Facebook Dating is a relatively new dating feature within the Facebook app that allows users to match and chat with other Facebook users. It was first launched in 2018 and has since rolled out to various countries around the world. However, some Android users have reported not being able to access Facebook Dating on their devices.
Common Reasons Why Facebook Dating May Not Be Available
There are a few common reasons why you may not be able to get Facebook Dating on your Android device:
- Your device or Android version is not supported – Facebook Dating requires Android version 4.0 or above to work. If you have an older Android device or operating system, it will not be compatible.
- Your country is not supported – Facebook has not rolled out the Dating feature globally. It’s currently available in around 50 countries, mainly across North America, South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. If you’re located elsewhere, you won’t have access.
- Your Facebook app is out of date – Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Facebook app, as older versions may not support Dating.
- Your account is too new – Your Facebook account may need to be at least several days old before Dating becomes available. This requirement helps cut down on fake accounts.
- You’re under 18 – Due to safety concerns, Facebook Dating is only available to users aged 18 and above. Younger users are unable to access the feature.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix the Issue
If you’re running into the “Facebook Dating isn’t available to you yet” message on Android, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
- Check your Android version – Go to Settings > About Device to view your Android OS version. If it’s older than 4.0, an upgrade is required.
- Update the Facebook app – Open the Play Store, go to My Apps, and check for any available updates to the Facebook app. Install the latest version.
- Clear the Facebook app cache – In your device Settings, go to Apps/Application Manager. Find the Facebook app, select Storage, and click Clear Cache. This clears outdated data.
- Reinstall the Facebook app – As a last resort, uninstall completely and reinstall the latest version of the Facebook app from the Play Store.
- Use a VPN – If Dating isn’t available in your country, try connecting to a VPN with a server in a supported country to access the feature.
- Check your account age – Use Facebook from a desktop browser to confirm your account was created at least several days ago.
- Confirm your age – Go to your Facebook profile and make sure your birthday shows you as 18 or older.
- Contact Facebook support – If the issue persists, you can contact Facebook directly through their Help Center for additional troubleshooting.
When Will Facebook Dating Be Available on My Device?
The availability of Facebook Dating depends on a few factors:
- Device compatibility – Older Android devices may never support Dating if they can’t be updated to a supported OS version.
- Country rollout – Facebook is gradually enabling Dating in more countries, but hasn’t provided an exact timeline.
- Account requirements – Once your account meets the minimum age and longevity requirements, Dating should unlock.
If your device and location are compatible, you’ll likely gain access to Facebook Dating within a few days or weeks as long as you have a full-fledged account. Facebook doesn’t provide an exact availability date, but keep checking the app periodically.
Alternative Dating Apps for Android
If Facebook Dating isn’t available in your region or you’re looking for additional options, here are some good dating apps for Android to try out:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Tinder | Swipe right to match and message other users. Very popular. |
| OkCupid | Answer match questions to find compatible dates. Has extensive profiles. |
| Bumble | Women make the first contact after getting a match. Great interface. |
| Hinge | Focuses on common connections for more compatible matches. |
| Coffee Meets Bagel | Receive a limited number of curated matches every day. |
Each dating app has its own unique approach, features, and user base. Considering trying out a few to see which style suits you best.
Useful Tips for Facebook Dating
Once you do gain access to Facebook Dating, here are some tips to get the most out of the feature:
- Complete your dating profile fully – Fill out your bio, add photos, specify preferences to give potential matches a sense of who you are.
- Be proactive with your matches – Don’t wait for them to message first. Starting the conversation builds connection.
- Stay safe when meeting matches – Meet in a public place, let friends know where you’ll be and stay sober on first dates.
- Don’t take slow responses personally – Remind yourself they may just be busy, and avoid double messaging.
- Report rude or inappropriate behaviors – Keep the experience positive by blocking and reporting any users who make you uncomfortable.
Putting effort into your profile, being an engaging conversationalist, and staying safe can really maximize your dating potential on the platform.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating provides a convenient way to match and chat with other users right within the main Facebook app. However, availability is still limited on Android depending on your device, location, account status and other factors. Try updating your software, meeting eligibility requirements, and troubleshooting first. If it’s still unavailable, explore some of the many other quality dating apps for Android in the meantime while Facebook continues expanding Dating’s reach.