 9:59 AM

          Please read the suggestions in the article, I don’t have any more to add.

          Reply
        • Munna Hosen Moral says

          October 8, 2022 at 10:17 AM

          My first account was hacked so i open another account items when added a friend request they told me the access is error they told me try again if i try it again the same system show to me

          Reply
          • Louise Myers says

            October 10, 2022 at 3:13 PM

            You may need to wait a bit. Also occasionally FB gives an error warning when something actually worked!

  11. Bryan says

    April 25, 2022 at 10:02 PM

    I am setting up my mom’s Facebook page…I befriended “me” for her, but when I try to add anyone else, it says that I can’t because “I don’t know that person personally.” That doesn’t make any sense. It’s so frustrating!

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      April 26, 2022 at 9:01 AM

      That does sound odd. I’m not sure which account you’re logged into tho. Have you checked the privacy settings?

      Reply
      • Sean says

        April 26, 2022 at 1:10 PM

        I’m having the same problem setting up my brother’s account, it gives an error that says “It looks like you may not know this person. Send requests to people you know personally to see their updates on Facebook,” whenever we try friending anyone.

        Reply
        • Louise Myers says

          April 26, 2022 at 4:23 PM

          Thanks for letting me know! I hope others will chime in because it’s curious that both of you so far are working on someone else’s account.

          But it doesn’t prompt you to sync your contact book, or something like that?

          Reply
  12. James says

    April 12, 2022 at 6:25 PM

    I can’t send a request to anyone why? I need your please.

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      April 13, 2022 at 9:34 AM

      The article addresses this. You are probably blocked, or you’ve got a Facebug.

      Reply
  13. Sgt tracy lucas says

    April 3, 2022 at 10:31 PM

    I can’t send someone friend request again why

    Reply
    • Louise Myers says

      April 4, 2022 at 9:13 AM

      I wrote the article to answer that question, I hope it helps.

      Reply

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