Thursday, August 7, 2025

How to Enable Facebook Dating on Your Phone (The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide)

 

If you’re curious about finding love (or something fun) through Facebook, you're not alone. Facebook Dating is quickly becoming a go-to option for people tired of swiping on apps like Tinder and Bumble. The best part? You don’t even need to download a new app—Facebook Dating is already built into your Facebook mobile app.

But how do you enable Facebook Dating on your phone? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, this easy guide will walk you through everything you need to know to activate and start using Facebook Dating today.

Let’s get started!


What Is Facebook Dating? (Quick Overview)

Before we get into the how-to, here’s a quick rundown of what Facebook Dating is all about.

Facebook Dating is a feature within the Facebook app that lets you create a separate dating profile—totally separate from your main Facebook account. It’s designed to help you find meaningful connections based on your interests, mutual friends, and even the groups or events you engage with.

And no, your Facebook friends won’t see your dating profile unless they’re also using the feature and you match. Privacy is built-in, which is a big win.

Now, let’s move on to the main event: getting Facebook Dating up and running on your phone.

Who Can Use Facebook Dating? (Requirements)

Before you try to enable it, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

  • ✅ You must be 18 years or older.

  • ✅ You need a Facebook account in good standing (no recent violations).

  • ✅ The Facebook app must be installed on your phone.

  • ✅ You must be in a country where Facebook Dating is available (like the U.S., Canada, UK, Philippines, Nigeria, and many more).

  • ✅ You have to opt in manually—Facebook Dating doesn’t activate automatically.

If all of that checks out, you’re ready to roll.

Step-by-Step: How to Enable Facebook Dating on Your Phone

Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Open the Facebook App

First things first—make sure you’ve got the latest version of the Facebook app installed on your smartphone.

  • Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

  • Search for "Facebook."

  • Tap Update if there’s a newer version available.

📲 Pro Tip: Facebook Dating doesn’t work on the desktop site—you need the app.

Once updated, open the app and log into your Facebook account.


Step 2: Tap the Menu Icon (Three Horizontal Lines)

Once you’re inside the app:

  • On iPhone, the menu is in the bottom right corner.

  • On Android, it’s in the top right corner.

Tap the three-line “hamburger” menu to open the full list of Facebook features.

Step 3: Scroll Down and Select “Dating”

Now scroll down until you see “Dating” with a little heart icon next to it.

If you see it, great! Tap it to begin the setup process.

🔍 Don’t see the “Dating” option?

  • Try using the search bar at the top of the menu and type “Dating.”

  • If it still doesn’t show up, Facebook Dating may not be available in your region, or your account might not be eligible yet.

Step 4: Set Up Your Facebook Dating Profile

Once you enter the Dating section, you’ll be prompted to create your dating profile. Don’t worry—it’s separate from your main profile and only visible to others using Facebook Dating.

Here’s what you’ll need to fill in:

  • Your name and age (pulled from your main profile)

  • Photos – Choose from your Facebook or upload new ones

  • Gender and sexual preference

  • Location – Needed for matching with people nearby

  • Match preferences – Age range, distance, interests, etc.

  • Profile prompts – Fun questions you can answer to show off your personality

💡 Tip: Be honest and show the real you. A clear profile picture and a little humor go a long way.

Step 5: Enable Notifications (Optional but Helpful)

Facebook may ask for permission to send you notifications for Dating activity. While optional, turning this on helps you know when someone likes you or sends a message.

You can always change notification settings later in the app.

Step 6: Start Browsing Matches

After your profile is set, it’s time to meet people! Facebook will start suggesting profiles based on:

  • Your preferences

  • Shared interests

  • Mutual friends (optional)

  • Groups or events you’re part of

You can like or pass on each person—simple as that.

No swiping here. Instead, you tap a heart to like, or an X to skip. You can also comment on a specific photo or prompt to kick off the conversation.

Special Features You Should Know About

Facebook Dating comes with a few cool built-in tools to improve your experience:

1. Secret Crush

Want to test the waters with someone you already know? Add up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers to your Secret Crush list. If they add you back, you both get notified of the match.

If not? No one knows. Zero embarrassment.


2. Second Look

Ever regret passing on someone too quickly? You can use the Second Look feature to go back and give someone a second chance.


3. Event and Group Matching

Turn on this option to match with people who are in the same Facebook groups or have RSVP’d to the same events. It’s a smart way to meet people who already share your interests.


4. Audio and Video Chats

Once you’ve matched with someone, you can jump on a video or audio call right inside the Facebook Dating chat window. It's a nice way to connect beyond just texting.


5. Safety Features

Your safety matters. Here are some built-in protections:

  • Block and report users easily

  • Share your location with a trusted friend before a date

  • Profile info is pulled from real Facebook accounts (helps avoid catfish)

  • Dating activity stays private and separate from your main feed

Having Trouble? Try These Fixes

If Facebook Dating isn’t showing up or working right, try these troubleshooting steps:

✅ Make sure your app is updated

Old versions might not support the Dating feature.

✅ Turn on location services

Facebook Dating needs access to your location to find matches near you.

✅ Check your age and region

You must be 18+, and Facebook Dating isn’t available in every country just yet.

✅ Log out and back in

Sometimes a simple restart fixes glitches.

✅ Reinstall the app

If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Facebook.


Do I Need a Separate App for Facebook Dating?

Nope! That’s one of the best parts—Facebook Dating is built right into the existing Facebook app. You don’t need to download or manage another app, and everything stays neatly in one place.

You can find all your dating messages, likes, and matches inside the Dating tab—separate from Messenger and your regular notifications.

Privacy: Will My Friends Know I’m Using Facebook Dating?

Nope! Facebook made sure Dating is private and discreet. Your Facebook friends won’t see your Dating profile, and your dating activity isn’t shared on your feed.

The only way a friend will know you’re on Facebook Dating is if you both add each other to your Secret Crush list—and even then, only if it’s mutual.

Conclusion: Ready to Unlock Facebook Dating?

And there you have it! Enabling Facebook Dating on your phone is super easy—just a few taps and you’re ready to start meeting new people who share your interests, values, or sense of humor.

It’s low-pressure, integrated right into the app you already use, and surprisingly good at helping people find real connections. Whether you’re new to online dating or just looking for a better alternative, Facebook Dating could be the right match for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, open that Facebook app and activate your Dating profile. Your next great match might be just a few taps away.



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