The three ways to contact someone on GitLab
GitLab is a platform where developers store and collaborate on code projects. If you need to reach someone on GitLab, you have three main options: mention them in a comment using the @ symbol, send them a direct message, or find their contact information on their profile. Which method works depends on whether you know them already and what you need to discuss.
The fastest way is usually to mention them in a comment on a project, issue, or merge request they're involved with — they'll get a notification right away. If you need a private conversation, you can send a direct message. If you're looking for their email or other contact details, their public profile might have that information.
Key Takeaways
- Mentioning someone with @ in a comment sends them a notification and keeps the conversation visible to your team.
- Direct messages on GitLab work only if you both follow each other or if the person has direct messages turned on for everyone.
- You can find someone's email address or website on their public profile if they've chosen to share it.
- If someone isn't on GitLab yet, you'll need to contact them through email or another platform outside of GitLab.
Mentioning someone in a comment or discussion
The @ mention is the most common way to get someone's attention on GitLab. Type @ followed by their username in any comment box — on an issue, merge request, or discussion thread — and GitLab will show you a list of matching usernames as you type. Click or select the person you want, and they'll receive a notification that you mentioned them.
This method works best when you're discussing something specific that relates to a project or task. The person will see your message in context, and other team members can follow the conversation. The @ mention also adds them to the conversation thread, so they'll be notified of replies.
To mention someone, you need to know their exact GitLab username. If you're not sure what it is, visit their profile by searching for their name in the search bar at the top of GitLab, or ask a teammate who works with them.
Sending a direct message
GitLab has a direct messaging feature, but it has a limitation: you can only send a direct message to someone if you both follow each other, or if they have direct messages turned on for all users. This is a privacy setting they control on their own account.
To send a direct message, look for the chat or messaging icon in the GitLab interface — it's usually in the left sidebar or top navigation. Click it, then search for the person's username. If you can message them, a chat window will open. If you can't, you'll see a message saying direct messages aren't available with that user.
Direct messages are useful for quick questions or conversations that don't belong in a public project discussion. However, if the person has messaging turned off, this method won't work, and you'll need to use @ mentions or find another way to contact them.
Finding someone's contact information on their profile
Every GitLab user has a public profile page. To view it, search for their username using the search bar at the top of GitLab, or click on their name or avatar anywhere you see it on the site. Their profile will show their username, when they joined, and any public information they've chosen to share.
Some users add their email address, website, or social media links to their profile. If they have, you'll see those details on their profile page. This is useful if you need to contact them outside of GitLab or if they're not actively checking their GitLab messages.
Keep in mind that users control what information appears on their profile. If someone hasn't shared their email or contact details, you won't be able to see them. In that case, your best option is to mention them in a relevant project discussion or ask a mutual colleague for their contact information.
What to do if the person isn't on GitLab
If the person you're trying to reach doesn't have a GitLab account, you'll need to contact them through another method — email, phone, Slack, or whatever communication channel your team uses. GitLab is only for people who already have accounts on the platform.
If you're trying to invite someone to join a GitLab project, most projects have an option to add members by email. The project owner or maintainer can send an invitation, and the person will receive an email asking them to join. They'll need to create a GitLab account to accept the invitation.
Troubleshooting when you can't reach someone
If you've tried to mention someone and they're not showing up in the dropdown list, double-check the spelling of their username. GitLab usernames are case-sensitive and don't include spaces. If you're still not finding them, they may not be a member of the project you're working on, or they may have left GitLab.
If you can't send a direct message, the person likely has direct messaging turned off for users they don't follow. In this case, try mentioning them in a project discussion instead, or ask a mutual colleague to introduce you. If it's urgent, look for their email on their profile or contact them outside of GitLab.
If someone has been inactive for a long time, they may not respond to messages even if you reach them. Check when they were last active on their profile — this information is usually visible on their profile page. If they haven't logged in recently, they may not see your message for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message someone on GitLab if I don't know them?
Only if they have direct messages turned on for everyone, or if you both follow each other. Otherwise, you can mention them in a public discussion on a project they're part of. This is a privacy feature to prevent unwanted messages from strangers.
What happens when I mention someone with @?
They receive a notification that you mentioned them, and they can see your comment in the context of the project, issue, or discussion. The mention also adds them to the conversation thread so they'll be notified of future replies.
How do I find someone's email address on GitLab?
Visit their public profile and look for contact information they've chosen to share. Not all users make their email public. If it's not there, you may need to ask a colleague or contact them through another platform.
Can I send a message to someone who left GitLab?
No, you can only message people with active GitLab accounts. If someone has deleted their account or is no longer on the platform, you'll need to contact them through email or another method outside of GitLab.
What's the difference between @ mentions and direct messages?
@ mentions are public and visible to everyone on the project or discussion. Direct messages are private between you and the other person. Use @ mentions for team discussions and direct messages for private conversations, if the person has them turned on.