Facebook Dating is a new feature from Facebook that allows users to match with potential romantic partners right within the Facebook app. It operates similarly to other online dating platforms like Tinder or Bumble, but is integrated directly into the Facebook experience.
While Facebook Dating started rolling out to users back in 2019, it is still not available to all Facebook users worldwide. Facebook has been gradually expanding availability over time. So you may not see the Facebook Dating option appear yet, even if your friends have access to it.
The good news is there are steps you can take to get Facebook Dating to show up. Here is a look at why Facebook Dating may not be appearing for you, and what you can do about it.
Why Isn’t Facebook Dating Showing Up?
There are a few key reasons why you may not see Facebook Dating as an option within your Facebook app:
Limited Geographic Availability
The biggest factor is that Facebook has not rolled out the Dating feature evenly across all regions and countries. It is still in the process of expanding to new areas.
So even though Dating launched back in 2019, it may simply not have reached your location yet. Facebook is focusing first on expanding Facebook Dating to areas where dating apps are already popular.
Age Restrictions
Facebook Dating requires users to be at least 18 years old to participate. So if you are under 18, you will not have access to the dating feature.
Mobile-Only Access
Facebook Dating is only available on mobile currently. You cannot access it from the desktop Facebook site. Make sure you are checking for Dating from within the Facebook mobile app.
Existing Relationship Status
If your Facebook relationship status is listed as “In a Relationship” or “Married”, Facebook will not display the Dating option for you. This is to prevent overlaps between the two relationship types.
You can change your relationship status to “Single” to trigger Facebook Dating to appear. But keep in mind that your status will then be visible to all of your Facebook friends.
Missing Profile Information
Facebook requires your dating profile to have certain key information in order to properly match you with others. So if your Facebook profile is lacking details like location, age, or profile photos, you may not see the option.
Filling out your profile more fully can help Facebook Dating become available. Key fields include your city, age, gender, and at least one profile photo.
Requirements to Unlock Facebook Dating
Based on the reasons above for why Facebook Dating may not be visible, here are the key requirements to unlock access:
Be Located in an Eligible Geographic Area
Double check that Facebook has actually launched dating in your country and region. You can search online for lists of locations where Facebook Dating is available.
If it is offered in your area but you still don’t see it, move on to the other requirements below. If not, you will have to wait for Facebook to further expand availability.
Be 18 or Older
You must be at least 18 years of age to use Facebook Dating. If you are younger than 18, the option will not show up. Consider carefully if you meet the age requirements before attempting to enable dating.
Use the Mobile Facebook App
The Facebook Dating feature is mobile-only at this time. Make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed on your iOS or Android device. Search for the option within the mobile app – it will not be visible on desktop.
List Your Relationship Status as Single
Go to your Facebook profile and make sure your relationship status is listed as “Single”. The Dating option will not appear for those listed as “In a Relationship” or “Married”.
Fill Out Your Profile Information
Facebook needs key details like your location, age, gender, and a profile photo to show you potential matches. Add or update these core profile fields if missing.
How to Make Facebook Dating Appear
Once you’ve checked that you meet the requirements above, here are the steps to make Facebook Dating show up on mobile:
Step 1: Update Your Profile
Pull up your profile within the Facebook mobile app and fill out any missing details, especially:
– Relationship status (set to Single)
– Location/city
– Age
– Gender
– Profile photo
These details allow Facebook to assess your eligibility and match you with other daters.
Step 2: Confirm Your Age
After updating your profile, Facebook may ask you to confirm your age by providing an ID. This is to verify you are 18 or older. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit ID proof.
Step 3: Tap the Menu Icon
Once your profile is complete, tap the “hamburger” menu icon in the upper right of the Facebook app. This will open the side menu.
Step 4: Select Dating
Scroll down through the menu and tap on “Dating” if it now appears as an option. This will take you into the Facebook Dating experience.
If you still don’t see the Dating menu item, it’s likely your location does not have access yet. You’ll have to wait for Facebook to expand availability.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve followed the steps above but Facebook Dating is still not appearing, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Log Out and Back In
Fully log out of the Facebook app and then log back in. After updating your profile, this may trigger Dating to appear.
Update the Facebook App
Make sure you have installed the latest version of the Facebook app from your device’s app store. Older versions may not show the Dating option.
Use a Different Facebook Account
Try accessing Facebook Dating from a different Facebook account. Certain accounts may not have access enabled based on unknown restrictions.
Check Your Facebook Account Settings
Tap the “Settings & Privacy” menu from within the Facebook app. Then go to “Settings” and scroll down – make sure “Show Facebook Dating” is toggled on, not off.
Accessing Facebook Dating on Desktop
As mentioned above, Facebook Dating is currently only available through the Facebook mobile app on iOS or Android. However, there are a couple of workarounds to access Dating from a desktop web browser:
Use Facebook Mobile Website
Visit www.facebook.com from your desktop web browser. At the bottom of the page, click on the “Mobile” link to load the mobile version of Facebook. Then follow the steps above to access Dating.
Remote Access via Mobile Emulator
You can use a mobile emulator tool like Appetize.io to remotely access the Facebook app on desktop. This will allow you to load the mobile Facebook app in your browser and use Dating.
But native desktop support is still unavailable. You must go through the mobile site or an emulator.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating provides a convenient way to meet potential romantic matches without downloading a separate dating app. But availability is still limited as the feature continues rolling out.
Make sure to meet the age, profile, location, and mobile app requirements outlined above. Then update your relationship status, fill out your profile fully, and install the latest Facebook app version.
This should trigger the Dating option to appear in the side menu on mobile, allowing you to start matching with Facebook friends and others nearby. Be patient as Facebook expands the feature globally.