How to Subscribe to Facebook Dating and Meet Singles: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve been hearing all the buzz about Facebook Dating and wondering how to hop on the love train yourself? Well, you’re not alone. Millions of people are ditching traditional dating apps and giving Facebook’s built-in dating service a shot. Why? Because it’s super easy, completely free, and hey—it’s right there in the app you probably scroll through every day.

In this no-fluff, straight-to-the-point guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to subscribe to Facebook Dating, how to set up your profile, and how to actually meet real singles using it. Whether you're looking for something serious, casual, or just exploring, you’ll find everything you need to know here.

What Is Facebook Dating, Anyway?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s break down what Facebook Dating is.

Facebook Dating is a feature built into the Facebook app (yep, no extra downloads required) that lets you create a dating profile separate from your main Facebook profile. It uses your interests, activity, and preferences to match you with other singles near you—who also happen to be on Facebook.

It’s private, low-pressure, and doesn’t show your Dating profile to your Facebook friends unless you choose to match with a “Secret Crush.”

Is It Free?

Yes. 100% free. No subscriptions, premium upgrades, or hidden fees. You get access to all features just by creating a Dating profile inside your Facebook app. That’s a pretty big deal considering how pricey some dating apps can get.

Step 1: Check If Facebook Dating Is Available in Your Country

Facebook Dating isn’t available everywhere yet. It’s live in countries like the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Nigeria, and many parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. If you don’t see the Dating option in your app, chances are it hasn’t rolled out in your region—or your app needs an update.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open your Facebook app (not Facebook Lite or desktop).

2. Tap the Menu icon (☰).

3. Scroll down. If Dating is available, you’ll see a heart icon labeled "Dating."

No icon? Update your app from the Play Store or App Store. Still no luck? It might not be available in your country yet.

Step 2: How to Subscribe to Facebook Dating

Alright, assuming the Dating feature is available in your region, here’s how to get started:

✅ Open the Facebook App

Only the official Facebook mobile app supports Facebook Dating. You can’t access it via desktop or Facebook Lite.

✅ Tap the Menu (☰)

On Android, it’s in the top right. On iPhone, bottom right.

✅ Find and Tap “Dating”

Look for the heart icon and the word “Dating.” Tap it.

✅ Set Up Your Dating Profile

This is where things get interesting. Facebook will guide you through building your Dating profile. You’ll:

• Choose a few profile photos (aim for 4–6 good ones).

• Write a short bio to describe yourself.

• Answer some fun personality prompts (e.g., “A perfect day looks like…” or “The key to my heart is…”).

• Set your match preferences like gender, age range, distance, interests, etc.

Don't worry—none of this shows up on your main Facebook profile. It’s completely separate.

Step 3: Start Browsing and Matching

Once your profile is ready, Facebook starts showing you potential matches based on your preferences, shared interests, mutual friends, and even events you’ve attended.

You can:

• Tap the heart ❤️ to like someone.

• Tap the X ❌ to pass.

• Comment on a prompt or photo to stand out.

If someone you like, likes you back, it’s a match! Then you can start chatting directly in the app.

Step 4: Explore Unique Features

Facebook Dating isn’t just a copy-paste of other apps. It’s got some cool extras:

🔥 Secret Crush

You can pick up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers that you secretly like. If they’ve also added you as a crush, Facebook lets you both know. No match? No one finds out.

📍 Events and Groups

You can choose to match with people who attend the same Facebook Events or are in the same Groups as you. This is perfect if you want someone who shares your passions.

🎥 Video Chat with Matches

Matched with someone and want to take it up a notch? You can start a video chat using Messenger without giving away your phone number.

🔒 Complete Privacy

Your Dating activity never shows up on your Facebook feed, and your friends won’t be notified you’ve joined unless you want them to be.

Step 5: Messaging on Facebook Dating

Here’s where Facebook Dating plays it smart.

• You can chat with matches inside the Dating section.

• The chat stays separate from Messenger—until you both agree to move the convo to Messenger.

• You can’t send photos, links, or videos at first, which keeps things safe and respectful.

Once you feel comfortable, you can continue the conversation in Messenger for a more dynamic chat.

Step 6: How to Meet Real Singles

It’s one thing to subscribe to Facebook Dating. It’s another to actually meet people who are serious about building a connection. Here’s how to make your profile and conversations work for you:

✅ Be Authentic

Skip the over-polished bio. Just be you. Write like you speak. Use humor. Mention things you actually love doing.

✅ Use Clear Photos

Don’t hide behind filters or group shots. Let people see the real you. A mix of solo pics, lifestyle shots, and a smiling face goes a long way.

✅ Start Engaging Conversations

Instead of “Hey,” comment on something specific in their profile. Ask about their travel photos or thoughts on a prompt.

✅ Don’t Wait Forever to Move Forward

If the chat’s going well, suggest a video call or even a casual meetup (in a public space, of course). Don’t get stuck in texting limbo.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

🛑 Facebook Dating Not Showing Up?

• Update your Facebook app.

• Make sure you’re 18+ and using the main app (not Lite).

• Confirm it's available in your country.

🛑 Can't Match or Message?

• Make sure your location services are enabled.

• Adjust your match preferences.

• Be patient—matches may take a bit of time to show up.

Pro Tips to Boost Your Results

Here are some quick, practical tips to help you meet quality singles faster:

✅ Update your photos regularly

✅ Engage with Facebook Events and Groups

✅ Be open-minded—you never know who you’ll click with

✅ Don’t ghost people—a simple “Hey, I don’t think we’re a match” is classy

✅ Use the “Second Look” feature to revisit profiles you passed too fast

Conclusion: Is Facebook Dating Worth It?

In one word? Yes.

If you're already on Facebook, it’s a no-brainer. It’s simple to set up, totally free, and packed with features that actually help you connect with people who share your interests and values. The ability to seamlessly chat through Messenger, match via shared events and groups, and stay private makes it a solid alternative to apps like Tinder or Bumble.

So go ahead—subscribe to Facebook Dating, set up your profile, and start meeting real singles. Love might just be a few taps away.