How to Turn On the Dating Icon on Facebook

Looking to dip your toes into the dating world without downloading yet another app? Facebook’s got you covered. With Facebook Dating, you don’t need to leave the platform you already use daily. But if you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either never seen the Dating icon or don’t know how to get started. Don’t worry—we’re breaking everything down step-by-step in a way that’s easy to follow.

What is Facebook Dating, and Why Should You Care?

Before we jump into how to turn on the dating icon, let’s quickly talk about what Facebook Dating actually is.

Facebook Dating is a feature within the Facebook mobile app that lets users create a separate dating profile to match with others. It’s free (no hidden fees like many other dating apps), integrated with your existing Facebook account (but separate in terms of visibility), and aims to help people find more meaningful relationships rather than casual hookups.

Some standout features:

Secret Crush: You can select up to 9 of your Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in. If they add you too, it’s a match.
Events & Groups Integration: You can meet people who share your interests by opting to see matches from events you’ve RSVP’d to or groups you’re in.
No Swiping: Unlike Tinder, you don’t swipe left or right. You scroll through profiles and like specific parts—like a photo or an answer to a question.

Step-by-Step: How to Turn On the Dating Icon on Facebook

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before anything else, let’s make sure you’re even eligible to use Facebook Dating.

You must be 18 or older.
Your Facebook account needs to be at least 30 days old (this is to prevent spam).
You must be using the mobile app—there is no desktop version of Facebook Dating.
It must be available in your country. As of now, it’s rolled out in over 50 countries including the U.S., Canada, UK, and much of Europe and Latin America.

If you meet all these criteria, let’s move on.

Step 2: Update the Facebook App

If the Dating icon doesn’t show up, your app might be outdated.

iPhone Users: Go to the App Store → Tap on your profile icon → Scroll to Facebook → Tap “Update” if it appears.
Android Users: Head to Google Play Store → Tap the hamburger menu → My apps & games → Update Facebook.

Still nothing? Restart your phone after updating. Sometimes the Dating icon needs a little nudge to show up.

Step 3: Find the Dating Section

Now let’s actually try to access Facebook Dating.

Open the Facebook app.
Tap on the three horizontal lines (also called the “hamburger menu”)—top right for Android, bottom right for iPhone.
Scroll until you see “Dating.” If you don’t see it right away:
- Use the search bar at the top of the menu. Just type “Dating” and it should pop up.
- If it still doesn’t show up, Facebook Dating might not be available in your region yet.

Once you find it, tap it. This is where the real fun begins.

How to Set Up Your Facebook Dating Profile

This part is pretty painless, especially since Facebook can auto-fill a lot of it for you (but don’t just leave it all default—trust me, effort shows).

Basic Setup

Photos: You can upload up to 9. Choose a mix—maybe one headshot, one full-body, one doing something you enjoy (hiking, baking, whatever).
Intro Bio: Keep it casual and honest. Something like: “I’m a coffee-loving night owl who binge-watches true crime documentaries and sings terribly in the car.”
Demographics & Preferences: You’ll be asked to specify your gender, the gender(s) you’re interested in, age range, max distance, etc.

Prompts

Facebook Dating uses prompts to help people get to know you. Some examples include:

“The way to win me over is…”
“My ideal weekend includes…”
“A life goal of mine is…”

Pick a few and answer them thoughtfully. These give people a peek into your personality, and it’s what sets you apart from the sea of selfies.

Privacy: Is Facebook Dating Safe?

This is a fair concern, especially since Facebook hasn’t always had the best reputation for privacy. But they’ve made some solid efforts here.

Here’s how they keep your Dating activity separate:

No one on your main Facebook profile will know you’re using Dating.
Your dating profile is not visible to your friends, unless you both add each other as a “Secret Crush.”
Messaging is separate from Messenger. It happens inside the Dating section.
You can block people in Dating even if you’re friends on Facebook.
And yes—you can report or unmatch anyone at any time.

Tips to Make the Most of Facebook Dating

Let’s be honest: anyone can set up a dating profile, but not everyone puts in the effort to make it work. Here are some pro tips to actually get matches and meaningful conversations.

1. Use Recent, Quality Photos

Skip the filtered selfies or 2014 vacation pics. Use recent shots that represent you well. Natural light and a real smile go a long way.

2. Fill Out Your Prompts

You might be tempted to leave your profile minimal, but that’s a mistake. People are more likely to match with you if they can get a glimpse of your vibe.

3. Like with Intent

Unlike swipe-based apps, Facebook Dating lets you “like” a specific piece of someone’s profile—like their answer to a question or a particular photo. Use that. Comment when you like something. It’s way more effective than just “liking” and hoping for the best.

4. Be Respectful (It Actually Stands Out)

Generic openers like “hey” or “hi there” are easy to ignore. Mention something from their profile. Ask a question. Show that you read what they wrote.

Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)

“I Don’t See the Dating Icon”

Try these steps:

Update the app.
Search “Dating” using the menu search bar.
Make sure your account is eligible.
Restart the app and your phone.

“It Says Dating Isn’t Available”

Facebook Dating isn’t everywhere yet. If you’re traveling or living in a country where it hasn’t launched, you won’t see it.

“My Friends Can See My Dating Profile?”

Nope. Facebook Dating is designed to be discreet. Your Facebook friends can’t see your dating profile—unless you both use the Secret Crush feature and match with each other.

If you’re already active on Facebook and not a fan of swiping endlessly, it’s worth a try.

Conclusion

Turning on the Dating icon on Facebook is super simple—as long as you meet the basic requirements and are using the mobile app. Once you’ve activated it, the setup process is straightforward, and you’re in control of what you share, who sees it, and how you engage.

Whether you’re just curious or genuinely ready to meet someone, Facebook Dating offers a built-in, low-effort way to connect with people you might never have encountered otherwise. And who knows? You might just find something real right where you least expected it—on the app you already scroll daily.

So, ready to give it a shot? Go update your app, find that Dating icon, and start exploring. Just be yourself—and maybe don’t open with “wyd.”

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