How to Activate Facebook Dating in 2025 (Step-by-Step for iOS & Android)
If you’re already on Facebook, you’re just a few taps away from dating. No new app. No swiping mess. Just a clean setup built into what you already use.
This guide breaks down exactly how to activate Facebook Dating in 2025 — whether you’re on iOS or Android — and how to get matches fast.
What Is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating is a feature inside the main Facebook app that lets you create a dating profile and connect with people based on interests, events, and mutual friends — without your main Facebook friends knowing.
Step 1: Make Sure Facebook Dating Is Available in Your Country
As of 2025, Facebook Dating is active in 50+ countries, including the US, Canada, UK, India, and most of Europe and South America.
If you don’t see it, your location might not be supported yet.
Step 2: Update the Facebook App
Go to your App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and make sure you have the latest version of Facebook installed. Facebook Dating won’t appear if your app is outdated.
Step 3: Open Facebook > Tap Menu > Find “Dating”
Tap the hamburger menu (☰) or the bottom-right menu icon. Scroll until you find “Dating” with a heart icon. It may be under “See More.”
If it’s missing, double-check:
- You’re over 18
- Your region supports Dating
- Your app is updated
Step 4: Create Your Facebook Dating Profile
Facebook will ask you to build a separate Dating profile — it doesn’t use your regular timeline or posts.
You’ll add:
- Photos (you can import from Facebook or upload)
- Prompts (e.g. "Two truths and a lie")
- Basic info like gender, height, religion, job, kids, etc.
Your Facebook friends won’t see your Dating profile — unless they also opted into Dating and get matched.
Mid-Article Boost: Want More Options?
Step 5: Set Preferences
Now choose:
- Age range
- Distance radius
- Gender(s) you're open to dating
- Height, education, kids, and more filters (optional)
You can also choose whether you want to match with friends of friends — or skip mutual connections.
Step 6: Use Features Like Secret Crush
Secret Crush lets you pick up to 9 of your existing Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’d be open to dating. If they add you too — you both get notified.
Step 7: Start Matching
How Is Facebook Dating Different?
No swiping = less pressure
Events & Groups matching = more organic connections
Instagram integration = more visual context
Free = no paid upgrades or boosts required
Common Issues (And Fixes)
- “Dating” not showing: Update app + check location
- Can’t edit profile: Clear Facebook app cache and restart
- Profile keeps resetting: Log out/in or uninstall and reinstall
Who Should Try Facebook Dating?
If you’re:
- Over dating apps with toxic swiping
- Already on Facebook often
- Interested in dating within your network (but discreetly)
Who Should Skip It?
- Gamified swiping (like Tinder or Bumble)
- Hyper-specific niche matching (like Feeld or HER)
- A completely separate dating identity