How to Find KakaoTalk ID and Why It Matters in Korea’s #1 App

Inquivix

August 31, 2023

KakaoTalk is South Korea’s most widely used and most popular messaging app, with millions relying on it for everything from casual chats to business communication. Whether you’re trying to connect with friends, collaborate with colleagues, or reach customers in the Korean market, knowing how to find a KakaoTalk ID is essential.

Unlike phone numbers, KakaoTalk IDs offer a more private and convenient way to add users without sharing personal contact details. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from how to find a KakaoTalk ID of your own to seeing someone else’s and managing visibility settings, so that you can connect faster and smarter now.

What Is a KakaoTalk ID?

A KakaoTalk ID is a unique username that users can create within the KakaoTalk messaging app. It acts as an identifier separate from your phone number, making it easier and safer to connect with others. Instead of sharing your mobile number, you can simply share your KakaoTalk ID to add each other as friends.

This feature is beneficial for users who want more privacy or are interacting in professional, online, or global contexts where revealing a phone number isn’t ideal. Whether you’re networking, joining interest-based communities, or running a business, your KakaoTalk ID offers a convenient way for others to find and contact you without needing your number. Companies also use Kakao ID to facilitate business communication, engage with customers, and unlock additional features within the KakaoTalk ecosystem.

How KakaoTalk ID Differs from a Phone Number

While KakaoTalk accounts are tied initially to your phone number, the KakaoTalk ID adds an extra layer of flexibility:

Phone Number: Required for registration, visible only to users in your phonebook unless changed in privacy settings.
KakaoTalk ID: Optional, searchable if enabled, and can be used without sharing your number.

This separation gives users more control over who can find and contact them, making it ideal for anyone who values privacy or is using KakaoTalk for business or public-facing activities.

How to Create or Set Your KakaoTalk ID

Before you can set a KakaoTalk ID, you need to have a Kakao account. This section guides you through creating a Kakao account and then shows you how to create or edit your KakaoTalk ID within the app. Both are simple processes that take just a few minutes but can significantly improve your KakaoTalk experience, especially when it comes to connecting without sharing your phone number.

Please note that certain features of KakaoTalk may be locked or unavailable until you set up your KakaoTalk ID and adjust your account settings.

How to Create a Kakao Account (For New Users)

If you haven’t signed up for KakaoTalk yet, here’s how to get started:

Download the KakaoTalk App
- Available on Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (App Store)
Launch the App and Choose ‘Sign Up’
Enter Your Phone Number
- You’ll receive an SMS verification code.
Verify the Code
Set Up Your Profile
- Add a name and profile photo (optional)
Create a Kakao Account
- Tap on More (⋯) > Settings > Kakao Account
- Add your email address and password
- This account helps sync your data and access other Kakao services

Once your Kakao account is ready, then you can set your KakaoTalk ID!

How to Create or Edit Your KakaoTalk ID

Once your Kakao account is active, you can set your unique ID:

Open the KakaoTalk App
Go to the More (⋯) tab (bottom-right corner)
Tap Settings (gear icon)
Select Profile
Tap Edit Profile
Choose KakaoTalk ID
Enter your desired ID (4–15 lowercase letters and numbers; no spaces or special characters)
Tap Save

You’ll see a confirmation if your chosen ID is available. If not, try a different variation until you find one that works.

Can You Change Your KakaoTalk ID Later?

No, once your KakaoTalk ID is set, it cannot be changed or reused. If you need a different ID, you would have to delete your Kakao account and start over, which means losing all your chat history, contacts, and data.

Tips for Choosing a Strong KakaoTalk ID

Keep it Simple and Memorable – Use your name, initials, or nickname
Avoid Personal Info – Don’t include birthdates or phone numbers
Make It Brandable – For business users, match your brand or social handles
Check Availability Across Platforms – Ensure your ID is unique and consistent with your online presence

Setting a KakaoTalk ID not only makes it easier for others to find you but also gives you more control over your digital identity, especially valuable if you use KakaoTalk for networking, business, or influencer marketing in Korea.

