If you’ve been scrolling through your Facebook app hoping to see the Facebook Dating icon but it’s nowhere to be found, you’re definitely not alone. Many users—especially new ones—get confused when the icon doesn’t automatically appear. But here’s the good news: Facebook Dating is already built into the Facebook app, and turning it on is actually easier than you think… once you know what to do.
Whether you’re trying to find love, meet local singles, or explore new connections, activating the Facebook Dating feature is the first step. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn exactly how to turn on the Facebook Dating icon, why it might be missing, and the easiest ways to fix every problem that might stop it from showing.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have your dating feature activated, your profile ready, and your dating life leveled up—all without stress.
Let’s get started.
What Is Facebook Dating, and Why Does the Icon Matter?
Facebook Dating is a built-in matchmaking feature inside the main Facebook app. It helps you meet singles based on shared interests, locations, events, Facebook groups, hobbies, and mutual preferences.
But here’s the catch:
You can’t use Facebook Dating until the icon shows up.
The Dating icon usually appears:
In the Facebook menu (three horizontal lines)
Under “All Shortcuts”
Or inside the “Services” section
It looks like a heart shape—simple, clean, and very easy to click.
So if the icon isn’t showing, you literally cannot start using Facebook Dating. That’s why learning how to activate it is an essential step for every new user.
How to Turn On the Dating Icon on Facebook (Step-by-Step)
Let’s jump into the exact steps you need to follow to turn on Facebook Dating. These steps work for Android and iPhone users.
Step 1: Update Your Facebook App
One of the biggest reasons the Dating icon doesn’t appear is because your app version is outdated. Facebook Dating is not available in older versions of the app.
How to Update Facebook
On Android:
Open the Google Play Store.
Search Facebook.
Tap Update.
On iPhone:
Open the App Store.
Search Facebook.
Tap Update.
Once the app updates, reopen it and check if the Dating icon appears.
Step 2: Make Sure Facebook Dating Is Available in Your Country
Even though Facebook Dating is available in most countries, it’s still missing in a few regions. If the feature isn’t supported where you live, the icon won’t appear no matter what you do.
Countries Where Facebook Dating Is Available
Nigeria
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Ghana
South Africa
India
Most of Europe
Most of Latin America
If you're in a supported location, the icon should show after updating your app.
Step 3: Enable Location Services on Your Phone
Facebook Dating requires your location to match you with nearby singles. If your location settings are off, the icon may not show.
How to Turn On Location
On Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap Location
Turn Location ON.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Location Services.
Make sure it's turned ON.
Then, make sure the Facebook app is allowed to use your location.
Step 4: Update Your Facebook Profile Information
Sometimes the Dating icon won’t appear if your Facebook profile is incomplete. Facebook uses your basic profile data to build your dating profile.
Make sure you have:
A profile picture
Your correct date of birth
Your gender
Your location
You must be at least 18 years old to use Facebook Dating.
Step 5: Access the Menu and Look for the Dating Icon
Now it’s time to turn it on manually.
How to Find the Dating Icon
Open the Facebook app.
Tap the Menu (the three horizontal lines).
Scroll until you see Dating (the heart icon).
If you see it, tap it—that’s how you turn the feature ON. It will automatically start guiding you to set up your profile.
If the Dating Icon Still Doesn’t Show: Here Are All the Fixes
Sometimes the dating icon can be stubborn, but don’t worry. Below are all the proven fixes that work.
1. Clear Your Facebook App Cache
The app cache may store old settings, preventing new features (like Dating) from appearing.
Clear Cache on Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap Apps.
Select Facebook.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear Cache.
Note: iPhones don’t allow cache clearing manually, but reinstalling the app fixes it.
2. Reinstall the Facebook App
If the cache fix didn’t help, try reinstalling.
Uninstall the Facebook app.
Install it again from the Play Store or App Store.
Log in
Check the menu for the dating icon.
This solves the problem for many users instantly.
3. Try Using a Different Device
Sometimes the feature doesn’t show on a specific device but works on another.
