There are a few different reasons why you may see the message “Facebook Dating is unavailable” when trying to access Facebook’s dating feature. Facebook Dating launched in 2020 as a way for Facebook users to connect with potential romantic matches within their own communities. However, it has a limited rollout and is not yet available to all Facebook users globally. Some of the main reasons you may be unable to access Facebook Dating include:
Limited Availability
One of the biggest reasons is that Facebook Dating simply has not rolled out to your region yet. Here are some key facts about the availability of Facebook Dating:
– It first launched in Colombia in September 2020.
– It became available in Thailand, Canada, Argentina, and Mexico in October 2020.
– The US received access in October 2020, but it was not nationwide – it was only available in certain states at first.
– Facebook Dating launched in Europe in early 2021, but again only in certain countries to start.
– It continues its gradual launch process in 2022 and 2023, expanding to more areas over time.
So in summary, Facebook Dating is still not globally available. Unless you are in an area where it has already launched, you will see the “unavailable” message when trying to access it. You may just need to wait until Facebook formally launches it in your country or region.
Age Restrictions
Facebook Dating requires that users be at least 18 years old to access the platform. If you are below the age of 18, Facebook will not allow you to use the dating feature and will show the “unavailable” message. This is to comply with legal restrictions around minors using dating apps or services.
Account Restrictions
In some cases, specific types of restricted Facebook accounts may not have access to Facebook Dating. For example, accounts marked as business or organization pages are not permitted to use the dating feature. Fake or duplicate accounts are also barred from accessing Dating.
If your personal account is in bad standing due to policy violations, you may lose access to Facebook Dating as a result of account restrictions. For example, if your account has been temporarily suspended or locked for breaching Facebook’s terms, you will need to resolve these issues and get your main account back in good standing first.
Technical Issues
Bugs or glitches within the Facebook app can sometimes cause the dating feature to show as unavailable when it should be accessible to you. Trying standard troubleshooting steps like force quitting the app, restarting your phone, updating the app, or reinstalling the app can often resolve these types of technical issues.
If none of those basic steps work, you may need to report the problem directly to Facebook’s support team so they can investigate and fix any software bugs that are incorrectly restricting you.
Incorrect Location Settings
Facebook Dating utilizes your device’s location services and settings to determine eligibility. If your device has location services disabled, or your location is set to somewhere that Facebook Dating is not yet launched, the platform may incorrectly determine you are ineligible and show the “unavailable” message.
Double check that location services are enabled on your device. Also make sure your Facebook account itself has location permissions enabled and set to your proper current city where Facebook Dating is available. Updating these settings can fix location-related availability errors.
When will Facebook Dating be available in my country?
Unfortunately, Facebook has not published an official timeline or release schedule for exactly when the Dating feature will launch in every single country. The expansions so far have been announced just weeks or days before launching in new markets.
However, we can make some educated guesses based on Facebook Dating’s gradual launch pattern so far:
- Countries where Facebook has a high number of users will likely get priority.
- English-speaking countries may rollout quicker since the platform was initially developed in English.
- Larger geographical regions often get access before smaller ones nearby (like the US before Canada).
- Higher income countries with more advertising revenue potential may be faster.
Based on these factors, some countries that may see Facebook Dating launch in the next 1-2 years include:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Japan
- Australia
- Singapore
- Saudi Arabia
- Sweden
However, smaller or developing countries will likely have to wait longer, potentially 2+ years for Facebook Dating to rollout there. Facebook will gradually expand to more countries over time, but the exact schedule is unpredictable. The best approach is to follow Facebook’s official app updates for any launch announcements in your country.
What are some tips for using Facebook Dating?
Once Facebook Dating becomes available in your area, here are some top tips to get the most out of the experience:
Complete Your Dating Profile
Take the time to fill out your dating profile completely and accurately. Include a variety of recent photos that showcase your interests and personality. The more info and photos you share, the better sense potential matches will have of you.
Utilize All the Preferences
Tailor your Facebook Dating experience using the extensive preferences offered. Filter by location, age, religion, height, relationship type, and more. Save your dealbreakers to avoid mismatches.
Start Conversations Thoughtfully
Put effort into your opening messages. Ask engaging questions, reference profile info, and start an actual conversation rather than just saying “Hey.” Making a good first impression increases your chance of getting a reply.
