What to Know
- Tap the Facebook app's Menu in the lower-right corner, then tap Dating. Set up your profile.
- Adjust your settings by tapping the gear icon > General. Set criteria for matches, connect your Instagram, and more.
This article explains how to activate and use the Facebook Dating app for iOS and Android so that you can start making matches.
How to Activate Facebook Dating
You need a current Facebook account and must be 18 or older to use the Dating app. You don't have to create a separate dating profile on Facebook, though; it uses the information on your current profile to recommend potential matches based on shared interests.
Follow these steps to get started using Facebook Dating:
Open the Facebook app and tap Menu (three lines) in the upper or lower-right corner. (Menu location varies by mobile platform.)
Tap Dating.
Tap Get Started. Follow the prompts to set up your dating profile.
After you share your location and choose a photo, your dating profile will be generated using information from your Facebook account.
Customize your Facebook Dating profile by adding more information, photos, and even posts from Instagram. Tap Done when you're satisfied.
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What to Know About Using Facebook Dating
Your profile will also be recommended to others who have Facebook Dating activated. Facebook's dating feature is similar to Bumble and Tinder in that you can't message other users until you both express interest in each other.
To use Facebook Dating, you'll have to confirm that you're 18 or older. You have two options for this process. The first is submitting a video selfie, which Facebook will run through tools to estimate your age. Alternatively, you can submit an image of a photo ID.
Since the dating feature draws information from your regular Facebook profile, you should fill that out as much as possible. There is no separate Facebook Dating app or Facebook Dating site; the feature is integrated into the Facebook mobile app.
Pictures and other content you share via Facebook Dating don't appear on your regular Facebook profile. Conversations on Facebook Dating are also kept separate from your Facebook Messenger conversations.
If you become Facebook friends with someone after matching with them on Facebook Dating, you can still see their dating profile.
The app will begin recommending profiles one at a time. You can go to the Dating section on the Facebook app at any time to see your recommendations.
Here are five actions you can take when using Facebook Dating:
- Tap the heart on a user's profile to let them know you like them, or tap the X to pass. If they like you back, you can start a conversation.
- If someone else likes your profile, you'll receive a notification. Tap the heart on their profile to like them back so that you can send a direct message.
- You can view your matches and conversations by tapping Matches at the top of the app.
- Scroll to the bottom of your profile and tap Answer a Question to answer random questions that will help Facebook improve your match suggestions.
- You can also add photos and share Instagram posts at the bottom of your profile page.
How to Adjust the Facebook Dating Settings
Changing a few settings will change how the Facebook Dating app works for you.
Tap the gear on the screen where Facebook suggests profiles to access the settings.
Under the Ideal Match tab, set your preferred criteria for potential matches.
Under the General tab, you can control what shows up on your profile. To connect your Instagram account, tap More (three dots) next to Instagram.
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Facebook Dating Secret Crushes
You can match with your Facebook friends and Instagram followers through the secret crush feature. To do so, scroll to the bottom of the screen where Facebook suggests profiles and select Secret Crush.
You can then select friends on Facebook and Instagram. If they are set up to use Facebook Dating, they'll get a notification that someone has a crush on them, but they won't know who. If they also add you to their secret crushes, then you will be matched.
The app won't suggest any of your current Facebook friends and your dating profile won't be visible to any friends who use the feature. However, friends can add each other to their secret crushes list, so you could match with a friend if they have a crush on you.
How to Delete a Facebook Dating Profile
It's possible to delete your Facebook Dating profile without deleting your regular Facebook profile, but deleting your account will remove you from Facebook Dating. Everything you have set up on the app will be gone, from matches to messages, although Facebook does still retain technical information, such as IP and email addresses you used.
To delete your dating profile, follow these steps:
Tap the gear on the screen where Facebook suggests profiles to access the settings.
Tap the General tab.
Tap Delete Profile.
Optionally, select a reason for quitting Facebook Dating, or tap Skip. Tap Next to finalize your Facebook Dating profile deletion.
If you delete a Facebook Dating profile, you have to wait seven days before making a new one.
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Take a Break from the App
If you don't want to permanently delete Facebook Dating, you can take a break instead with that specifically-named option.
Take a Break lets you pause the account, retains all your data, and lets you get back into the app easily when you're ready. Just go to General > Account > Take a Break and toggle the switch.
Facebook Dating Safety
Before you meet someone you know online in person, you should always tell a friend where you're going. It's also a good idea to communicate with them over text or Facebook messenger so that they know you are safe. If you want to block a user from contacting you or seeing your profile, you can do so under the General tab in the Facebook Dating settings.
The dating feature is not available on Facebook's website, but there is a page for frequently asked questions about Facebook Dating.
FAQ
What does the star mean on Facebook Dating?
The star is called a "spark." It's a way to show someone that you are very interested in them. You can send three in a 24-hour period.
How can I get Facebook Dating back after I deleted it?
You'll be able to reinstall the app and create a new dating profile after seven days have passed. Facebook won't allow you to do it before that full week is over. To start again, open your Facebook account and tap Menu > Dating. Then set up a new profile just as you did previously.
Why is Facebook Dating unavailable?
The app might be down or need an update, you might have notifications blocked, your mobile device's cache might need to be cleared, or you could be having internet connection problems. To fix it when Facebook Dating isn't working, try updating the app and turning on notifications.
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