How to Get the Facebook Dating App Up and Running for New and Existing Accounts

There’s something terrifyingly beautiful about starting over—especially when it comes to love.

You’ve carried your heart through breakups, maybe through divorce. Maybe you’ve raised kids, buried dreams, held onto pieces of yourself no one ever got to see. And now, in the quiet in-between of errands and evenings, you’re curious again.

You wonder if someone’s out there, brushing their teeth or sipping coffee right now, thinking about the same thing.

And if they are—where do you find them?

Facebook Dating whispers, right here.

You don’t need to leap into a strange world of apps with neon hearts and awkward bios. You can start where you already are—on the platform that’s held your memories for over a decade.

But here’s the thing: Facebook doesn’t automatically turn this feature on. You have to open the door yourself.

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned Facebook user, here’s a gentle but detailed guide on how to get the Facebook Dating app running—step by step.

What Is Facebook Dating?

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why.

Facebook Dating is a feature—not a separate app—built inside the main Facebook mobile app. It’s designed for people looking for meaningful relationships, not just casual swiping. It’s subtle, private, and easy to use.

You won’t see matches from your friends list unless you choose to.

You won’t get ads or paywalls blocking your view.

You get a fresh profile just for dating, curated based on your interests, groups, events, and preferences.

Now, let’s set you up.

Step-by-Step Guide: For New Facebook Users

Step 1: Download and Install Facebook

If you’re new to Facebook or haven’t used it in a while, start by downloading the official Facebook app on your smartphone. It must be the mobile app — not the web browser or the Facebook Lite version.

Go to your:

• Google Play Store (for Android) or
• App Store (for iPhone),

Search for “Facebook”, and download the app created by Meta Platforms.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Once the app is installed:

• Tap “Create New Facebook Account”.
• Enter your name, date of birth, phone number or email, and create a secure password.
• Upload a profile photo.
• Confirm your phone number or email with the code Facebook sends you.

You now have a Facebook account—but dating won’t just pop up. Let’s get to it.

Step 3: Navigate to Facebook Dating

Open your Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right (on iPhone) or top right (on Android). This opens the menu.

Scroll down until you see “Dating” — marked with a small heart icon.

If you don’t see it:

• Make sure your app is fully updated.
• You must be 18 years or older and live in a country where Facebook Dating is available (including the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe).

Tap “Dating” and Facebook will walk you through setting up your dating profile.

Step-by-Step Guide: For Existing Facebook Users

Maybe you’ve had your Facebook account for 5, 10, even 15 years.

You’ve shared vacations and graduations. You’ve joined book clubs, streamed live videos, and reacted to 3,000 baby photos.

Now it’s time for something personal—your heart.

Step 1: Update Your App

Facebook Dating only works inside the most updated version of the app.

• Go to your App Store or Google Play Store.
• Search “Facebook.”
• If an “Update” button appears, tap it.

Once your app is fresh, you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Locate the Dating Feature

• Open your app.
• Tap the menu icon (three lines).
• Scroll until you find “Dating.”

Still don’t see it?

• Tap “See More.”
• If it still doesn’t appear, go to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Shortcuts, and search for Dating.

If it’s still missing, you might not be in a supported region, or your account needs to be at least 30 days old.

Step 3: Create Your Dating Profile

Your Facebook profile stays separate. No one on your main feed will know you’ve joined Dating unless you tell them.

When prompted:

• Add photos — you can use ones from your existing albums or take new ones.
• Write short bio answers to suggested prompts.
• Set preferences like:
  • Gender identity
  • Distance range
  • Relationship goals
  • Religion, height, kids, education, and more

Be thoughtful. Don’t treat this like a form. Think of it like a letter to someone you haven’t met yet, but hope to.

Step 4: Explore Your Matches

Once your profile is live, you’ll start seeing people who match your preferences.

You can:

• Like someone by tapping the heart
• Pass with the “X”
• Comment directly on a part of their profile (a much warmer way to start a conversation)

Facebook Dating isn’t swipe-based like Tinder. It encourages connection over clicks.

Special Features You Should Know

Secret Crush

You can add up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re secretly interested in.

If they add you back to their list — Facebook tells both of you.

If not, they’ll never know.

It’s discreet, charming, and has sparked real love stories from quiet crushes.

Second Look

Ever wish you hadn’t passed on someone?

The Second Look feature lets you go back and revisit profiles you skipped. No other app is this generous with second chances.

Events & Groups Integration

If you’re in groups like “Atlanta Book Lovers” or RSVP’d to “Chicago Jazz Festival,” Facebook can match you with singles who share those interests.

That’s not just a date — that’s common ground.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Don’t see the Dating feature?
  • Update your app.
  • Make sure you’re 18+ and in an eligible country.
  • Your account must be in good standing and active for at least 30 days.
• Dating crashed or froze?
  • Force close the app and reopen it.
  • Restart your phone.
  • Clear the cache via app settings.
• No matches?
  • Expand your location radius.
  • Revisit your preferences.
  • Add more photos and fill out more of your bio.

Safety First

Facebook Dating has tools to keep you safe:

• You can block and report anyone.
• You don’t need to share your last name, contact info, or exact location.
• Video chat is built into the platform so you can have a face-to-face before meeting in person.

Always meet in public, tell a friend where you’re going, and trust your intuition.

Final Thoughts: When the Heart Comes Home

There’s a particular kind of hope that Facebook Dating offers—it’s quiet.

It doesn’t come with glitter or grand gestures.

It feels more like a porch light left on.

A sense that, even here, even now, love is possible.

And maybe—just maybe—it’s been sitting right beside your profile all along, waiting for you to click that heart icon and begin.

So update the app. Open the menu. And give your heart one more place to grow.

You never know who might be waiting just a scroll away.