diff --git a/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/recipients/ui/findby/FindByViewModel.kt b/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/recipients/ui/findby/FindByViewModel.kt
index 3d447e396c..bea0fc3441 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/recipients/ui/findby/FindByViewModel.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/recipients/ui/findby/FindByViewModel.kt
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ class FindByViewModel(
 
   @WorkerThread
   private fun performUsernameLookup(): FindByResult {
-    val username = state.value.userEntry
+    val username = state.value.userEntry.trim()
 
     if (!UsernameUtil.isValidUsernameForSearch(username)) {
       return FindByResult.InvalidEntry