How to Find a KakaoTalk ID (Yours or Someone Else’s)

KakaoTalk IDs are designed to give users more privacy and control over who can contact them. That means you can’t view someone’s KakaoTalk ID unless they share it with you directly or they’ve enabled their ID to be discoverable. Still, there are a few ways to connect with someone using their ID if they’ve made it accessible.

This section covers how to find your friends, contacts, colleagues, or even your own KakaoTalk ID, and what to do if the search doesn’t work.

How to Find Your KakaoTalk ID

If you’ve already created a KakaoTalk ID, checking it is quick and easy. Open the KakaoTalk app, go to the More (⋯) tab, then tap Settings and select Profile. From there, tap Edit Profile, and you’ll see your KakaoTalk ID listed under your name. If no ID is displayed, it means you haven’t set one up yet. In that case, you can create one by tapping the KakaoTalk ID field and entering a unique ID. Once saved, others can use your ID to find and add you, if you allow ID search in your privacy settings.

How to Find Someone Else’s KakaoTalk ID

Finding another person’s KakaoTalk ID depends on whether they’ve shared it with you or enabled it to be searchable. There are two main ways:

Use the “Search by ID” Feature

If someone has enabled ID search in their settings, you can find them by using the “Search by KakaoTalk ID” feature in the app. Simply go to the Friends tab, tap Add Friend (+), and choose Search by KakaoTalk ID. Enter the person’s ID exactly as it was given to you. KakaoTalk IDs are case-sensitive and do not contain spaces. If the ID is valid and the user allows searches, their profile will appear, and you can send a friend request. If nothing appears, their ID search is likely disabled or the ID is incorrect.

Use a Shared QR Code or Invite Link

If someone doesn’t want to share their KakaoTalk ID directly, they can send you a QR code or an invite link instead. This is a quick and secure way to connect without revealing their actual ID. You simply scan the QR code with your KakaoTalk app or tap the invite link, and it will take you directly to their profile or chat.

This method is particularly suitable for influencers, businesses, or public figures who want to maintain accessibility while protecting their privacy. It’s also helpful in managing group chats or promoting community channels through KakaoTalk’s Open Chat feature.

How to Manage KakaoTalk ID Privacy Settings

KakaoTalk gives users control over who can find and contact them by managing their ID privacy settings. If you prefer to keep your KakaoTalk ID private or want to make it easier for others to find you, knowing how to adjust these settings is essential. Here’s how you can manage your visibility and control who can add you by your ID.

How to Enable or Disable ID Search

By default, KakaoTalk ID search is disabled to protect your privacy. To change that:

Steps:

Open the KakaoTalk app
Go to the More (⋯) tab
Tap Settings (gear icon)
Select Privacy
Tap Manage KakaoTalk ID
Toggle “Allow others to add me by ID” on or off

Turn it on if you want people to find you by your ID
Turn it off if you only want to be added via phone number, QR code, or invite links

Who Can See Your KakaoTalk ID?

Your KakaoTalk ID is not publicly displayed on your profile. Even if someone adds you as a friend, they won’t see your ID unless you’ve shared it directly. The only way others can find you by ID is if:

They know your exact ID
You’ve enabled “Allow others to add me by ID” in settings

This makes KakaoTalk IDs ideal for users who want to be findable but still maintain control over their privacy.

Best Practices for ID Privacy

Keep ID search disabled if you want to limit who can find you
Enable ID search temporarily if you’re connecting with someone new or running a promotion
Use Open Chat for public interaction instead of sharing your ID

Managing your KakaoTalk ID privacy settings ensures you stay in control of your online presence, whether you’re using the app casually, professionally, or for marketing.

Why Knowing KakaoTalk IDs Matters

KakaoTalk is more than just a messaging app; it’s an ecosystem with features that support your personal life, professional communication, and even marketing efforts. Knowing how to use KakaoTalk IDs effectively can help you make the most of the platform, whether you’re chatting with friends or building a brand in the Korean market. Sharing engaging content and messages through KakaoTalk allows you to connect with your audience, provide updates, and support both personal and business communication.

