When trying to find a friend via LINE ID, you may encounter the “No results found” message or find that the ID search menu isn’t available at all. The primary reasons for this are incomplete age verification, privacy settings (on either side), or temporary system restrictions.
This article categorizes the reasons for ID search failures into three patterns and provides a detailed guide for checking your settings. Let’s resolve these issues to ensure you can add friends smoothly.
Main Causes Why LINE ID Search Fails
1. Age Verification and Carrier Issues (The Most Common Cause)
- Incomplete Age Verification: To protect minors, LINE ID search is only available to users 18 and older who have completed age verification. This is done through your mobile carrier (docomo, au, SoftBank, etc.).
- Budget SIM / MVNO Issues: Some budget SIM providers (MVNOs) do not support the carrier-based age verification system. In such cases, you cannot verify your age, and the ID search feature remains locked.
2. Configuration Issues
- “Allow Friend Addition” is OFF: If you want others to find you, your “Allow additions by ID” setting must be enabled.
- Recipient’s Privacy Settings: The person you are searching for may have disabled “Allow additions by ID” on their end.
- Input Errors: Typos in the ID, such as mixing up uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, or using full-width characters.
3. System and Restriction Issues
- Temporary Action Restrictions: Making too many ID search attempts in a short period may be flagged as spam, leading to a temporary block of the feature.
- LINE System Outage: General technical issues or server downtime on LINE’s side.
Emergency Response: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Step 1: Check Age Verification Status (Highest Priority)
- Verify Your Status: Go to the LINE Home tab → Settings (gear icon) → Age Verification. Check if “ID Search Restriction” is set to “Released” (Unrestricted).
- Perform Verification: If it says “Unverified,” follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process through your mobile carrier’s portal.
Step 2: Verify Settings and Input
- Enable Your ID Search: Go to Home → Settings → Profile and ensure “Allow additions by ID” is toggled ON (if you want friends to search for you).
- Double-Check the ID: Carefully re-enter the ID, paying close attention to character casing and numbers.
Step 3: Resolving Restrictions and Glitches
- Wait it Out: If you are restricted due to rapid searching, wait several hours to 24 hours. The restriction usually resets automatically.
- Use Alternative Methods: If ID search isn’t working, add friends using a QR Code or the “Invite” link via email/SMS.
- Refresh the App: Completely close the LINE app and restart your smartphone.
💡 Preventive Measures: Habits for Smooth Friend Adding
- Complete Setup Early: Complete your carrier age verification as soon as you set up your LINE account.
- Keep Your QR Code Ready: Always have your QR code accessible in case ID search fails.
- Accurate ID Sharing: When sharing your ID, use copy-paste or specify uppercase/lowercase letters clearly to avoid mistakes.
By following these steps, you can quickly resolve LINE ID search issues and ensure a better experience adding new contacts.
