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I still remember the Tuesday I accidentally swiped right on my high-school lab partner—on Facebook, not Tinder. My phone buzzed, and suddenly “Chemistry 2.0” was more than a class; it was a potential date. Here’s the thing: none of it would’ve happened if I hadn’t first unlocked Facebook Dating, the tucked-away feature that 70 % of my single friends still don’t know exists.
Ready to discover how Facebook Dating works—and why it’s quietly becoming the sleeper hit? Let’s dive in and get you matching before your next coffee break.
Update the App & Log In (Yes, It’s Obvious—But Do It Anyway)
“But I already have Facebook,” you say. Fair. Still, double-check:
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iPhone: App Store → Updates → Facebook → Update.
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Android: Google Play → Manage apps → Facebook → Update.
Older versions sometimes hide the Dating icon under a maze of menus. Once you’re on the latest build, open the app and log in. If you’re still using a burner account from 2013, now’s the time to switch to your real profile—Facebook Dating pulls basics like your first name and age straight from it.
Find the Hidden “Dating” Tab (a.k.a. Where Did They Hide It?)
Open the Facebook app and look for the three horizontal lines (nicknamed the “hamburger”):
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iOS: Bottom-right corner.
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Android: Top-right corner.
Scroll until you spot a purple heart icon labeled Dating. If it’s not there, tap the search bar inside the menu and type Dating—Facebook will surface it even if it’s buried.
Here’s what surprised me: on my older Samsung, the tab only showed up after I switched my language to English (US). Regional quirks are real; if you’re traveling or using a second language, toggle back temporarily.
Tap “Get Started” & Set Your Ground Rules
You’ll land on a welcome screen that feels oddly like a wedding invite: soft purple gradient, subtle confetti animation. Tap Get Started. Facebook will ask three quick things:
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Confirm your first name and age (auto-filled).
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Allow location access—you’ll need this to match locally.
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Choose your gender and whom you want to meet (men, women, everyone, or custom).
Craft a Profile That Doesn’t Scream “I Rushed This”
Facebook makes setup stupid-simple by importing your most recent profile photo and job info. But let’s be real—nobody falls in love over your 2019 company headshot. Spend five extra minutes on these Facebook Dating profile tips:
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Photos: Upload 4–6 pictures, including one full-body shot and one candid laugh. Profiles with 4+ pics get 50 % more likes.
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Prompts: Answer at least two (“My simple pleasures…” or “The last song I belted in the car…”). They’re conversation rocket fuel.
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Bio: 2–3 sentences max. Example: “Amateur surfer, professional pizza critic. If you can quote The Office, we’ll get along.”
Step 5: Swipe, Like, and Slide Into DMs—Without Looking Creepy
Once you’re live, Facebook Dating works like a hybrid of Hinge and Instagram Stories:
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Suggested matches: Based on preferences + mutual groups/events.
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Second Look: Accidentally X’d someone? This tab is your undo button.
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Secret Crush: Add up to 9 Facebook friends or IG followers. If they add you too, it’s a match—awkwardness averted.
Pro move: Instead of the generic “Hey,” react to a specific prompt or photo. My go-to opener is, “Wait, you also cried at the Up montage? Let’s discuss over coffee.” Works 8/10 times.
Bonus Level: Troubleshooting “Facebook Dating Not Showing Up”
If the purple heart is still ghosting you:
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Age check: You must be 18+.
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Region lock: Facebook Dating isn’t live everywhere. Check the official list .
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Device restriction: Tablets, desktops, and Facebook Lite won’t cut it—mobile app only.
Ready to Try Facebook Dating? Your Step-by-Step Guide Awaits
Tap that hamburger icon, follow the five steps above, and you could be swapping “how we met” stories by the weekend. And hey—if you run into your old lab partner, tell them I say hi.
Trending FAQ: Facebook Dating in 2025
Q1: Is Facebook Dating free?
Yes—zero upsells, no “boost” coins.
Yes—zero upsells, no “boost” coins.
Q2: Can my Facebook friends see I’m on Dating?
Nope. Unless you use Secret Crush and they add you back, your activity stays in a separate bubble.
Nope. Unless you use Secret Crush and they add you back, your activity stays in a separate bubble.
Q3: How do I delete my Dating profile?
Go to Dating → Settings → General → Delete Profile. Your main Facebook stays untouched.
Go to Dating → Settings → General → Delete Profile. Your main Facebook stays untouched.
Q4: Does Facebook Dating show up on desktop?
No—mobile app only .
No—mobile app only .
Q5: How accurate is the location filter?
Within ~5 miles if GPS is enabled. Pro tip: widen radius on vacation for spontaneous meet-cutes.
Within ~5 miles if GPS is enabled. Pro tip: widen radius on vacation for spontaneous meet-cutes.
Now stop scrolling and start matching—your future “Chemistry 2.0” is only five taps away.
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