Personal Use: A Safer Way to Stay Connected

For individual users, KakaoTalk IDs offer a privacy-friendly way to connect with friends, family, or online acquaintances with one click, without sharing your phone number. This is especially useful when meeting people in online communities or through social media. Rather than exchanging personal contact details, you can simply provide your KakaoTalk ID or QR code.

KakaoTalk also includes lifestyle features such as:

KakaoTalk Gift – Send digital gift cards or items to friends directly in the app
Kakao Story – Share life updates in a private feed
Kakao Wallet – For managing IDs, verification, and even blockchain-based credentials

These tools make KakaoTalk a lifestyle hub, not just a messenger, allowing you to engage with others securely and conveniently.

Business Use: A Smarter Way to Manage Communication

For businesses and professionals, KakaoTalk IDs can be used to connect with clients, customers, and teams without relying on phone numbers or email. It creates a more direct and informal communication channel while still maintaining professional boundaries.

KakaoTalk offers business-oriented features like:

KakaoTalk Business Channel (formerly Plus Friend) – Create a verified profile to share updates, promotions, and customer service
Kakao Work – A separate platform for enterprise messaging and task management
KakaoTalk Calendar – To schedule appointments and reminders within chats

These features support remote collaboration, customer care, and brand communication, all powered through your KakaoTalk account and ID.

Marketing Use: Reach Korean Audiences Effectively

For marketers and brands, KakaoTalk IDs are a valuable tool for building visibility and trust in Korea’s digital landscape. By using an ID or linking it to an Open Chat room, you can engage directly with your target audience.

Marketing-related features in KakaoTalk include:

Open Chat – Invite users to group chats without needing to add friends
KakaoTalk Business Channel – Send broadcast messages, coupons, and promotions to followers
KakaoTalk Ads (Biz Board) – Advertise within the chat list feed to reach a massive user base

Compared to Facebook, KakaoTalk offers unique advantages for digital marketing in the South Korean market, such as deeper local integration and higher user engagement. Like Facebook and other major platforms, KakaoTalk utilizes cookies to enhance advertising effectiveness, improve analytics, and provide a better user experience. Additionally, users can manage their cookie preferences through the platform’s settings and privacy policies.

These tools make KakaoTalk an ideal platform for localized campaigns, customer engagement, and community growth, especially when paired with a recognizable KakaoTalk ID.

Make KakaoTalk Work for You

KakaoTalk is more than just a messaging app, it’s a gateway into Korea’s fast-paced, digitally connected culture. From staying in touch with friends and colleagues to joining interest-based communities, organizing events, and even conducting business, KakaoTalk offers a powerful ecosystem for communication and engagement.

Knowing how to fully utilize its features, especially understanding and managing KakaoTalk IDs, can significantly improve the way you connect. Your ID acts like your personal calling card in the KakaoTalk universe, helping you expand your network without compromising privacy. It’s also a practical tool for seamless cross-platform communication, marketing, and professional outreach in Korea.

For individuals, mastering KakaoTalk means smoother interactions with locals and easier integration into Korean social circles. For businesses, it opens a direct, trusted channel to reach and engage with Korean audiences in real time. In both cases, a little effort in optimizing your profile, security settings, and contact management can make a big difference in the experience.

Need help using KakaoTalk marketing in Korea?
Inquivix is your trusted Korean partner, offering expert strategies, influencer outreach, and business channel support tailored for real results.

FAQs

Do I need a KakaoTalk ID to use the app?

No, a KakaoTalk ID is optional. You can still use KakaoTalk with just your phone number. However, setting an ID makes it easier for others to find and connect with you, especially without needing your number.

How long can a KakaoTalk ID be?

KakaoTalk IDs must be between 4 and 15 characters long and can only include lowercase letters and numbers. No spaces, special characters, or uppercase letters are allowed.

Can multiple people use the same KakaoTalk ID?

No, each KakaoTalk ID must be unique. Once an ID is taken, no one else can use it, even if the original account is deleted later.