How to Search the Internet for a Long Lost Friend

Co-authored by Kenneth Childs

Last Updated: May 17, 2025 References

Remember those times in school when you and your good friend hung out all the time? Losing a friend is tough, yet finding them again is so exciting. Hopefully this will give you some ideas of how to find that long lost friend.

Steps

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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview} You can also search the person's name in "Google Images" for pictures of the person and then run through some of the sites on Google for that person's name.
Sometimes in these modern days, if you have a Facebook you can search your friend's name. If she/he has a Facebook, it will let you know. Just be aware that searches of some people with common names might come up with lots of results that you will have to sift through.
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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview} You can find these by searching on Google or US Search or 123people.
There is over 100k people on that site, and there's bound to be someone on there that knows your friend. Maybe you'll find another person you were both friends with, and you could send a message and ask them about the person you're looking for.
It's a meta-search engine that searches for people across IM, social networking, and dating sites.

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Question

How do I search for a long lost friend based on their profession?

Community Answer

Try searching their first and last name and their profession, you might find something. Linkedin.com would also be a good place to start.

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Question

How can I find a friend when I only have their first name?

Community Answer

That would be almost impossible, so you'll have to come up with some other details about them. Those could include their parents' names, elementary school, city, etc.

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How can I find someone with just a photo of them?

Community Answer

Image-related searches are your best bet, but If that photo never existed on the Internet, it's going to be impossible to find what you're looking for.

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Tips

Patience is a must. It can be very hard if you don't know your friends last name or address.

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If you know the person's email ,maybe that would help with finding them there.

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Be persistent and patient. Just when the search may seem futile, there may be a sudden link that takes you to the person you are seeking.

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Warnings

Myspace is not always a reliable or efficient source.

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Google search results can include lots of irrelevant data and links

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