How to Turn On the Dating Icon on Facebook: A Complete Beginner’s Guide


So, you’ve been scrolling through Facebook, hearing about this new dating feature everyone’s raving about, and you're ready to give it a try. But wait… where’s the dating icon? You check your app, dig through the menu, even search for it—nothing. It’s like the feature doesn’t even exist on your account.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone. The Facebook Dating icon isn’t always front and center, and in many cases, you need to jump through a few hoops to turn it on. But don’t stress—we’re going to walk through everything you need to know to find, unlock, and activate the Dating feature so you can start connecting with potential matches.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

What Is the Facebook Dating Icon?

Before we go further, let’s clarify what exactly we’re looking for.

The Facebook Dating icon is the shortcut that takes you directly to the Facebook Dating platform. It lives inside the main Facebook mobile app and looks like a small heart or may be labeled simply as "Dating."

But here’s the catch—it’s not automatically available for everyone. Whether you can see it depends on several factors like your location, age, account settings, and even your app version.

Why You’re Not Seeing the Facebook Dating Icon

If the dating icon is missing from your Facebook app, there’s probably a good reason. Let’s look at some of the most common issues that could be keeping you from accessing the feature.


πŸ”Ή 1. You're Using an Outdated App

Facebook constantly pushes updates, and if your app is out of date, some features—like Dating—may not show up.

Fix it: Go to the App Store or Google Play, search for Facebook, and hit "Update." Once it’s updated, restart the app and check again.


πŸ”Ή 2. Facebook Dating Isn’t Available in Your Country

Yep, it’s true—Facebook Dating is not yet rolled out globally. If you live in a country where it hasn’t launched, the icon won’t appear, no matter what you do.


What to do: Search for the most current list of supported countries. If your location isn’t on there, you’ll need to wait until Facebook releases it in your region.


πŸ”Ή 3. You're Using the Desktop or Mobile Browser Version

The Dating feature is only available through the official Facebook app on a smartphone. It’s not visible on desktop browsers or even mobile browsers.

Fix it: Make sure you’re using the actual Facebook app—not a browser.


πŸ”Ή 4. You’re Under 18

Facebook Dating is only available to users aged 18 and above. If your profile age is set under 18 (even by mistake), the icon will remain hidden.

Fix it: Head to your profile and verify your birth date. If it’s wrong, change it—but be aware that Facebook limits how often you can do this.


πŸ”Ή 5. Your Account is Too New

New accounts sometimes have limited access to certain features. If your Facebook account is less than 30 days old, you might need to wait a bit before the dating icon becomes visible.

What you can do: Be patient. Use Facebook regularly, and once your account matures, check again for the Dating feature.

How to Turn On the Facebook Dating Icon Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve covered the "why" let’s talk about how you can activate the Facebook Dating feature and get that icon to show up on your app.


✅ Step 1: Open the Facebook App

Simple, but important—make sure you’re using the latest version of the official Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.


✅ Step 2: Tap the Menu (☰)

This is the three horizontal lines you'll find:

  • Top-right on Android

  • Bottom-right on iPhone

This opens up your navigation menu, where all Facebook features live.


✅Step 3: Look for “Dating”

Now scroll down through the list. You’ll see familiar options like Friends, Marketplace, Groups, and eventually Dating. Tap on it.

Still not seeing it?


✅ Step 4: Use the Menu Search Bar

Go to the top of the Menu screen and use the search bar. Type “Dating”. If it’s available for your account, it’ll appear as a result. Tap it and start setup.


✅ Step 5: Follow the Setup Instructions

Once you're in, Facebook will prompt you to create a Dating profile. Don’t worry—it’s separate from your main profile, and your Facebook friends won’t be notified.

Still No Dating Icon? Try These Advanced Fixes

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get that Dating tab to show, here are some next-level tips to troubleshoot the problem.


πŸ”§ 1. Switch Your Language to English (US)

Believe it or not, some users have reported that the dating icon only appears when their language is set to English (US).

How to do it:

  • Go to Settings & Privacy > Language

  • Choose English (US)

  • Restart the app


πŸ”§ 2. Enable Location Services

Facebook Dating uses your location to find potential matches nearby. If you’ve disabled location sharing, the icon might not activate.

To fix it:

  • On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Facebook > Permissions

  • Enable Location Access


πŸ”§ 3. Clear the Facebook App Cache

Sometimes old cached data can prevent new features from loading.

Android:

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Facebook > Storage > Clear Cache

iPhone:

  • The easiest way is to uninstall and reinstall the Facebook app


πŸ”§ 4. Check for Account Restrictions

If you’ve violated Facebook’s community standards in the past, you might be restricted from using certain features, including Dating.

Check this:

  • Tap Menu > Help & Support > Support Inbox

  • Look for any notifications about restrictions or flagged behavior

How to Set Up Facebook Dating After You Turn On the Icon

Once you’ve unlocked the Dating icon and tapped it, you’ll be taken through a setup process. Here’s what to expect:


πŸ“Έ Upload Great Photos

Choose clear, flattering images that represent your personality. Avoid group shots or blurry selfies—your main photo should be just you.


πŸ“ Fill Out Your Dating Profile

  • You can include details like:

  • Height

  • Job

  • Education

  • Religion

  • Whether you have or want kids


πŸ’¬ Add Prompt Answers

Facebook gives you prompts like “The key to my heart is…” or “My ideal Sunday…” Answer a few to show off your sense of humor and personality.


πŸ”§ Set Preferences

Tell Facebook who you’re interested in:

  • Gender(s)

  • Age range

  • Max distance

Once you’re done, hit "Submit"—and boom! You’re officially in the dating pool.

Cool Features You Get After Enabling the Dating Icon

Once it’s on, Facebook Dating comes with some neat tools:


❤️ Secret Crush

Add up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers to your crush list. If they also add you, it’s a match!


🎯 Match by Interests

Facebook matches you based on your likes, groups, and events. It’s all about shared interests, not just selfies.


✈️ Second Look

This feature lets you revisit matches you passed on earlier. Perfect if you had a change of heart.


πŸ›‘️ Privacy First

Your Dating profile is totally separate from your main profile. None of your friends will see it unless they’re on Dating too.

Quick Troubleshooting Recap

Here’s a handy checklist to keep on hand:


Problem Solution

App is outdated Update from the app store

Using browser Switch to mobile app

Wrong language Change to English (US)

Location off Turn on location permissions

Underage account Update birthdate

New account Wait 30+ days

App glitch Clear cache or reinstall

Restricted account Check support inbox


Conclusion: Turning On the Facebook Dating Icon Is Easier Than You Think

Finding love shouldn’t be harder than finding the Dating icon, right? If you’ve been hunting for it with no luck, chances are it’s one small setting or step that’s keeping you from unlocking it. Whether it’s updating your app, tweaking your settings, or just waiting for availability in your region, the fix is usually simple.

Once the icon is visible, you're just minutes away from a whole new dating experience—one that’s free, easy, and right inside the app you already use every day.

So go ahead—unlock it, set up your profile, and let Facebook help you connect with someone special.



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