5 Best Apps for Finding Friends on Android

In today’s digital era, making friends is no longer limited to people around you. For example, a student who moves to a new city can easily meet new friends through apps on their phone.

Instead of waiting for a random encounter, they can start chatting, share interests, and even join communities that match their hobbies.

These apps are useful for anyone who wants to grow their social circle. That’s why I’m going to share some of the best friend-finding apps you can try on your Android device.

1. OFO

While many apps focus on dating, OFO takes a different approach. This app is designed mainly for finding new friends, not just a soulmate. Still, there is a matchmaking feature, which can actually be useful if you want to be selective in choosing friends.

The app has a simple design with only three main tabs. The first is the matchmaking tab, where you can browse user profiles. The second is the room tab, where you can join or create chat groups. The third is the chat tab, which shows your ongoing conversations.

OFO also allows users to send and receive virtual gifts, adding a fun touch to communication while keeping things friendly.

To make the app safer, OFO requires users to upload a selfie during verification. This helps reduce fake accounts, which are common in similar apps.

What I like about OFO:

• Simple and easy-to-use design
• Interactive group chat feature
• Send and receive gifts as a sign of appreciation
• Strict verification with selfies for user safety
• Good for selectively making friends

One thing to note:

• The matchmaking feature makes it feel a bit like a dating app

2. Boo

Boo is different from most friend-making or dating apps because it uses psychological tests to connect people. Instead of focusing only on looks, Boo tries to match you with people who are truly compatible.

Users on Boo are called “souls”. To connect, you press the heart button on their profile. If they like you back, you’re matched and can start chatting.

Besides that, Boo also works like a social platform. You can share stories, ideas, or feelings on your feed, and there’s also Boo Universe where you can explore posts and join communities.

However, the free version has some limits. For example, you cannot filter by country or location, and you cannot undo if you unmatch someone by mistake.

What I like about Boo:

• Matches are based on psychology, not just looks
• Feels more personal when searching for friends or partners
• Social features like a feed and Boo Universe
• A more mindful community atmosphere
• Personality-based approach feels more immersive

One thing to note:

• Location filters and undo features are only available in the premium version

3. PopUp

PopUp combines AI-based matchmaking, community features, and even random voice calls, giving users a different way to meet new people.

When you first use it, you fill in details about your hobbies, interests, and personality. Based on that, the AI matches you with people who share similar interests.

You’ll see these matches right away on the main page, and you can start chatting instantly. You can also join “Parties”, which are group chats focused on certain topics.

The Timeline feature works like social media, where you can post updates, comment, and interact with others.

One unique feature is random voice calls, which can be fun if you prefer talking instead of texting. PopUp also has a Fate Radar, which detects other users nearby and sends you a notification. If you want more privacy, you can turn this feature off anytime.

What I like about this app:

• Matches based on hobbies, interests, and personality
• Easy to chat directly with active users
• Group chats (Parties) for specific topics
• Social media-style Timeline
• Random voice calls as another way to connect
• Fate Radar that alerts you when users are nearby

One thing to note:

• You need to turn on location to use Fate Radar

4. Hago

Hago is more than just a friend-finding app. It also brings together live streaming, mini games, and even karaoke, making it feel like a digital hangout spot. You can search for friends based on location. Once you set up your profile, you will instantly see other users nearby and start connecting with them.

When I tried registering, I received messages from almost ten different users right away. This shows that the Hago community is very active, although you should still be careful and selective when making new friends.

Besides chatting and meeting people, Hago has a wide variety of mini games that you can play together, either casually or competitively.

To those who like entertainment, there’s also a live streaming feature where you can watch others or start your own stream. If you enjoy singing, the karaoke feature lets you sing solo or with other users. In short, Hago combines fun activities with socialising.

What I like about Hago:

• Search for friends based on location
• Lots of mini games you can play with others
• Live streaming and karaoke for entertainment
• Very active user base
• Great for chatting while playing games together

Things to note:

• Since many users connect randomly, you still need to be selective
• The interface looks busy and may take time to get used to

5. Meet Me

MeetMe is an app for both making friends and dating. When you install it, you’ll need to answer a short questionnaire about your preferences and what you’re looking for.

When I selected “looking for friends”, the app showed me many profiles of both men and women nearby. Since the app filters profiles by location, it’s easier to meet someone close to you and even invite them to hang out in real life.

Like other apps, MeetMe also has a Live feature where you can stream or watch live broadcasts from people near you. This helps you get to know them better and see what they’re like in real time.

The only drawback is that banner ads appear quite often, which can be distracting while using the app.

What I like about MeetMe:

• You can choose your purpose: friends, chat, or dating
• Profiles are filtered by location
• Has a Live Streaming feature
• Active user community

One thing to note:

• Banner ads appear frequently and can interrupt the experience

With so many friend-finding apps available, connecting with new people has never been easier. You don’t have to wait for the right moment because you can start socializing anytime, anywhere. Just remember to interact wisely and always prioritise your comfort and safety when meeting people online.