The short version

• Beeper shows people you’ve already talked to on that network.
• WhatsApp and Signal also share your phone contacts, so you’ll see more names there.
• For other networks, Beeper only shows contacts that your device itself knows about.
• If Beeper can’t find the person, type their phone number to start the chat.

How Beeper finds people

1) From conversations you already have

When you connect a chat network to Beeper, the bridge can sometimes bring in previous conversations from people you’ve already messaged on that network (depending on the network). Those names will appear when you start a new chat because Beeper recognizes them from your past conversations.

2) From your phone’s or computer’s contacts

Beeper can also suggest contacts that your device knows about.

iOS and Android
If the Beeper mobile app has permission to access your contacts, you’ll see those names when you start a new chat.

MacOS
If Contacts access is allowed in macOS settings, Beeper can use your Mac’s contacts when you start a chat.

Windows and Linux 
Beeper cannot read your system contacts, so suggestions here come only from people you’ve chatted with already.

3) Two important exceptions

WhatsApp and Signal share your contact list with Beeper.
That means you will see more names from those two networks, even if you have not chatted with them yet.

When a name doesn’t appear

Sometimes you want to message someone new and they don’t show up in suggestions. That’s normal on many networks.

What to do

1. Select New Chat (on Beeper Android) or the compose icon in Beeper Desktop or Beeper iOS.
2. Type the person’s phone number.
3. Include the country code if they are outside your country.
   1. Example: US number as +1 919 555 0123
   2. Example: UK number as +44 20 7946 0000
4. Send your message. 

FAQ

Why do I see more names on WhatsApp and Signal?
Those two networks share your phone contacts with Beeper. Most other networks do not.

I can see someone in my phone’s Contacts app, but not in Beeper on Windows. Why?
Windows desktop cannot use your system contacts. Search by phone number to start the chat. After you message them, they will appear next time.

My Mac isn’t showing my contacts in Beeper. What should I check?
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Contacts and make sure Beeper has permission. Then restart Beeper.

Do I need the country code?
Yes, if the number is outside your country.