How to Enable and Set Up Your Facebook Dating Account

 Let’s face it—online dating can feel like a full-time job sometimes. You jump between apps, swipe until your thumb goes numb, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a match that actually turns into something. But here’s the thing most people overlook: Facebook already has a built-in dating feature, and it’s surprisingly good.

So if you’re wondering how to enable and set up your Facebook Dating account, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything step by step, from finding the Dating tab to building a standout profile that gets attention.

And guess what? It’s totally free.

Let’s get into it.

What Is Facebook Dating?

Before we talk setup, let’s get clear on what Facebook Dating actually is.

Facebook Dating is a feature built right into the Facebook mobile app. It’s not a separate app like Tinder or Bumble—you won’t find it on the App Store. Instead, it’s tucked away inside Facebook itself. It’s designed for people who want real relationships, deeper connections, and yes, even long-term love.

The best part? You already have everything you need to get started—just your existing Facebook account and the Facebook app.

Why Use Facebook Dating?

Now you might be thinking, “I already have five dating apps—why should I add another one?”

• Here’s what makes Facebook Dating stand out:

• Completely free to use (no premium tiers, no hidden charges)

• Real profiles thanks to integration with your Facebook account

• Smarter matching based on shared interests, events, and groups

• Secret Crush feature lets you match with people you already know… privately

• No swiping fatigue—it’s more focused and personal

And because it’s Facebook, you get a massive pool of potential matches without having to start from scratch.

Step-by-Step: How to Enable Facebook Dating

Alright, time to roll up our sleeves. Here’s how to enable Facebook Dating on your phone.

✅ Step 1: Make Sure You're Eligible

To access Facebook Dating, you need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Be 18 years or older

• Have an active Facebook account in good standing

• Be in a supported country (like the U.S., Canada, UK, Philippines, Brazil, and more)

• Use the Facebook mobile app (not available on desktop)

If you meet all of that, you’re good to go.

✅ Step 2: Update the Facebook App

Facebook Dating only works on the latest version of the app, so go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and make sure you’ve updated to the newest version.

Outdated apps can cause Dating to not show up, so don’t skip this step.

✅ Step 3: Open the Menu (☰)

Launch the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon). This is usually at the bottom right on iPhone and top right on Android.

• Scroll down and look for the “Dating” option. If you don’t see it:

• Try using the search bar at the top and type “Dating”

• Confirm your location is supported

• Restart the app and check again

✅ Step 4: Tap “Get Started”

Once you tap “Dating,” you’ll see a screen introducing the feature. Hit “Get Started” to begin setting up your dating profile.

This is separate from your main Facebook profile, so don’t worry—none of your friends will see that you’re on Dating unless they’re also using the feature and you both opt-in.

How to Set Up Your Facebook Dating Profile

Now for the fun part—creating your profile.

📸 Add Your Photos

You can choose photos from your Facebook profile, Instagram, or upload new ones. Choose clear, recent pictures that show off your personality.

Tip: Avoid group shots or heavily filtered pics. Authenticity wins.

📝 Fill Out Your Details

• You’ll be asked to confirm:

• Gender identity

• Sexual orientation

• Who you’re interested in (men, women, everyone)

• Height, kids, religion, education, etc.

These details help Facebook match you with people who align with your lifestyle and preferences.

🎯 Set Your Preferences

Choose your ideal match settings:

• Age range

• Distance radius (how far away your matches can be)

• Interests or hobbies (these influence the algorithm)

Be honest here. The more accurate your settings, the better your matches.

💬 Choose Prompt Answers

Facebook Dating offers conversation prompts like:

• “I’m overly competitive about…”

• “The best decision I ever made was…”

• “The one thing I won’t shut up about is…”

Answering these isn’t required, but it helps break the ice. Fun and witty responses can spark meaningful conversations.

How Does Facebook Dating Work After Setup?

Once your profile is complete, Facebook starts showing you match suggestions based on your preferences, mutual friends, common interests, groups, and events.

Here’s how it works:

• Tap the heart if you like someone

• Tap the X to pass

• If they like you back, it’s a match and you can start chatting

You can also:

🔐 Use Secret Crush

Add up to 9 friends or Instagram followers you’re secretly interested in. If they add you too, you’ll both be notified.

If they don’t, no one will know. Super low risk!

👥 Match via Groups and Events

You can opt-in to see people who are attending the same Facebook Events or are part of the same Groups. It’s a great way to connect over shared passions.

Privacy and Safety: What You Need to Know

Privacy is a big concern when it comes to dating apps—and Facebook knows that.

Here’s how they protect you:

• Dating profile is separate from your main Facebook profile

• None of your Facebook friends will see your dating profile (unless they’re also using Dating and match with you)

• You can block or report users directly in the app

• You can also share live location with a friend when going on a date (via Messenger)
  

Still, always use your common sense:

• Meet in public for the first few dates

• Don’t share personal info too early

• Trust your gut—if someone feels off, they probably are

Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Facebook Dating?

Not seeing Facebook Dating in your app? Here’s what to check:

🔍 Problem: The “Dating” Tab Is Missing

Fixes:

• Update your app

• Log out and back in

• Change your device language to English

• Make sure your account is in a supported country

🔍 Problem: Profile Won’t Load

Fixes:

• Restart the app

• Clear Facebook’s cache

• Switch from Wi-Fi to data (or vice versa)

🔍 Problem: Not Getting Matches

Fixes:

• Widen your distance or age range

• Add more interests or prompt answers

• Upload more photos

• Be active—check the app regularly

Tips to Make Your Facebook Dating Profile Stand Out

Want to actually get matches? Here are some tried-and-true tips:

1. Use Eye-Catching, Honest Photos

Show your face clearly. Smile. Use natural lighting. Avoid selfies in the bathroom mirror.

2. Be Witty With Prompts

Don’t just say “Ask me anything” or “IDK.” Use prompts to show off your humor or values.

3. Be Yourself

Cliché? Sure. True? Absolutely. Don’t fake it—authenticity creates real connections

4. Stay Active

Check the app daily. Like, comment, and reply quickly to stay visible in the algorithm.

5. Be Open But Specific

You want to attract the right person, not just any person. Say what you want—long-term? Casual? A travel buddy?

Facebook Dating vs. Other Dating Apps

Let’s quickly compare Facebook Dating to the big names:

Feature Facebook Dating Tinder Bumble Hinge

Free to use ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partially ⚠️ Partially ⚠️ Partially

Real profiles ✅ More secure ❌ Not always ✅ Mostly ✅ Mostly

Swiping ❌ No swiping ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

Tied to social life ✅ Deeply ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Somewhat

Secret Crush feature ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No

Facebook Dating is ideal for users who value genuine matches over swipe-and-go culture.

Conclusion: Ready to Dive Into Facebook Dating?

So there you have it—everything you need to enable and set up your Facebook Dating account. It’s easy, free, and might just lead you to your next great connection.

If you’re tired of expensive dating apps or the shallow swiping game, Facebook Dating offers a refreshingly real alternative. It’s all about people who share your interests, already move in your circles, or are looking for the same kind of connection you are.

Give it a try—you’ve got nothing to lose and maybe everything to gain. Love could be just a few taps away.