How to Find Your Google Scholar ID: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students and Researchers

How to Find Your Google Scholar ID: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students and Researchers

Google Scholar is one of the most popular academic search engines in the world. It indexes scholarly articles, books, theses, and conference papers across multiple disciplines. When you create a Google Scholar profile, you are assigned a Google Scholar ID. This ID is a unique identifier linked to your profile and is often required when submitting manuscripts, applying for research grants, or linking your profile with other platforms such as ORCID, Scopus, or your university’s institutional repository.

This guide explains what the Google Scholar ID is, why it matters, and how you can find it easily. By the end, you will understand not only how to locate your ID but also how to use it effectively for academic visibility.


What is a Google Scholar ID?

A Google Scholar ID is a unique string of letters and numbers assigned to every Google Scholar profile. It acts as a permanent identifier for your account. Instead of manually searching your name (which might be common), other people, platforms, or systems can directly use your ID to find your exact profile.

For example:

  • A Google Scholar profile link looks like this:
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AbCdEfGhIJK

  • The ID in this case is the part after user=, which is: AbCdEfGhIJK.

This ID remains the same as long as your profile exists, even if you change your name, institution, or research area.


Why is the Google Scholar ID Important?

  1. Unique Author Identification
    Many researchers share similar names. Your Scholar ID ensures your profile is correctly linked to you and not confused with someone else’s work.

  2. Linking Across Platforms
    Journals, conferences, and funding organizations may ask you to provide your Google Scholar ID to track your research output and citations.

  3. Integration with Institutional Libraries
    Universities often use the Scholar ID to connect your publications with their internal databases, repositories, or departmental records.

  4. Improved Visibility
    Sharing your ID makes it easier for colleagues, collaborators, or potential employers to access your publications directly.

  5. Citation Tracking
    Tools that monitor h-index, i10-index, and overall citations often use your Scholar ID as the unique identifier.




Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Your Google Scholar ID

Step 1: Log In to Your Google Scholar Profile

  • Visit Google Scholar Citations.

  • Log in using your Google account (preferably your institutional email if you set up the profile that way).

Step 2: Open Your Profile

  • Once logged in, click on “My Profile” at the top right.

  • This will take you to your personal Google Scholar profile page.

Step 3: Check the URL in Your Browser

  • Look at the address bar in your web browser.

  • The URL should look like this:
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AbCdEfGhIJK&hl=en

Step 4: Identify the ID

  • Find the part after user=.

  • In this example, your ID is: AbCdEfGhIJK.

  • Ignore any text after &, since that is only for language settings or filters.

Step 5: Copy and Save Your ID

  • Copy the ID string and save it in your CV, ORCID account, or research portal profile.

  • You can also bookmark your profile link for quick access.


Example of Google Scholar IDs

  • Dr. Jane Doe’s profile link:
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=a1b2C3D4eFg
    Her ID is: a1b2C3D4eFg

  • Prof. John Smith’s profile link:
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZyXwVuTsRqP
    His ID is: ZyXwVuTsRqP

These IDs look random but remain fixed for each researcher.


What to Do If You Don’t Have a Google Scholar ID

You will not have an ID until you create a Google Scholar profile. If you are a student or early-career researcher and don’t yet have one, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Google Scholar Citations.

  2. Sign in with your Google account.

  3. Fill in your name, institutional affiliation, and research interests.

  4. Add your publications manually or let Scholar suggest them for you.

  5. Verify your email (preferably an institutional one for credibility).

Once your profile is published, you’ll automatically receive a Google Scholar ID.


Best Practices for Using Your Google Scholar ID

  1. Include It in Your CV
    Adding your Google Scholar profile link helps hiring committees and collaborators quickly review your academic impact.

  2. Use It in Researcher Registrations
    When creating ORCID, ResearchGate, or Scopus profiles, add your Google Scholar link for consistency.

  3. Link It to Your University Page
    Many universities allow faculty and graduate students to list their Scholar ID in institutional directories.

  4. Share It on Academic Networking Sites
    Include your ID link in emails, conference bios, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.

  5. Keep Your Profile Updated
    The ID stays constant, but your publications list will grow as you add new research. Make sure your profile reflects your most recent work.


Common Issues Students Face

  1. Profile Not Public
    If your profile is private, others cannot use your ID to view your work. Go to settings and make it public.

  2. Wrong Publications Linked
    Sometimes, Scholar suggests incorrect articles. Review and remove them to keep your profile accurate.

  3. Forgot Which Google Account Was Used
    If you used a personal Gmail instead of your university email, your Scholar ID will be tied to that account. You’ll need to log in with the correct one.

  4. Name Confusion
    Ensure your full name is listed clearly in your profile so others can recognize you alongside your ID.


Your Google Scholar ID is a key tool for academic visibility. It is easy to find in your profile URL and should be saved and shared wherever your research is referenced. Whether you are a student starting your academic journey or an experienced researcher, knowing how to locate and use your ID effectively can boost your research profile, citation count, and opportunities for collaboration.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Google Scholar ID?
It is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to your Google Scholar profile. It ensures that your profile can be identified correctly.

2. Where can I find my Google Scholar ID?
Log in to your Google Scholar profile, check the URL in the browser, and copy the code after user=.

3. Can I change my Google Scholar ID?
No, the ID is permanent. Even if you update your profile details, your ID will remain the same.

4. Do I need a Google Scholar ID to apply for jobs or grants?
Not always, but many employers, universities, and funding bodies request your Scholar profile link for citation tracking.

5. What if I don’t have a Google Scholar ID?
You need to create a Google Scholar profile. Once published, the ID is automatically generated.

6. Can I have more than one Google Scholar ID?
No. Each Google account can only have one Scholar profile. If you accidentally create multiple profiles, merge them into one.

7. Is the Google Scholar ID the same as ORCID?
No. ORCID is an independent researcher ID system used globally across publishers and institutions. Google Scholar ID is specific to Google Scholar.

8. Do students need a Scholar ID?
Yes, if you have started publishing papers, theses, or conference papers, having a Scholar ID improves your academic presence. Even undergraduate students with publications benefit from it.

9. Can I share my Scholar ID with my supervisor or institution?
Yes. Sharing your ID ensures they can verify your publications and link them to the university database.

10. How do I know if my ID is working?
Paste your profile link into a browser in incognito mode. If it loads your profile publicly, your ID is valid and accessible.

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