Facebook Dating is built into the Facebook app, not a separate download
Facebook Dating is a feature inside the main Facebook app — you do not need to install anything new. It works on both iPhone and Android, and you access it through a heart icon in the Facebook app's menu. The feature shows you potential matches based on people near you and your interests, and lets you message them directly without matching first.
Facebook Dating is separate from your regular Facebook profile. Your dating profile does not show your friends, and your friends cannot see that you are using the feature unless you tell them. The people you see in Dating are not your Facebook friends — the system filters them out automatically.
Not everyone has access to Facebook Dating yet. The feature rolled out gradually by region and is now available in most countries, but some areas still do not have it. If you do not see the heart icon after following these steps, your region may not have access yet.
Key Takeaways
- Open Facebook, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down, and tap the heart icon labeled Dating to start your profile.
- Your dating profile is separate from your regular Facebook profile and stays hidden from your friends.
- You can message people without matching first, and you can unmatch or block anyone at any time.
- Facebook Dating uses your location, age, and interests to show you potential matches, but you control what information appears on your profile.
- If you do not see the Dating option in your menu, the feature may not be available in your region yet.
How to find the Dating feature in the Facebook app
Open the Facebook app on your phone. At the bottom of the screen (iPhone) or top right (Android), you will see a menu icon — three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. Tap that icon to open the menu.
Scroll down through the menu until you see a heart icon with the label "Dating" underneath it. Tap it. This takes you to the Dating section, where you can set up your profile or start browsing. If you have never used Dating before, Facebook will ask you to create a dating profile first.
If you do not see the heart icon after scrolling through the entire menu, Facebook Dating is not yet available in your region. Check back in a few weeks, as the rollout continues in different areas.
Setting up your dating profile
When you tap Dating for the first time, Facebook asks you to create a profile. You start by confirming your age and location. Facebook uses your account information to fill these in, but you can change your location if you want to see matches in a different area.
Next, you add photos. You can upload new photos or use existing ones from your Facebook account. Facebook recommends using clear, recent photos of just your face. You can add up to nine photos. The first photo is your main profile picture, so choose one that shows you clearly.
Then you write a bio — a short description of yourself. This is optional, but it helps other people understand who you are. Keep it honest and specific. Instead of "I like to have fun," try "I enjoy hiking and cooking on weekends."
You can also add your interests by selecting from categories like movies, music, sports, and hobbies. These help Facebook show your profile to people with similar interests. You do not have to select any, but adding a few makes your profile more complete.
How to browse and message matches
Once your profile is set up, you see a feed of potential matches. Each person shows their photo, age, location, and bio. Swipe right to show interest or tap the heart icon. Swipe left or tap the X to pass. You can also tap their profile to see more photos and information before deciding.
If someone you are interested in is also interested in you, it is a match. You can then message them directly. Unlike some dating apps, you do not have to match first to send a message on Facebook Dating — you can message anyone whose profile you see, and they can choose to reply or ignore you.
Messages appear in a separate Dating inbox, not in your regular Facebook messages. You can only see conversations with people you matched with or messaged. If someone sends you a message and you are not interested, you can delete the conversation or block them.
Controlling what information shows on your profile
Your dating profile pulls some information from your Facebook account, but you control what appears. Tap the menu icon in the Dating section (usually three dots in the top corner) and select "Profile" or "Edit Profile" to change what shows.
You can change your photos, bio, location, and interests anytime. You can also turn off your profile temporarily without deleting it — this hides you from other people's feeds but keeps your matches and messages. To do this, go to settings and toggle "Show Profile" off.
Facebook Dating does not show your relationship status, work information, or education unless you add it to your dating bio yourself. Your regular Facebook friends cannot see your dating profile, and people you know on Facebook are filtered out of your match feed by default.
Unmatching, blocking, and reporting
If you match with someone and change your mind, you can unmatch them. Open the conversation, tap the menu icon (three dots), and select "Unmatch." This removes them from your matches and deletes the conversation. They will not be notified, but they may notice you are no longer in their match list.
If someone is harassing you or making you uncomfortable, you can block them. Tap the menu icon in their conversation and select "Block." This prevents them from seeing your profile or sending you messages. You can also report them to Facebook if their behavior violates the platform's rules.
To report someone, tap the menu icon and select "Report." Facebook asks you to describe what happened. Reports are reviewed by Facebook's safety team, and they may remove the person's profile if they find a violation.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot find the Dating feature, make sure you are using the latest version of the Facebook app. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Facebook, and tap "Update" if an update is available. Then close and reopen the app.
If your profile is not showing to other people, check that you have toggled "Show Profile" on in your Dating settings. Also make sure your photos are clear and your bio is filled out — profiles with no photos or empty bios are less likely to appear in other people's feeds.
If you are not seeing any matches, try adjusting your preferences. Tap your profile settings and check your age range, distance, and interests. If your distance is set to a very small radius, you may have fewer people to see. Expanding it slightly can show you more potential matches.
If messages are not sending, check your internet connection. Close the Facebook app completely and reopen it. If the problem continues, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app — this fixes most messaging issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Facebook friends see that I am using Dating?
No. Your dating profile is completely separate from your regular Facebook profile, and your friends cannot see it. Facebook filters out people you are already friends with from your match feed, so you will not see them either. The only way someone knows you are using Dating is if you tell them.
What happens if I delete my dating profile?
Deleting your dating profile removes all your matches and messages. You can recreate it later, but you will start from scratch. If you just want to take a break, turn off "Show Profile" instead — this hides you without deleting anything.
Is Facebook Dating safe?
Facebook Dating has safety features like blocking and reporting, but like any online platform, you should use common sense. Do not share personal information like your address or phone number until you trust someone. Meet in public places for first meetings, and tell a friend where you are going.
Can I use Facebook Dating on my computer?
Facebook Dating is only available on the mobile app for iPhone and Android. You cannot access it from a web browser on a computer.
What if someone I know appears in my match feed?
Facebook is supposed to filter out your existing friends, but occasionally someone slips through. You can simply pass on their profile, and they will not know you saw them. If it keeps happening, check your Facebook friend list to make sure they are actually listed as a friend.