User Scanner: how to use it, and a browser alternative
User Scanner is a command-line OSINT tool that handles two inputs, usernames and email addresses. It gets frequent updates. This page covers what it does, how to run a username search with it, and when a browser checker gets you there faster.
Username and email search (CLI). Project: github.com/kaifcodec/user-scanner · License: MIT · Last reviewed 2026-10-17
What is User Scanner?
User Scanner is a Python project by kaifcodec, released under the MIT license. As of October 2026 its README describes 2,720+ scan vectors: 2,510+ username platforms and 210+ sites where it can check an email registration. The repository was last pushed in October 2026, so it is actively maintained.
Beyond a found or not-found answer, it scrapes profile details such as avatars, bios and follower counts. A cross-scan option mines handles, links and public email addresses from the profiles it finds and runs follow-up searches on them. It also generates username variations, rotates proxies, and exports PDF, JSON or CSV reports.
There is a Python library mode and an optional MCP server for AI assistants. The README also lists an optional lookup against infostealer breach logs through an outside data service. Our username search covers the profile-search part only; our email tools are coming soon and are not live.
How to use User Scanner
- Install it from PyPI (a virtual environment is a good idea). The README also shows a Nix option for Linux and macOS.
- Run user-scanner -u with the username you want to check.
- Limit the run with -c for a category or -m for specific modules if you do not need every site.
- Save results with -f pdf, json or csv and -o for the file name, then open each hit and check it by hand.
Example commands from the project's README (check it for the current version):
pip install user-scanner
user-scanner -u johndoe
user-scanner -u johndoe -c dev
user-scanner -u johndoe -f json -o results.jsonUser Scanner vs WhatsMyName Apps
| Feature | User Scanner | WhatsMyName Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Sites checked | 2,510+ username platforms and 210+ email sites per its README (October 2026) | 3,165+ sites, merged from the WhatsMyName, Sherlock and Maigret lists |
| Setup | pip or Nix; Python required | Nothing to install. It runs in the browser |
| Email search | Yes, registration checks on 210+ sites | Email and phone tools are coming soon, not live yet |
| Profile details | Avatars, bios, follower counts and more | Name, avatar and bio where a found profile exposes them |
| Pivoting | Cross-scan on discovered handles, links and emails | No |
| Export | PDF, JSON and CSV | JSON and CSV (no PDF) |
| Automation | CLI, Python library, MCP server | No API and no CLI |
| Price | Free, open source | Free, no sign-up |
Based on User Scanner's own documentation as of 2026-10-17. Tools change; the project page is the final word.
Pros and cons of User Scanner
Pros
- Very large username coverage plus email registration checks in one tool.
- Pulls profile details and can pivot on handles and links it finds.
- PDF, JSON and CSV reports, bulk files, proxies and a Python library.
- MIT license and frequent updates as of October 2026.
Cons
- Needs Python and a terminal.
- Many options and pivots, which is more than a quick lookup needs.
- Some features depend on outside services, so results vary with what those services expose.
Who User Scanner is for
User Scanner suits investigators who want one local tool for usernames and emails, with pivots and reports. If you only need to see where a handle is used and you are on a phone or a work laptop where you cannot install Python, a browser search is quicker.
Try a username search in your browser
Free, no sign-up. Checks 3,165+ sites; the username is not stored or logged.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use User Scanner online?
User Scanner is a tool you install and run yourself. For a username search in the browser, our tool checks 3,165+ sites with no install or sign-up.
How do I install User Scanner?
Run pip install user-scanner (ideally in a virtual environment), then user-scanner -u followed by a username or user-scanner -e followed by an email address.
Is User Scanner free?
Yes. It is open source under the MIT license.
Does WhatsMyName Apps check emails like User Scanner?
Not yet. We search usernames only. Our email and phone tools are marked coming soon and are not live.
Related tools and guides
- Maigret: Username search (CLI and web UI)
- Sherlock: Username search (CLI)
- Consensus OSINT: Username, email and phone meta-search (CLI)
- Holehe: Email account enumeration
- All OSINT tools compared
- OSINT username search · Reverse username lookup · Platform username checkers
- Username OSINT for beginners
Names and trademarks belong to their owners. WhatsMyName Apps is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by User Scanner or its authors.