Facebook Dating is built into the Facebook app, not a separate read
Facebook Dating is a feature inside the main Facebook app that lets you create a separate dating profile. It does not show up on your regular Facebook profile, and your Facebook friends cannot see that you are using it. You access it through a heart icon in the Facebook app menu, and you set it up with your existing Facebook account — you do not need to create a new login.
The feature is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other countries, but not everywhere. If you do not see a heart icon in your Facebook app menu, Facebook Dating is not yet available in your region. You can check Facebook's official list of supported countries to confirm whether it works where you are.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Dating lives inside the Facebook app under a heart icon and uses your existing Facebook login — you do not read a separate app.
- Your dating profile is completely separate from your regular Facebook profile and invisible to your Facebook friends.
- You control what information appears on your dating profile, and you can turn the feature off at any time without deleting your Facebook account.
- Facebook Dating shows you people based on interests, location, and age preferences you set, and both people must like each other before you can message.
Opening Facebook Dating for the first time
Open the Facebook app on your phone and look for the menu icon — three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner on iPhone, or at the top right on Android. Tap it to open the full menu. Scroll down until you see a heart icon with the label "Dating" underneath. Tap that icon.
Facebook will ask you to review and accept its dating terms. Read through them, then tap "get your free guide" or the equivalent button. You will then be asked to create your dating profile. This is separate from your Facebook profile, so you control exactly what information shows up. You can use the same photo as your Facebook profile, or choose different photos. You can also write a bio that appears only on your dating profile.
After you finish your profile, Facebook Dating will show you potential matches based on your age, location, and interests. You can adjust your preferences — age range, distance from your location, and other filters — at any time by going back to the Dating section and tapping Settings.
What information Facebook Dating uses and stores
Facebook Dating pulls some information from your main Facebook account to build your dating profile — your name, age, location, and photos you have already uploaded. However, you choose which photos appear on your dating profile, and you can add new photos that do not appear anywhere else on Facebook. You also write your own dating bio, which is not pulled from anywhere else.
Facebook stores your dating activity separately from your regular Facebook activity. Your matches, messages, and the people you have liked are kept in the Dating section and do not appear on your main Facebook profile or in your friends' feeds. If you turn off Facebook Dating, your dating profile and all its history are deleted.
Your location data is used to show you people near you and to show your approximate location to them. You can adjust how precise this is in your Dating settings — you can show your exact location, your city only, or a wider radius. Facebook also uses your interests and activity to suggest matches, similar to how it suggests friends on your main account.
How matching and messaging work
When you see someone's profile in Facebook Dating, you can like them or skip them. If they like you back, it becomes a match and you can both send messages. Unlike some dating apps, you cannot message someone unless you have both liked each other. This means unsolicited messages are not possible on the platform.
Messages in Facebook Dating are separate from your regular Facebook messages. They appear only in the Dating section of the app. You can block someone from your dating matches at any time, and they will not be able to see your profile or contact you. Blocking someone in Dating does not block them on your main Facebook account.
Controlling your privacy and turning off Dating
You control who sees your dating profile by adjusting your preferences. You can choose an age range, distance radius, and other filters to narrow down who sees you. You can also hide your profile temporarily without deleting it — this pauses your matches and stops showing your profile to others, but keeps your account active.
To turn off Facebook Dating completely, go to the Dating section, tap Settings, scroll to the bottom, and select "Delete Profile." This removes your dating profile and all its history. Your main Facebook account remains unchanged. You can turn Dating back on later and start fresh with a new profile.
If you want to report someone or feel unsafe, Facebook Dating has a report button on each profile. You can report someone for inappropriate behavior, and Facebook will review the report. You can also block the person when ready to prevent further contact.
Differences between Facebook Dating and other dating apps
Facebook Dating does not require a separate read or login — it is part of the app you already use. This means you do not have to manage another password or install another app on your phone. However, it also means Facebook has access to your main account information, which some people prefer to avoid.
Facebook Dating does not show your profile to your existing Facebook friends unless you both turn on a feature called "Secret Crush," which lets you add up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers you are interested in. If they add you back, you both get notified. This feature is optional and off by default.
Unlike some dating apps, Facebook Dating does not use a swiping interface. Instead, you see one profile at a time and tap a heart to like or an X to skip. The matching system requires mutual interest before messaging is possible, which is similar to apps like Bumble or Hinge but different from apps where anyone can message anyone.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you do not see the Dating icon in your Facebook app menu, the feature may not be available in your country yet. You can check Facebook's help center to see the current list of supported regions. If you are in a supported region and still do not see it, try updating your Facebook app to the latest version. Sometimes the feature is rolled out gradually, so it may appear after an update.
If your matches seem off or you are not seeing people you want to see, check your preferences. Go to Dating Settings and review your age range, distance, and other filters. You can also adjust your location if Facebook is using an outdated location. If you have turned off location access for the Facebook app in your phone's settings, Dating will not work properly — you may need to turn location access back on.
If you matched with someone but cannot see the conversation, check that you are in the Dating section of the app, not your regular Facebook messages. Dating messages appear only in the Dating inbox, which is separate from your main message inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Facebook friends see that I am using Dating?
No. Your dating profile is completely separate and invisible to your Facebook friends. They cannot see that you are using the feature unless you tell them. The only exception is if you use the Secret Crush feature and add them — then they will know only if they add you back.
What happens to my dating profile if I delete my Facebook account?
Your dating profile is deleted along with your Facebook account. If you only want to stop using Dating, you can delete just your dating profile while keeping your main Facebook account active. Deleting your dating profile does not affect your Facebook account.
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 through the Facebook website on a computer. You must use the Facebook app on your phone to create and manage your dating profile.
Is Facebook Dating really free?
Yes, creating a profile and matching with people is free. You can send messages and use all basic features without paying. Facebook may offer optional paid features in the future, but the core dating experience does not require payment.
How do I know if someone is real or a scammer?
Look for profiles with multiple clear photos, a detailed bio, and activity that seems genuine. Be cautious of profiles with only one photo, no bio, or people who quickly ask for money or personal information. If something feels off, you can block the person and report their profile to Facebook.