How to Add Friends on BeReal: A Comprehensive Guide

BeReal has taken the social media world by storm with its unique concept: a daily, unfiltered glimpse into your life at a random, pre-determined time. Connecting with friends on BeReal is crucial to experiencing the app’s full potential and sharing those authentic moments with the people who matter. However, the process might not be immediately obvious to new users. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the different ways to add friends on BeReal, ensuring you can easily build your network and start sharing those real, raw moments.

Understanding the BeReal Philosophy

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the core philosophy behind BeReal. Unlike other social media platforms that encourage curated content and highlight reels, BeReal promotes authenticity and spontaneity. The daily notification prompts users to capture a simultaneous photo using both the front and back cameras, showing what they’re doing and their reaction at that very moment. This emphasis on real-time, unedited content extends to its friend-adding features. The app encourages connections with people you genuinely know, rather than passively accumulating followers. This focus on genuine connections makes the experience more intimate and meaningful.

Methods for Adding Friends on BeReal

BeReal offers several methods for adding friends, catering to different situations and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each method with detailed, step-by-step instructions:

1. Adding Friends from Your Phone Contacts

This is often the easiest and most straightforward way to connect with people you already know. BeReal accesses your phone’s contact list and identifies users who are already on the platform. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the BeReal App: Launch the BeReal application on your smartphone. Make sure you are logged in to your account.
2. Navigate to Your Profile: Tap on your profile icon, usually located in the top-left corner of the screen. This will take you to your profile page where you can manage your account settings and see your past BeReals.
3. Find the “Add Friends” Option: Look for an “Add Friends” or similar button/icon. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on the app version, but it’s typically prominently displayed. It might also be represented by a plus sign (+) next to the word “Friends.”
4. Grant Permission to Access Contacts (If Required): If this is your first time adding friends from your contacts, BeReal will likely ask for permission to access your phone’s contact list. You’ll need to grant this permission for the app to find your contacts who are already using BeReal. BeReal will typically display a message explaining why it needs access to your contacts. Make sure to allow access.
5. Browse Your Contacts: Once permission is granted, BeReal will scan your contacts and display a list of people who are already using the app. Their usernames and profile pictures will be shown alongside their names (as saved in your contacts).
6. Send Friend Requests: Scroll through the list and tap the “Add” or similar button next to each person you want to add as a friend. A friend request will be sent to each selected user. The button will typically change to indicate that a request has been sent (e.g., “Pending” or a checkmark).

Important Considerations:

* Privacy: BeReal only accesses your contacts to identify existing users on the platform. It doesn’t store or share your contact information without your consent.
* Contact Information: The names displayed in the list are based on how you have saved them in your phone’s contact list. Ensure your contacts are up-to-date for accurate identification.
* Missing Contacts: If someone you know uses BeReal but isn’t showing up in the list, it could be because their phone number isn’t associated with their BeReal account or isn’t saved in your contacts.

2. Searching for Friends by Username

If you know someone’s BeReal username, you can directly search for them within the app. This is particularly useful if you don’t have their phone number or if they are not in your contacts.

1. Open the BeReal App: Launch the BeReal application and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to the “Add Friends” Section: As before, go to your profile page and find the “Add Friends” section.
3. Look for the Search Bar: Within the “Add Friends” section, you should find a search bar or a search icon (usually a magnifying glass).
4. Enter the Username: Tap on the search bar and carefully type the exact BeReal username of the person you want to add. Usernames are case-sensitive, so ensure you enter it correctly.
5. Find the User: BeReal will display search results matching the username you entered. Look for the correct user from the list.
6. Send a Friend Request: Once you’ve found the correct user, tap the “Add” or similar button next to their name to send them a friend request.

Important Considerations:

* Username Accuracy: Ensure that you are typing the correct username, including any special characters or numbers. A single typo can prevent you from finding the user.
* Privacy Settings: A user’s privacy settings might prevent you from finding them through a username search if they have chosen to limit their visibility.

3. Adding Friends Through Mutual Friends

This feature allows you to discover and add friends of your existing BeReal connections. It helps expand your network within the BeReal community.

1. Open the BeReal App: Start by opening the BeReal app and logging into your account.
2. View Your Friends List: Go to your profile and then find the list of your existing friends on BeReal.
3. Select a Friend: Tap on one of your friends’ profiles to view their details.
4. Look for “Friends of Friends”: Once on their profile, look for an option like “Friends of [Friend’s Name]” or a similar phrase indicating you can see their friends. This section might be located at the bottom of their profile or accessible through a separate tab.
5. Browse Mutual Friends: BeReal will display a list of the friends of that user. Scroll through the list to see if you recognize anyone you’d like to add.
6. Send Friend Requests: Tap the “Add” or similar button next to the names of any users you want to add as friends.

Important Considerations:

* Privacy: A user’s privacy settings may prevent you from seeing their friends list. If a user has chosen to keep their friends list private, you won’t be able to use this method to find new connections.
* Connection Relevance: Friends of friends are more likely to be people you have something in common with, making this a valuable way to expand your BeReal network.

4. Sharing Your BeReal Username or QR Code

BeReal provides a unique QR code and a shareable link containing your username, making it easy for others to add you, especially in real-life situations.

