Bluesky Enables Search Discovery Feature by Default for Other Users to Find You

Published on January 05, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Screenshot of Bluesky's privacy settings interface, showing the option to allow other users to find your account using your email address or phone number.

Bluesky Enables Discovery Feature by Default for Other Users to Find You

The social network Bluesky, presented as a decentralized alternative to platforms like X, has implemented a discovery feature that is generating debate 🔍. This feature, which operates by default, allows people who know you to locate your profile on the platform.

How Does Contact Discovery Work?

When someone registers on Bluesky, the app can compare the device's contact list with the email addresses and phone numbers associated with existing accounts. If it detects a match, it suggests that the new user follow that contact. The company emphasizes that this matching process occurs locally on the user's phone or computer, without sending the contact list to its central servers.

Key Details of the Feature:
  • It is enabled by default for all new users.
  • It uses the contact information (email or phone) that the user has linked to their Bluesky profile.
  • The stated goal is to facilitate people connecting with their acquaintances when joining the network.
The eternal paradox of social networks: we want to be found, but only by the people we want to find us.

Managing Privacy on Bluesky

In response to concerns from some users about sharing this data, Bluesky allows disabling this feature. Those who prefer greater control over their visibility can opt to change the settings.

Steps to Disable the Option:
  • Access the settings within the app.
  • Navigate to the Privacy section.
  • Find and uncheck the option that allows others to find you using your email or phone number.

The Balance Between Connection and Control

This situation reflects a common dilemma in digital platforms: seeking a balance between helping users build their social network and respecting their private sphere. While the default feature can accelerate community growth, offering the option to disable it is crucial for those who prioritize anonymity or a more restricted circle. Configuring these parameters allows each person to decide who can cross the threshold of their digital profile 🛡️.