If you have ever scrolled past the little heart icon in your Facebook menu and wondered what it does, you are not alone. Facebook dating is a free matchmaking feature built into the Facebook app, and it works quite differently from the main social network you already use. This guide explains what it is, how it works, who it suits and how to stay safe, in plain English and with a UK slant.
Features can change as Meta updates the product, so treat this as a guide to the general approach and check the app itself for the latest details.
What is Facebook Dating?
It is a separate space inside the Facebook app. It is not a different download. You opt in, build a dating profile, and then you are shown people who have also opted in. Your ordinary Facebook friends, family and colleagues do not see your dating profile, and you do not see theirs, unless you both choose to match.
It is aimed at adults only, and you need an existing Facebook account to use it. That is the first big difference from apps like Tinder or Hinge, where you start from scratch. If you want to compare it with a well-known rival, our guide to the Tinder application and how Tinder works in the UK is a useful companion read.
How does Facebook Dating work?
If you are asking how does Facebook Dating work in practice, the short version is this: you create a profile, tell the app what you are looking for, and it suggests people for you to like or pass on. When two people like each other, they match and can start chatting.
Setting up your dating profile
To get started, you open the Facebook app, find the Dating option in the menu, and follow the prompts. The app asks you to confirm a few basics and then lets you build a profile that is separate from your main one. You will usually be asked to:
- Confirm your age and location.
- Add photos, which can come from your Facebook account or your phone.
- Answer a few prompts about yourself so people get a sense of your personality.
- Choose who you would like to see, such as your preferred gender and age range.
Your dating profile is built around your first name and the details you choose to share. It is worth taking your time here, because a thoughtful profile makes a real difference to the kind of people who get in touch. Our tips on how to improve your dating profile apply just as well on Facebook as anywhere else.
Seeing suggestions and matching
Once your profile is live, Facebook shows you suggested people based on your preferences and the information you both share, such as interests, groups and events. You can like someone, pass on them, or take a look at their profile before deciding. If they like you back, you have a match.
Matching is only the start. Messaging on the platform is generally text-based and designed to keep things simple, so you can chat for a while before you ever swap numbers or other social accounts.
Starting a conversation
After you match, you can send a message. Many people find that a short, specific opener works better than a plain “hi”. Mention something from their profile, such as a place they love or a hobby, and ask a simple question. Keep it light and friendly, and do not worry if you do not get a reply every time. That is normal on every dating platform.
Key features worth knowing about
Facebook has added several features over time, and the exact set can differ by country and app version. These are the ones people most often talk about:
- Interests and shared groups. Suggestions can take into account things you have in common, such as groups and events you are interested in.
- Secret Crush. You can choose a number of your existing Facebook friends or Instagram followers as secret crushes. If one of them also adds you, you both get told. If they do not, nobody finds out.
- Events and groups. You can use shared events as a conversation starter, which can feel more natural than a cold opener.
- Video chat options. The feature has offered ways to chat face to face inside the app, which some people use before meeting in person.
- Instagram integration. You may be able to bring in content from Instagram to show more of your personality.
Because these tools get updated, retired and reintroduced, always check what is on offer in your own app rather than assuming every feature is available to you.
Is Facebook Dating free?
At the time of writing, the feature has generally been free to use, with no subscription needed to see who likes you or to send messages. That is a real selling point when many rival apps lock key features behind a paywall. However, pricing and features can change, so check the app for the current position instead of relying on any article, including this one.
Pros and cons of using Facebook Dating
What people like
- It sits inside an app you may already have, so there is nothing new to download.
- It is separate from your main profile, so your friends do not see your dating activity.
- Shared interests, groups and events give you easy things to talk about.
- Because it uses a real Facebook account, many people feel it is harder for obvious fake profiles to slip through, although it is never a guarantee.
What to watch out for
- You need a Facebook account, which not everyone wants any more.
- You may not feel comfortable with Meta holding more of your personal information, so read the privacy settings carefully.
- The pool of people in your area may be smaller than on the biggest dating apps, depending on where you live.
- Scammers and fake profiles exist on every platform, including this one.
Privacy and how your information is used
Many people worry about whether a dating feature inside a social network means everyone can see their love life. In general, the feature is designed so that your dating profile is kept apart from your normal one, and you can choose what to share. Even so, you should read the in-app privacy settings and Meta’s own explanations before you start.
It is sensible to think about what you put in your profile. Avoid sharing your home address, your workplace details or anything else that would make it easy for a stranger to find you in real life before you are ready.
Staying safe on Facebook Dating
No matter which app you use, a few simple habits protect you. Here are the main ones:
- Keep conversations inside the app until you have built up some trust.
- Be wary of anyone who asks for money, gift cards or financial help, however sad the story. That is a classic romance scam warning sign.
- Do a quick check that their photos and story match, for example by asking for a video chat.
- Tell a friend where you are going on a first date, and meet somewhere public.
- Use the block and report tools if anyone makes you uncomfortable.
We have a longer, practical rundown in our guide to online dating safety tips, which is worth a read before your first date from any app.
Who is Facebook Dating best for?
This feature tends to suit people who are already comfortable on Facebook and who like the idea of meeting someone through shared interests rather than looks alone. It can also suit people who want a low-pressure, no-cost way to try online dating without committing to a paid subscription.
It may be less suitable if you do not use Facebook regularly, if you are very private about your data, or if you are looking for a very large pool of singles in a small town. In that case, trying a couple of different services can help you find what fits.
Tips to get better results
- Use clear, recent photos. A friendly smile and a mix of close-ups and full-length shots work well.
- Be specific in your prompts. “I love Sunday walks along the Thames” beats “I like travelling”.
- Be honest about what you want. It saves everyone time.
- Be patient. Matches build up gradually, especially at the start.
- Move to a date at a sensible pace. A short phone or video chat can help you decide if it is worth meeting.
How to switch it off or delete your profile
If dating on Facebook turns out not to be for you, you can step away without any fuss. Within the Dating section of the app there are settings that let you pause your profile or delete it entirely. Doing so should not affect your main Facebook account. If you are unsure, look in the settings menu of the Dating area for the latest options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Facebook Dating a separate app?
No. It lives inside the main Facebook app, though your dating profile is kept separate from your regular Facebook profile.
Can my friends see that I am on it?
By design, your friends are not told that you have created a dating profile and cannot browse it. The Secret Crush feature only reveals a name if both people pick each other.
Do I have to pay?
It has generally been free to use, but features and pricing can change, so check the app for the current position.
Is it safe?
It can be, as long as you follow common-sense safety habits, protect your personal details and report anything suspicious. No dating service can promise total safety.
Where to go from here
Trying a new way to meet someone is a brave step, and there is no single right way to do it. If you would like friendly advice on dating, profiles or choosing the right approach, you are welcome to get in touch with our team, or have a browse around the rest of our Singles Warehouse home page for more help.
