So, you've heard about Facebook Dating and want to give it a try? Smart move. Whether you're looking for something casual or a long-term connection, Facebook Dating is a great space to meet people—without having to download yet another app.
But first things first…
If you're wondering how to turn on the dating icon or set up your Facebook Dating profile, you’re in the right place. This guide is going to walk you through the exact steps, troubleshoot issues, and give you tips that’ll help you stand out once you're all set up.
Let’s dive in.
What is Facebook Dating?
Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s quickly clear up what Facebook Dating actually is.
Facebook Dating is a built-in feature inside the Facebook mobile app. It’s totally free, and it’s designed to help you meet people who share similar interests—based on your profile, events, and groups you engage with on Facebook.
🔑 Important: Facebook Dating is not a separate app. You access it from within your existing Facebook app.
Once activated, it lets you create a dating-specific profile (separate from your main Facebook profile) and match with people who have also opted into the Dating feature.
Pretty neat, right?
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn On the Facebook Dating Icon
Alright, let’s get straight to it.
✅ Step 1: Make Sure You Have the Facebook App Installed
This is non-negotiable. Facebook Dating only works on mobile (Android or iPhone). So, if you’re using a web browser or the Facebook Lite app, you won’t find the Dating feature.
Here’s what to do:
Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
Search for "Facebook."
Tap Install or Update if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: Always use the latest version of the Facebook app. Facebook Dating might not show up on older versions.
✅ Step 2: Log in to Your Facebook Account
Use the account where you want to activate Facebook Dating. If it’s a brand-new account, you may need to wait a few days or weeks—Facebook doesn’t always make the Dating feature available to new users immediately.
🔒 Your dating profile will stay separate from your main profile. Your friends won’t see it unless they’re also using Dating—and even then, only if you match.
✅ Step 3: Tap the Menu (☰)
Once you’re in the Facebook app:
Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the bottom-right corner (iOS) or top-right corner (Android).
This opens up the main menu with all your shortcuts and features.
✅ Step 4: Look for the “Dating” Icon
Scroll through the menu until you see the heart-shaped icon labeled “Dating.”
Can’t find it? Don’t worry—we’ll cover how to troubleshoot that in a bit.
✅ Step 5: Tap “Dating” to Get Started
Once you tap on “Dating,” you’ll land on a screen inviting you to set up your profile. Facebook walks you through the process step-by-step, but here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you’ll see next.
How to Create Your Facebook Dating Profile (From Scratch)
This is the fun part. Your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your main Facebook timeline, but it pulls a few basics like your first name and age. Everything else is customizable.
Let’s walk through the setup:
📝 Step 1: Confirm Basic Info
Facebook will ask for:
Gender
Who you’re interested in
Location access (so it can match you with nearby people)
You’ll need to allow location services to use Facebook Dating properly.
📸 Step 2: Add Photos
You can upload up to 9 photos. You can:
Choose existing photos from your Facebook account.
Upload new ones from your phone’s gallery.
Even import from Instagram (if you’ve linked your account).
💡 Tip: Use clear, smiling, recent photos. Avoid blurry group pics or overusing filters.
✍️ Step 3: Write Your Bio
You get 500 characters to say something about yourself. Keep it honest, light, and fun.
Example:
"Book lover 📚. Always down for tacos 🌮 and deep convos. Let’s skip the small talk—what’s your favorite conspiracy theory?"
💬 Step 4: Answer Prompts
Facebook Dating offers profile prompts—short questions that let you show your personality. These are optional, but answering at least two or three gives your matches something to talk about.
Examples:
“The one thing I never leave home without is…”
“My idea of a perfect day is…”
“The best way to win me over is…”
Make it interesting, and avoid one-word answers.
🔧 Step 5: Set Preferences
You can customize who you want to see based on:
Age
Distance
Height
Education level
Religion
Children (want/don’t want/have)
Language spoken
The more specific your preferences, the more filtered your matches will be. You can always adjust these later.
Bonus Features You Should Know About
Facebook Dating isn't just a swipe-and-match tool. It has a few unique features that set it apart:
💖 Secret Crush
This is one of the coolest features.
You can add up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers you have a crush on. If they’re also using Facebook Dating and they add you back, it’s a match. If not, they’ll never know.
Private. Safe. Fun. Zero embarrassment.
🔍 Match Suggestions
Facebook will suggest people based on:
Shared interests
Mutual groups
Events you've attended
Location
It’s more focused than random swipe apps, which can make for better-quality matches.
📹 Video Chat
Before meeting in person, you can video chat with matches right inside the app. It’s a great way to see if you vibe before you make the effort to meet up IRL.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Find the Facebook Dating Icon?
Sometimes, the Dating feature doesn’t show up immediately—even if you have the app. Here’s what you can try:
🛠️ 1. Update the App
Go to your phone’s app store and make sure your Facebook app is up to date.
🌍 2. Change Language Settings
Some users report that Facebook Dating only appears when their language is set to English (US).
To change language:
Tap Menu (☰) > Settings & Privacy > Language.
Select English (US).
📱 3. Reinstall the Facebook App
Sometimes a fresh install fixes glitches. Delete the app, reinstall it, and log back in.
🌐 4. Use a Supported Country
Facebook Dating isn’t available everywhere. As of now, it’s supported in countries like
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Nigeria
Philippines
Brazil
Mexico
Vietnam
South Africa
If your country isn’t on the list, the feature won’t appear.
👶 5. You Must Be 18+
Obvious, but worth noting: Facebook Dating is only available if your profile says you're 18 or older.
Pro Tips to Make Your Profile Stand Out
Once you’ve set up your profile, here’s how to boost your chances of finding meaningful matches:
📸 1. Use Great Photos
No sunglasses in every shot. No bathroom selfies. Use pics where you look relaxed and happy and are doing something interesting.
✍️ 2. Be Playful in Your Bio
Don’t just say, “I like music and movies.” Say what kind of music. Or a fun, quirky detail that sparks curiosity.
💬 3. Start Conversations That Matter
Instead of “Hey” or “Hi there,” open with something from their profile:
“You mentioned hiking—have you ever done Mount Kenya?”
It’s simple, respectful, and shows you’re paying attention.
🧠 4. Be Yourself
No one likes a fake. Whether you’re goofy, introverted, adventurous, or laid-back—be you. That’s who your future match wants to meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s knock out some quick answers.
❓ Is Facebook Dating Free?
Yep. 100% free. No hidden charges. No subscriptions.
❓ Can My Friends See My Dating Profile?
Nope. It’s completely separate. Only others using Facebook Dating can view your dating profile.
❓ Can I Use Facebook Dating on Desktop?
No. It’s mobile-only via the Facebook app.
❓ Can I Delete My Dating Profile?
Yes. Go to Settings > General > Delete Profile within the Dating section. It won't affect your main Facebook account.
Final Thoughts
There you go—now you know how to turn on the Dating icon and create your Facebook Dating profile from start to finish. It's a straightforward process, and the setup only takes a few minutes.
To recap:
Use the Facebook mobile app (not the browser).
Update the app and make sure you're using the correct language and location.
Tap Menu > Dating.
Build your profile with great photos and honest prompts.
Explore, connect, and enjoy the process.
Facebook Dating is a hidden gem in the dating world. You don’t need to download a dozen apps, and you already have a network of interests and activities linked through your Facebook account. That’s powerful stuff.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, open your app, and tap that little heart icon. Your next great connection might just be a click away.
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