If you’ve been swiping your way through dating apps, you might be missing out on a hidden gem: Facebook Dating. Yep, the same app where you check in on your mum’s dog photos and argue over footy results now has a dating feature. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, its unique features, and why it could be the right match for you.
What is the Facebook Dating App?
The Facebook Dating App is a built-in feature available through Facebook. It lets you create a separate dating profile, connect with potential matches through shared interests, and even discover potential crush-worthy matches from your friend list. All this without broadcasting your love life to your entire friends list (no, your nosy family won’t see a thing).
How to Get Started with the Facebook Dating App
- Open the App: Log in to Facebook, tap on the menu icon then tap on the
Dating icon.
- Set Up Your Profile: Tap Get started to continue through the questions. Use info and photos from your Facebook profile, or upload new ones. Add details like hobbies and interests to show off your personality.
- Adjust Preferences: Choose your ideal age range, distance, and other preferences.
- Tap Confirm below Ready to review the details?
- Start Matching: Browse profiles, like photos, and send messages to strike up a chat.
Facebook Dating App Features
- Secret Crush: Got a crush on a Facebook or Instagram friend? Add them to your Secret Crush list. If they do the same, Facebook will match you up!
- Suggested Matches: Facebook uses your interests, groups, events, and profile details to recommend matches tailored to you.
- Integrated Stories: Share your Facebook or Instagram Stories on your Dating profile to give matches a glimpse of your daily life.
Who Can Use the Facebook Dating App
You’ll need to tick a few boxes to access Facebook Dating App:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a Facebook account that’s at least 30 days old and in good standing.
- Live in one of the 50+ countries where the Facebook Dating App is available.
Countries where Facebook Dating is available
As of January 2025, these are the countries eligible to use the Facebook Dating App; Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam.
Safety Tips When Using The Facebook Dating App.
Facebook Dating comes with some handy safety features, but here are extra tips to stay secure:
- • Keep Messages in the App: Chat in Facebook Dating until you’re sure about the person.
- • Meet Publicly: Always meet in a public place for your first date.
- • Stay Sober and Alert: Keep your wits about you when meeting someone new.
What is Match Anywhere for Facebook Dating?
The Match Anywhere feature on Facebook Dating allows you to explore potential matches beyond your main location. Currently, this feature is only available to select users and isn’t accessible for new Facebook Dating profiles.
With Match Anywhere, you can add up to two additional locations to your profile, letting others know you’re open to connecting in those areas. You also have the option to control whether people who include your primary location in their additional search areas can view and match with you. To adjust these settings, head over to your Match Anywhere preferences in Facebook Dating.
How Is the Facebook Dating App Different from the Normal Facebook App
Facebook Dating is designed to be separate from your main Facebook profile in several key ways:
- Your Dating profile is distinct from your Facebook profile, and it won’t be visible to your Facebook friends or anyone not using Facebook Dating. Activities on Dating, like matches or conversations, won’t appear in your Facebook Feed.
- Conversations within Facebook Dating are kept separate from Facebook Messenger.
- You can delete your Facebook Dating profile without affecting your main Facebook account. However, if you delete your Facebook account, your Dating profile will also be removed.
- If you match with someone and later become friends with them on Facebook, your Dating profile will still be visible to them within Facebook Dating.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook’s unmatched data points and world-class algorithms make their move into the world of dating a no-brainer. With the Facebook Dating App, they’re leveraging their expertise to help people connect. We’re excited to see this feature roll out further across Australia and other countries so we can dive in and give it a proper test run.
If you don’t have access to the Facebook Dating App just yet, don’t stress—check out our blog on the Top 12 Dating Apps for 2025 for some excellent alternatives to try in the meantime.
And if you’re based in Australia and ready to step away from apps altogether, why not check out a Sunday Singles event? These comedy-infused singles nights are the perfect mix of laughs and connections. Hosted by some of the country’s top comedians, Sunday Singles events are designed to keep things light, fun, and relaxed—no pressure, just good vibes and a chance to meet like-minded people in person.
Love is out there, whether you find it online or at one of our events—so why not give it a go?