Stay Safe When Meeting Up
Take reasonable safety precautions when meeting matches in person for the first time. Meet in public places, arrange your own transportation, and inform friends/family where you’ll be. Don’t feel pressured to give out personal contact details early on.
Give it Time
Recognize that finding a meaningful match takes patience and perseverance even on Facebook Dating. Avoid getting frustrated by dry spells or lack of responses. Persist and keep an open mind during the process.
How does Facebook Dating work?
Facebook Dating has some unique features and protocols that differentiate it from other dating apps or sites. Here is an overview of how the platform works:
Separate Section of the App
Facebook Dating has its own dedicated section within the Facebook mobile app. It is completely separate from your normal profile and does not share information with your friends or family on Facebook. You must opt-in to activate it.
Builds From Your Existing Profile
When setting up your dating profile, it automatically pulls basic info from your regular Facebook account, like name, age, location, and photos. You can then embellish with more romantic preferences and dating-specific details.
Secret Crush Feature
One unique aspect is the ability to select up to nine existing Facebook friends as “secret crushes.” You’ll only match with them if they add you as a secret crush as well. This takes the guesswork out of expressing interest in friends.
Matches Tab for Conversations
The main Matches tab within Dating is where you can view and message with any users you’ve matched with so far. Tapping on a specific match opens a dedicated messaging thread.
Algorithmic Suggestions
Facebook Dating uses algorithms to recommend compatible potential matches for you to review. Suggestions are personalized based on preferences, interests, and other profile details.
Integrated Event and Group Options
You can browse upcoming events and groups on Facebook to find matching prospects who also have plans to attend or are members. This provides natural conversation starters.
What are the membership options?
Facebook Dating does not currently offer any paid membership tiers or options. The standard functionality is free for all users. Here are the key things to know about using Facebook Dating:
Completely Free Access
There is no cost, subscription fee, or premium paid version of Facebook Dating. All users who meet the eligibility criteria can access and use the full range of features for free.
No Ads or Upsells
Facebook does not run ads or try to upsell upgraded subscriptions within the Facebook Dating experience. You get the full suite of features without any marketing.
No User Tiers
Unlike some dating apps, there are no separate tiers of member levels, such as free vs premium accounts. All members can send unlimited messages and use all the matching tools.
Optional In-App Purchases
While Facebook Dating itself is free, the app does allow for optional in-app purchases of “Facebook Coins” which can then be used to acquire virtual gifts or boosts. However, these provide no functional advantages and are purely optional add-ons.
Friends-of-Friends Model
Rather than a freemium model, Facebook Dating incentivizes users by providing matches within their own extended social networks for a familiarity advantage. But it does not restrict functionality.
How is Facebook Dating different from other dating apps?
Facebook Dating has some key differences from established dating app competitors like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, etc:
| Feature | Facebook Dating | Standard Dating Apps |
|---|---|---|
| User Profiles | Taps existing Facebook profile info and photos | Requires building separate profile just for dating app |
| Friends of Friends | Allows matching with wider network of friends | Only matches among other dating app users |
| Events/Groups | Can browse matches among Facebook events/groups | Very limited ways to browse matches |
| Cost | Completely free to use | Usually paid tiers or subscription plans |
| User Base | Over 2.5 billion active Facebook users | Varies from app to app in millions |
The key advantages Facebook Dating offers are the ability to leverage your existing profile and connections, expanded matching within social circles, event/group integration, and a very large user base – all for free.
More Familiar Experience
By tapping your Facebook info, friends, photos, and events, Facebook Dating provides a dating experience that feels more familiar and comfortable for many users. You have a built-in social graph and digital footprint to start with.
Broader Compatibility Search
Since it can suggest matches outside your immediate dating app circles, such as friends of friends, Facebook Dating potentially offers more diverse and compatible match options. This makes finding someone special more plausible.
Added Context and Conversation Starters
The ability to see which Facebook groups and events you have in common with a match provides natural talking points and context that standard dating apps lack in initial conversations.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating aims to differentiate itself from established dating apps by leveraging the rich social data and connections within regular Facebook. While still early in its rollout, these features appear to resonate with users desiring a more familiar and seamless dating experience across their social media footprint. As it expands in coming years, it will continue gaining traction and proving itself as a real contender in the crowded online dating market. Though the journey to finding that special match still requires perseverance, Facebook Dating offers some fresh advantages to users willing to try something new.