Getting Started

Finding and Adding Contacts

Tr3sPass offers multiple ways to find and connect with people, giving you more flexibility than any other messaging app. This guide covers all three methods and explains how privacy settings affect discoverability.

4 min readUpdated Jan 4, 2026

See phone sync, search, and QR code methods in action

Video: 3 Ways to Add Contacts Replace this with YouTube embed when video is ready.

Method 1: Sync from Your Phone Contacts

The fastest way to find people you already know on Tr3sPass.

How it works:

  • Ensure you've granted Tr3sPass access to your contacts
  • Tr3sPass automatically identifies contacts who have the app
  • Matching contacts appear in your "Contacts" list
  • Tap any contact to start a conversation

What happens behind the scenes:

  • Your phone contacts are securely processed
  • Tr3sPass checks phone numbers and emails against existing users
  • Only mutual matches are shown (both parties must have each other's info)
  • Your contact list is never shared or stored unencrypted

Best for:

  • Getting started quickly
  • Finding friends and family already using Tr3sPass
  • Building your initial contact list

Contact sync screen

Method 2: Search by Username, Phone, or Email

Find anyone on Tr3sPass without needing to have them in your phone contacts.

How to search:

  • Tap the search icon
  • Enter one of the following:
  • Username (e.g., @johndoe)
  • Phone number (with country code)
  • Email address
  • View matching results
  • Tap a result to view their profile
  • Send a contact request or start chatting

Search tips:

  • Usernames are unique — if you know someone's exact username, you'll find them instantly
  • Phone and email searches only work if the user has added and verified that information
  • Search respects privacy settings — users who have restricted discoverability won't appear

Best for:

  • Connecting with new professional contacts
  • Finding people when you only have their email
  • Adding contacts from social media or business cards

Search results with ZTRS

Method 3: QR Code Scanning

Instantly connect with someone in person by scanning their unique Tr3sPass QR code.

How to share your QR code:

  • Tap your profile icon
  • Select "My QR Code"
  • Show the code to the other person

Your QR code

How to scan someone's QR code:

  • Tap the search icon
  • Select "Scan QR Code"
  • Point your camera at their code
  • Confirm the connection

QR scanner

Why QR codes?

  • No need to spell out usernames or exchange phone numbers
  • Instant, error-free connection
  • Perfect for networking events and meetings
  • Works even if you want to keep your phone number private

Best for:

  • In-person meetings and events
  • Networking situations
  • Quick connections without sharing personal details
  • Conference and trade show contacts

Privacy and Discoverability

Each search method respects the privacy settings users have configured. This means:

If someone can't be found:

  • They may have restricted their discoverability settings
  • Their phone number or email may not be verified
  • They may be using Anonymous Zone (not searchable by design)

Your discoverability:

  • You control who can find you in Settings → Privacy
  • You can limit searches to contacts only, verified users, or disable entirely
  • Anonymous Zone accounts are never discoverable via search

See 3.8 - Privacy Settings for complete control over your discoverability.

Managing Your Contacts

Once you've added contacts, you can:

View contact profile: Tap their name to see verification level, ZTRS score, and zone

Start a conversation: Tap to open a chat

Block a contact: Access from their profile menu (they won't be notified)

Remove a contact: Delete from your contacts list

Next Steps

Now that you know how to find people:

  • 3.4 - Chat Features: Learn about messaging capabilities
  • 3.5 - Contact Profiles & ZTRS: Understand how to read trust indicators
  • 3.8 - Privacy Settings: Control who can find you

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