Yes, Facebook Has a Built-In Dating Feature! Not everyone knows this, but Facebook includes a dating feature right inside its main app. You don’t have to download anything else or pay extra. It’s free and already there—if you know where to look.
Some people never find it because it doesn’t show up on their home screen. Others don’t realize it’s private and doesn’t link to their regular Facebook activity. But once you set it up, it works a lot like other dating apps—just without the swiping.
What Is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating lives inside the regular Facebook app. It’s designed to help people find dates or connections by using things they already do on Facebook—like joining groups or attending events. You don’t need to download anything new. It works straight from your phone, and your dating profile is kept separate from your main profile.
It shows matches based on your location, shared interests, hobbies, and even mutual friends or pages. You can build a dating profile just for this, and your Facebook friends won’t see it. There’s also a feature called Secret Crush, where you can select someone you already know from Facebook or Instagram. If they add you too, it becomes a match.
How to Activate Facebook Dating
Setting up Facebook Dating only takes a few taps.
- Open the Facebook app
- Tap the menu icon (three lines or your profile picture, depending on your device)
- Scroll down and tap Dating
- Tap Get Started
- Follow the on-screen steps to build your dating profile
You’ll fill in your info, choose photos, and set your match preferences. It’s separate from your main Facebook profile.
Where to Find Facebook Dating If You Don’t See It
Can’t find the Dating option? There could be a few reasons.
It’s only available in certain countries. If it’s not rolled out where you live, it won’t appear. You also need to be at least 18 years old and using the latest version of the Facebook app.
Try updating your app. If that doesn’t work and you’re sure it’s supported in your area, you may have previously paused or deleted your profile. In that case, you’ll need to reactivate it through Settings.
How to Create and Customize Your Dating Profile
Once you’ve tapped “Get Started,” Facebook will guide you through setting up your dating profile. This profile is totally separate from your main account. You choose what to share and who can see it.
You can add:
- Photos (from your phone or Facebook)
- A short bio
- Your job, education, height, and other optional details
- Interests and lifestyle tags
- Preferences for who you want to match with (age range, distance, gender)
Use real, clear photos. Keep your bio short but honest. This is what people will see first.
How Matching Works on Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating doesn’t use swipes like Tinder. Instead, you browse profiles, and you can “like” or “pass.” If the other person likes you back, it’s a match.
You’ll also get match suggestions based on:
- Common interests
- Groups and pages you follow
- Events you’ve attended or said you’re going to
- Location and distance preferences
There’s also a “Secret Crush” feature. You can add up to nine of your Facebook or Instagram friends. If they also add you as a crush, you’ll match. If not, they won’t know you added them.
Can Your Friends See Your Dating Profile?
No, they can’t.
Your dating profile is kept private from your Facebook friends. It doesn’t show up on your feed, and you don’t have to worry about friends seeing your likes or messages in Dating.
You can also block people if you don’t want them to find you through Facebook Dating.
How Chat Works in Facebook Dating
When you and someone else both like each other’s profiles, it creates a match. That unlocks a private chat area inside the Facebook Dating section. This chat is not connected to your regular Messenger inbox, so anything you say there stays inside Dating only. It’s built to keep things simple and focused on just your matches.
In the beginning, you can’t send pictures, links, or videos—just plain text. That helps keep things safe and respectful. If the conversation doesn’t feel right, you can block or report the person right from the chat screen. Messages should be short, clear, and kind. It’s not a place for spam or games, and Facebook has tools in place to deal with anyone crossing the line.
How to Pause or Delete Facebook Dating
If you want a break from dating or change your mind, it’s easy to pause or delete your Dating profile.
- Open Facebook
- Go to the Dating section
- Tap the Settings gear
- Choose either Pause profile (keeps your data but hides you) or Delete profile (removes everything)
This doesn’t delete your main Facebook account — just the Dating part.
Conclusion: Facebook Dating Is Free, Easy, and Worth a Try
If you already use Facebook, there’s no harm in trying its built-in dating feature. It’s private, separate from your main profile, and doesn’t cost anything to use.
You’re in full control. Set it up, match when you’re ready, pause if you want, or delete it anytime. If you’re curious about meeting people without downloading another app, this might be the smoothest way to start.
Got questions or already tried it? Share your experience with someone else who’s wondering the same. You might help them start their own story.