Beginner’s Guide to Facebook Dating: How to Set Up and Activate Your Profile

Online dating has become a normal way to meet people, whether you’re looking for something casual or a serious relationship. While apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge dominate the conversation, many people don’t realize that Facebook has its very own dating feature built directly into the Facebook app. Launched back in 2019, this feature has evolved a lot by 2025, blending seamlessly into the app you probably use every day. It's not a separate app—it's right there inside Facebook, helping you connect with potential matches based on shared interests, events, and even mutual friends.

If you’re new to it, this beginner’s guide will walk you step-by-step through how to set up and activate your Facebook Dating profile so you can start meeting people right away.

First things first: is Facebook Dating available to you? Not everyone can access it immediately, and this limitation is intentional to ensure legitimacy. You must be at least 18 years old—no exceptions. Additionally, Facebook Dating is only accessible through the Facebook mobile app on Android or iOS devices. Facebook Dating isn't available everywhere yet, but by 2025, it's available in more than 50 countries, including the US, Canada, most of Europe, and parts of Asia and Latin America.

Why Use Facebook Dating?

Before we dive into the setup, let’s quickly cover why Facebook Dating is worth trying:

• It’s free—Unlike other apps, you don’t need to pay to message or match.

• It’s built into Facebook – No need for a separate download.

• Shared interests—You can connect with people from your groups and events.

• Secret Crush feature—Add up to nine Facebook or Instagram contacts to see if the feeling is mutual.

• Separate from your main profile—your friends won’t see your Dating activity.

Now that you know why it’s worth a try, let’s talk about how to activate your profile.

Update Your Facebook App

The Facebook Dating feature only works on the mobile app—not on desktop or Facebook Lite. To get started, make sure you have the latest version of the app:

• On Android: Open the Google Play Store, search for Facebook, and tap Update.

• On iPhone: Go to the App Store, search for Facebook, and tap Update.

Once updated, log in to your regular Facebook account.

Find the Facebook Dating Icon

Next, open the app and tap the menu button (☰). Depending on your phone, this is either in the bottom-right or top-right corner.

Scroll down, and you should see a heart-shaped icon labeled “Dating.”

Set Up Your Facebook Dating Profile

The first time you tap on the Dating icon, you’ll be asked to create a separate profile. This is different from your main Facebook profile, and your friends won’t see it.

Here’s how to set it up:

Add Photos – Choose clear, recent pictures that show your personality.

Answer Profile Prompts – These help you stand out (e.g., “The one thing I never leave home without…”).

Set Preferences – Age range, gender, and distance of people you’d like to meet.

Turn on Location – This allows Facebook Dating to suggest singles near you.

Add Interests – Music, hobbies, favorite activities—these improve your matches.

Pro tip: Be authentic. Profiles with genuine answers and smiling photos tend to get more attention.

Activate Your Profile

Once your setup is complete, tap Confirm. Your Dating profile is now active, and the heart icon will remain in your menu for easy access.

From here, you can start browsing, liking, and connecting with people.

How Facebook Dating Works

After activation, here’s what you’ll be able to do:

• View Suggested Matches – Based on your preferences, interests, and location.

• Like or Comment – Tap the heart to like someone or leave a comment on a photo/prompt.

• Secret Crush – Add up to nine people from Facebook or Instagram. If they add you too, you match.

• Connect via Groups and Events – Match with people who are in the same groups or attending similar events.

• Chat Freely – Once you match, you can message directly within Dating.

Tips for a Great Facebook Dating Profile

Use high-quality photos – Clear, well-lit pictures always work best.

Show variety – Include a mix of selfies, full-body shots, and activity photos.

Write a bio that stands out – Humor and honesty go a long way.

Be specific – Instead of “I love music,” say “I can’t go a day without Afrobeat playlists.”

Stay active – Log in regularly; the algorithm rewards consistent users.

Common Issues When Setting Up Facebook Dating

Dating Icon Missing

• Update the app.

• Check availability in your country.

• Make sure you’re at least 18.

Profile Won’t Save

• Ensure you’ve filled in all required fields.

• Check internet connection.

Location Not Working

• Go to your phone settings and allow Facebook to access your location.

Conclusion

Facebook Dating is an accessible, free way for beginners to explore online dating without the pressure. Setting up and activating your Facebook Dating profile is simple once you know where to look. All it takes is updating your Facebook app, finding the Dating icon, and walking through the quick setup process.

From there, you can start connecting with singles near you, exploring matches through shared groups, or even testing the Secret Crush feature. Best of all, it’s free and private—so you can dip your toes into online dating without pressure.

So if you’re ready to try something new, go ahead and activate your Facebook Dating profile today. Your next match might just be a few taps away.