If you’re in sales, recruiting, or just trying to reach the right person at a company, finding a direct phone number on LinkedIn can feel like chasing a unicorn. Most profiles don’t list them, and nobody’s got time for endless manual research. That’s where tools like the Lusha browser extension come in—they promise to bridge the gap between a LinkedIn profile and a real, working phone number. But does it actually deliver? Here’s how to get started, what to expect, and what not to believe.
Who’s This For?
If you spend hours on LinkedIn trying to connect with decision-makers—and get stuck in an endless InMail loop—this guide is for you. Whether you’re a B2B seller, recruiter, or running your own business, you’ll get honest, step-by-step help for using Lusha’s browser extension to (sometimes) get those elusive direct dials.
What Is Lusha, Really?
Lusha is a sales intelligence tool that claims to help you find direct phone numbers and emails for business contacts. Their browser extension works on Chrome (and sometimes Edge) and sits on top of LinkedIn, revealing contact info when you visit someone’s profile.
But let’s set expectations: Lusha’s data isn’t magic. It’s a mix of publicly available info, third-party sources, and a sprinkle of guesswork. Sometimes it spits out a gold mine—a direct dial. Other times, you get nothing or just a generic company number. That’s just the reality.
Step 1: Install the Lusha Browser Extension
Here’s how to get Lusha up and running. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a tech wizard.
- Go to the Chrome Web Store
Search for “Lusha” in the Chrome Web Store, or go straight there from Lusha’s own website. Click “Add to Chrome.” -
Pro tip: Skip any unofficial versions—stick to the real thing for security.
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Create a Lusha Account
Once installed, you’ll be prompted to sign up or log in. - You’ll need to provide a work email. Personal ones (like Gmail) often get rejected.
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The free version gives you a handful of “credits” (each time you view a contact’s info, you use a credit).
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Pin the Extension for Easy Access
In Chrome, click the puzzle piece icon, find Lusha, and pin it. This keeps it visible in your browser bar.
Step 2: Connect Lusha to Your LinkedIn Workflow
Now, open LinkedIn in your browser. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll see the Lusha icon pop up on LinkedIn profile pages, usually in the corner or along the top bar.
- You might have to refresh LinkedIn once after logging in to Lusha.
What Lusha Actually Needs: - You don’t need to connect your LinkedIn account directly to Lusha—just be logged into both in the same browser. - Lusha works best when you’re viewing profiles, not company pages or search results.
Step 3: Start Finding Direct Dials
Here’s where the rubber meets the road.
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Visit a LinkedIn Profile
Go to the person you want info on. Senior people (C-levels, VPs) tend to be the hardest, but you never know. -
Click the Lusha Extension Icon
The Lusha panel will open, showing any data it has: - Direct phone number (what you’re really after)
- Work email
- Company info
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Sometimes, just a generic contact or nothing at all
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Use a Credit
If you see blurred info, you’ll need to click to reveal it. This uses up one of your monthly credits. -
Log/Save the Info
Don’t expect Lusha to keep a neat record for you. Copy the details right away and paste them into your CRM, spreadsheet, or notes. - Pro tip: Always double-check the info. Sometimes the “direct dial” is actually a company switchboard.
Reality Check: - Lusha’s hit rate is all over the place. For mid-level folks at mid-sized companies, you might get lucky 30-50% of the time. For big execs or small startups, it’s often zero. - Don’t burn through all your credits in one go; save them for your highest-priority targets.
Step 4: Stay Within LinkedIn’s (and Lusha’s) Rules
Nobody wants to get their LinkedIn account flagged or banned. Here’s how to keep it clean:
- Don’t Use Automation: Lusha works best manually, one profile at a time. Don’t combine it with aggressive LinkedIn scraping tools.
- Be Respectful With Outreach: Just because you have someone’s direct line doesn’t mean you should cold-call them at 7 am. Use common sense.
- Know the Limits: Lusha’s free credits run out fast, and paid plans aren’t cheap. Spend wisely.
What Works Well (and What Doesn’t)
What Works
- Quick Wins: Sometimes, you really will get a direct mobile number in seconds. That’s worth its weight in gold.
- Easy Setup: The extension is lightweight and doesn’t bog down your browser.
- Decent for U.S. and Tech Sectors: Lusha’s data is strongest in North America and for tech, SaaS, or larger B2B companies.
What Doesn’t
- International Coverage: Outside the U.S., results drop off a cliff. Europe, APAC, and small companies are hit-or-miss.
- Accuracy: Expect a fair number of wrong, outdated, or generic numbers. Always verify before reaching out.
- Privacy Gray Areas: Not everyone loves being called on their personal mobile. Use discretion and check your local regulations.
- Price: The free plan is limited. Paid plans can get pricey, especially for teams.
What to Ignore
- Don’t believe the “95% accuracy” claims. That’s marketing, not reality.
- Don’t expect Lusha to find numbers for every LinkedIn profile. If a contact is super private or new to the workforce, there’s often nothing.
- Don’t rely on Lusha as your only data source. Pair it with email finders, company websites, or even a polite InMail if all else fails.
Pro Tips to Get More Out of Lusha
- Prioritize Your Searches: Use credits on your top prospects—not random people.
- Check Company Size: Bigger, established companies = better odds for good data.
- Double Up: Use Lusha with other tools (like Hunter.io for emails) to cross-verify.
- Be Human: When you do reach out, mention something specific from their profile. Don’t be another spammer with a script.
- Track Your Results: Keep a note of which profiles Lusha works for. Patterns will emerge over time.
Wrapping Up
Finding direct dials on LinkedIn isn’t magic, but tools like Lusha can save you a ton of time if you use them wisely. Don’t expect perfection—just look for small wins and build from there. Use your credits on high-value targets, double-check every phone number, and don’t be “that person” who abuses the data. Start simple, see what works, and tweak your approach as you go. That’s how you get results without burning out—or breaking the bank.