1. Open the BeReal App: Open your BeReal app and log in.
2. Access Your Profile: Go to your profile page.
3. Find the “Share Profile” Option: Look for an option to “Share Profile,” “Share My BeReal,” or similar wording. This might be represented by a share icon.
4. Share Your QR Code or Link: Tapping this option should give you several ways to share your profile:
• QR Code: A QR code will be displayed on your screen. Another person can scan this code using their smartphone’s camera or a QR code reader to directly access your BeReal profile and send you a friend request.
• Shareable Link: You’ll be able to copy a unique link to your profile or share it directly through messaging apps, social media, or email. When someone clicks on the link, it will open your BeReal profile in their app, allowing them to add you as a friend.

Important Considerations:

* In-Person Connections: Sharing your QR code is a quick and easy way to add friends in person, like at a party or event.
* Online Sharing: Sharing your link allows you to connect with people online through various platforms.
* Link Security: Be mindful of where you share your link, as anyone with the link can potentially access your profile.

5. Adding Friends Who Have Viewed Your BeReal

BeReal also introduces a new way to add friend who have already viewed your Bereal post. This is useful if you want to connect with users outside your existing network.

1. Open the BeReal App: Launch the BeReal app and log in to your account.
2. Go to Memories: Go to the memories or your profile and select the Bereal post you want to view.
3. View Users Who Viewed Your Bereal: You can see the lists of users who viewed you Bereal post and you can send friend request to them.
4. Send Friend Requests: Tap the “Add” or similar button next to the names of any users you want to add as friends.

Managing Friend Requests on BeReal

Once you’ve sent or received friend requests, it’s important to know how to manage them.

Accepting Friend Requests

When someone sends you a friend request on BeReal, you’ll receive a notification within the app.

1. Check Your Notifications: Look for a notification icon (usually a bell) within the BeReal app. This will indicate that you have pending friend requests.
2. Access Friend Requests: Tap on the notification icon to view your pending friend requests. You’ll see a list of users who have sent you requests.
3. Accept or Decline: For each friend request, you’ll have the option to either “Accept” or “Decline.” Tap the appropriate button based on whether you want to add the person as a friend.

Removing Friends

If you want to remove someone from your friends list on BeReal, you can do so at any time.

1. Go to Your Friends List: Navigate to your profile and find your list of friends.
2. Select the Friend to Remove: Find the friend you want to remove from your list.
3. Access Options: Tap on the friend’s profile or look for an options menu (usually represented by three dots) next to their name.
4. Remove Friend: Select the “Remove Friend” option. BeReal will likely ask you to confirm your decision.
5. Confirm Removal: Confirm that you want to remove the friend. The person will no longer be on your friends list, and they will not be notified that you have removed them.

Tips for Building a Genuine BeReal Network

While adding friends is straightforward, building a meaningful network on BeReal requires a slightly different approach than on other social media platforms. Here are some tips:

* Prioritize Real-Life Connections: Focus on adding people you know and interact with in real life. This will make your BeReal experience more authentic and engaging.
* Be Active and Engage: React to your friends’ BeReals and share your own genuine moments. This will foster a sense of community and encourage others to connect with you.
* Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself: BeReal is all about authenticity. Don’t try to curate a perfect image. Embrace your imperfections and share your real life.
* Respect Privacy: Be mindful of the content you share and how it might affect others. Avoid posting anything that could be considered offensive or harmful.
* Use Different Methods to Connect: Combine various methods for adding friends to expand your reach and connect with more people you know.
* Engage with Existing Friends: Liking and commenting on your friend’s BeReals will increase interaction in the app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues while adding friends on BeReal. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

* Contacts Not Showing Up: Ensure that BeReal has permission to access your contacts. Also, verify that the phone numbers associated with your contacts are correct and linked to their BeReal accounts.
* Cannot Find User by Username: Double-check the username for typos. Also, consider that the user might have privacy settings that prevent them from being found through a username search.
* Friend Requests Not Sending: Check your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can sometimes prevent friend requests from sending. Also, ensure that you have not exceeded any daily limits on sending friend requests.
* Friend Requests Not Receiving: Ensure that your notification settings for BeReal are enabled. This will ensure that you receive notifications when someone sends you a friend request.
* App Crashing or Freezing: Restart the BeReal app or your device. If the problem persists, try updating the app to the latest version or reinstalling it.

The Future of Friendships on BeReal

BeReal is constantly evolving, and it’s likely that the app will introduce new features and ways to connect with friends in the future. Staying updated with the latest app updates and announcements will help you take advantage of new opportunities to build your network and enhance your BeReal experience. As the platform evolves, it’s likely that we’ll see further refinements to the friend-adding process, making it even easier to connect with the people who matter most.

Conclusion

Adding friends on BeReal is a simple yet essential part of enjoying the app’s unique take on social media. By using the various methods outlined in this guide, you can easily connect with people you know and share your authentic, unfiltered moments with them. Remember to prioritize genuine connections, be active and engaged, and respect privacy to build a meaningful and enjoyable BeReal experience. So, go ahead and start adding friends, and start sharing your real life with the world, one BeReal at a time!

By using these tips and methods, you can easily expand your BeReal network and enjoy sharing authentic moments with your friends. Happy BeRealing!

Remember to always be mindful of your privacy and the privacy of others when sharing content on BeReal.