If you have:
A tablet
A second phone
A friend’s phone
Try logging in there to see if the icon appears.
4. Turn Off VPN
If you’re using a VPN, Facebook might think you’re in a country where dating isn’t available.
Turn off your VPN and restart the app.
5. Log Out and Log Back In
Sometimes refreshes your Facebook features.
Go to Menu.
Scroll down.
Tap Log Out.
Log in again.
Then check the menu for the dating icon.
6. Make Sure Your Age Is Correct
If your Facebook account is under 18—even accidentally—the Dating icon will NEVER appear.
How to Check Your Age
Go to your profile.
Tap Edit Profile.
Find your basic info.
Make sure your DOB is correct.
If you entered the wrong age, you may need to wait up to 24 hours for changes to reflect.
7. Switch to “Classic Facebook” if using desktop.
Facebook Dating ONLY works on the mobile app, not the desktop browser.
You can’t access Dating on:
Messenger
Facebook Lite
Desktop app
Use the main Facebook mobile app only.
8. Disable Battery Saver Mode
Some phones restrict app features when battery saver mode is ON.
Turn it off and restart Facebook.
9. Check for Facebook Account Restrictions
If your Facebook account has been restricted for:
Violations
Suspicious activity
Community guideline issues
Certain features may be blocked, including Dating.
Check your Support Inbox inside Facebook.
How to Turn On Facebook Dating Once the Icon Appears
Once you finally see the icon, here’s how to activate it:
Tap the heart icon labeled "Dating."
Tap Get Started.
Choose your profile photo.
Enter your dating preferences.
Add your location.
Add your bio.
Add photos.
Enable notifications.
That’s it—you now have Facebook Dating activated.
What Happens After You Turn On Facebook Dating?
Once your account is active, you’ll be able to:
Create your dating profile.
This profile is separate from your main Facebook profile.
See potential matches.
Facebook uses:
Your interests
Your activity
Your location
Your preferences
to suggest compatible singles.
Use “Secret Crush."
You can add up to 9 people you like. If they add you too, it’s a match.
Match with singles near you.
You’ll start seeing people in your area immediately.
Join events and groups for dating.
You’ll meet singles who attend the same groups or events as you.
Why Facebook Dating Might Be the Best Free Dating Platform
Facebook Dating is one of the most underrated dating apps. Here’s why:
✔ Absolutely free
No paid upgrades at all—rare in 2025.
✔ No fake profiles
Because it’s tied to real Facebook accounts.
✔ Easy to use
Everything is already inside your Facebook app.
✔ More accurate matches
Because Facebook knows your interests and connections.
✔ Perfect for local dating
Shows singles near your exact location.
How to Optimize Your Facebook Dating Profile for Better Matches
Turning on the icon is just the beginning. If you want more likes and matches, you need an attractive and clean profile.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Use high-quality photos.
Avoid blurry, dark, or filtered pictures.
Use:
Clear face photo
Full-body photo
A lifestyle picture
2. Write a simple but unique bio.
Avoid boring lines like
“Ask me anything."
“Just checking this out."
Instead, be specific and fun.
3. Stay active.
The more active you are, the more visibility you get.
4. Respond quickly.
Fast replies improve your algorithm ranking.
5. Match intentionally
Don’t swipe randomly—Facebook detects low-quality engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turning On Facebook Dating
1. Why can’t I see the Facebook Dating icon?
Because your app is outdated, your location is off, or the feature isn’t available in your region.
2. Do I need a new Facebook account?
No, you can use your existing one.
3. Can I use Facebook Dating on desktop?
No—mobile app only.
4. Does Facebook Dating show on Facebook Lite?
No. Only the main Facebook app has it.
5. How do I know if Facebook Dating is active?
When you see the Dating home page inside the menu.
Conclusion
Turning on the Facebook Dating icon might seem confusing at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes incredibly easy. Whether your icon was missing because of an outdated app, location settings, or device issues, the solutions in this guide will help you fix it in minutes.
Now that the Dating icon is activated, you can start connecting with singles in your area, exploring matches, joining groups, and stepping into a more meaningful online dating experience.
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