Facebook Dating is a new feature on Facebook that allows users to connect with potential romantic matches. It operates similarly to other online dating apps, with some key differences. Facebook Dating is integrated directly into the Facebook app, allowing users to match with people they may already know through their network or share interests with. Users create a separate dating profile that is not visible to their Facebook friends or on their timeline. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about activating and using Facebook Dating, including:
- Requirements for activating Facebook Dating
- How to access Facebook Dating
- Setting up your dating profile
- Adjusting your discovery preferences
- Viewing and responding to matches
- Safety features
- Tips for success
So if you are interested in trying out Facebook’s take on online dating, here is a step-by-step guide on how to activate and use Dating on Facebook.
Requirements for Activating Facebook Dating
To access Facebook Dating, there are a few requirements that need to be met:
- You must be at least 18 years old to use Facebook Dating. This is the minimum age requirement across most online dating platforms.
- Your Facebook account must be completely set up. This includes having a profile photo and bio added.
- The Facebook app must be updated to the latest version that supports Dating.
- Location services must be enabled on your mobile device to allow matching with others nearby.
- You must opt-in to use Facebook Dating. It does not automatically activate when the feature rolls out.
As long as you meet these requirements, you will be able to access and activate Facebook Dating. The feature is currently available in the following countries:
| Countries where Facebook Dating is Available |
|---|
| Argentina |
| Australia |
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Bolivia |
| Brazil |
| Bulgaria |
| Canada |
| Chile |
| Colombia |
| Croatia |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Ecuador |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| France |
| Germany |
| Hungary |
| Iceland |
| India |
| Indonesia |
| Ireland |
| Italy |
| Malaysia |
| Mexico |
| Netherlands |
| New Zealand |
| Norway |
| Paraguay |
| Peru |
| Philippines |
| Poland |
| Portugal |
| Romania |
| Singapore |
| Slovakia |
| Spain |
| Sweden |
| Switzerland |
| Taiwan |
| Thailand |
| United Kingdom |
| United States |
| Uruguay |
| Vietnam |
Facebook continues expanding the availability of Dating, so check the Facebook app to see if you have access in your country.
How to Access Facebook Dating
Once you’ve ensured you meet the requirements, activating Facebook Dating is an easy process:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device and tap on the menu (three line icon).
- Scroll down and tap on the Dating option.
- On the Welcome screen, tap “Get Started”.
- Allow Facebook Dating to access your location services when prompted.
- Review the Facebook Dating policies and tap “Agree & Join”.
You will now be walked through the steps to set up your Facebook Dating profile.
Setting Up Your Dating Profile
Setting up your dating profile includes the following steps:
- Add Profile Photo: Choose a photo from your Facebook account that you want potential matches to see first. Make sure it clearly shows your face.
- Verify Your Age: Input your birthday to confirm you meet the 18+ age requirement.
- Add Bio: Write a short bio describing yourself and what you’re looking for in Facebook Dating.
- Select Interests: Choose interests related to your hobbies and lifestyle. This helps surface potential matches with shared interests.
- Choose Preferences: Specify things like location range, gender, age range, religion, height, relationship status, and if you have children.
Take your time filling out the profile accurately and with unique details. The more complete your dating profile is, the better potential matches can get to know you before interacting.
Adjust Discovery Preferences
In the discovery preferences, you can customize the following settings:
- Location range: Distance radius from your location to search for potential matches (1-100 miles).
- Gender: Gender(s) of matches you want to be shown.
- Age range: Minimum and maximum age of matches.
- Height range: Minimum and maximum height in feet/inches.
- Relationship status: Filter matches by single, divorced, etc.
- Parental status: If you have or want kids.
- Religion: Filter matches by religious affiliation.
- Politics: Filter matches by political leaning.
- Vices: Set behaviors like smoking and drinking to your preferences.
Adjust these specifications to your personal criteria for potential romantic matches. You can expand or limit filters here without impacting your Facebook friends or profile information.
Viewing and Responding to Matches
Once your dating profile is set up, you will start seeing suggested matches appear on the Discover tab based on your preferences, interests, and other factors. You can take the following actions for each suggested user:
- Like or pass: Tap the heart icon to like a user or the X icon to pass on them.
- Send a message: Tap the message icon to send an introductory message to a match you’ve liked.
- View profile: Tap on the user’s name or profile photo to view their full dating profile.
Users you have matched with by both liking each other will appear in your matches tab for easy messaging. You can also see users you have passed on for another chance in the passed tab.
Messaging Matches
When messaging a match, you have the option to:
- Send a text message
- Send a gif
- Send a photo
- Send a like
- Unmatch the user
You can message back and forth as long as you and the match remain interested. Sending thoughtful opening messages and engaging in genuine conversation can lead to exchanging numbers or meeting up.
Facebook Dating Safety Features
Facebook Dating includes several important safety features:
- Your dating profile and conversations do not appear on your regular Facebook profile or feed.
- You can report or block anyone at any time.
- Location sharing with matches is optional after connecting.
- Your dating profile is not visible to your Facebook friends.
- You can select only to interact with friends-of-friends matches.
- Facebook Dating profiles use real first names only.
Use your best judgment when interacting with matches and do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity. Never share personal contact information before you are comfortable doing so.
Unmatch or Block Users
If you want to stop interacting with a match for any reason, you have two options:
Unmatch: This severs the connection on both sides, removing your profiles from each other’s potential matches.
Block: This unmatches you while also preventing the user from viewing your dating profile or contacting you again. Use block for inappropriate behavior.
Tap the “Unmatch” or “Block” option after tapping on a match’s name in your message list. You can also report a user for removal from Facebook Dating here.
Tips for Facebook Dating Success
Here are some tips to get the most out of Facebook Dating:
- Choose profile photos that accurately showcase your appearance and interests.
- Write a detailed bio highlighting unique facts and conversation starters.
- Be open-minded in your discovery preferences when considering matches.
- Personalize opening messages by referencing shared interests or profile information.
- Engage in genuine conversation to get to know matches.
- Move communication to messaging/texting when comfortable doing so.
- Set firm boundaries and do not hesitate to unmatch or block pushy matches.
- Meet first dates in public places and let a friend know where you’ll be.
- Trust your instincts – if something feels off, discontinue communication.
Put your best self forward with an inviting yet honest dating profile. Exercise patience and caution as you interact with potential romantic connections on Facebook Dating.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating provides a convenient way to discover and communicate with potential romantic matches based on your social network and shared interests. By following the steps to activate and set up your profile optimally, adjusting discovery preferences, and applying safety precautions, you can have success meeting new people through this dating option integrated directly within Facebook. Approach interactions genuinely and thoughtfully while trusting your instincts. With some time and effort put in, Facebook Dating can expand your romantic possibilities online.