Online dating has become one of the most common ways adults meet new people, and Facebook Dating is one of the more overlooked options in a crowded field. If you already use Facebook, this Facebook Dating setup guide walks you through installation, profile creation, and privacy controls so you can get started in about ten minutes.
Unlike standalone apps, Facebook Dating lives inside the Facebook app you already have, which makes it a low-friction entry point for anyone curious about how to install Facebook Dating without downloading yet another app or creating another account from scratch.
Below, we’ll cover setup, safety settings, cost, and how it stacks up against other popular platforms — so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
What Is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating is a matchmaking feature built directly into the main Facebook app. It uses your existing Facebook profile, interests, and groups to suggest potential matches, but it operates as a separate, opt-in space — your dating activity is not visible on your regular Facebook timeline.
It launched in the U.S. in 2019 and has since expanded to most English-speaking markets, including the U.K., Canada, and Australia. According to Meta, the feature is available in more than 40 countries.
The core appeal is simple: no separate download, no new password, and a matching pool built from mutual interests, groups, and events rather than swiping alone.
Facebook Dating vs. Other Dating Apps: Quick Comparison
Before you commit your time to any platform, it helps to see how it compares. Here’s a general Facebook Dating vs. Tinder vs. Hinge breakdown based on publicly available features.
| Feature | Facebook Dating | Tinder | Hinge |
| Cost | Free | Free + paid tiers | Free + paid tiers |
| Requires separate app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Matches from groups/events | Yes | No | No |
| Secret Crush feature | Yes | No | No |
| Video chat built-in | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ad-based | No | Yes (in free tier) | Yes (in free tier) |
This table isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights why some users prefer Facebook Dating: it’s free, ad-light, and pulls from real-world overlap like shared events rather than a randomized swipe deck.
Step-by-Step: How to Install and Set Up Facebook Dating
Here’s the complete walkthrough, whether you’re on iOS, Android, or checking eligibility for the first time.
Step 1: Update the Facebook App
Facebook Dating is a feature inside the main Facebook app — there’s no separate app to download.
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
- Search “Facebook”
- Tap Update if an update is available, or Install if you don’t have Facebook yet
Step 2: Confirm You Meet the Requirements
Before setup, check the basics:
- You must be 18 or older
- You need an active Facebook account
- Facebook Dating must be available in your country (it is in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia)
Step 3: Open the Dating Tab
- Open the Facebook app
- Tap the hamburger menu (three lines) in the bottom right (mobile) or top right (some versions)
- Scroll to find Dating, marked with a heart icon
If you don’t see it immediately, tap “See More” to expand the full menu list.
Step 4: Create Your Dating Profile
Tap Get Started and follow the prompts:
- Choose photos (Facebook can suggest ones from your existing account, or you can upload new ones)
- Write a short bio
- Select your gender and who you’re interested in seeing
- Set your location radius and age preference range
Facebook Dating pulls some information from your main profile automatically, but you can edit or remove any of it before publishing.
Step 5: Adjust Your Privacy Settings
This is the step most people rush through — don’t. Before browsing matches, review:
- Visibility settings — control whether Facebook friends can see you on Dating (they can’t by default unless you opt in)
- Location sharing — set how precise your location shows to matches
- Blocked list — you can pre-block specific Facebook friends from ever appearing in your Dating pool
Step 6: Link Instagram (Optional)
You can connect your Instagram account to show your posts on your Dating profile. This is optional and can be turned off at any time in settings.
Step 7: Start Browsing
Once your profile is live, Facebook will begin surfacing suggested matches based on your preferences, mutual interests, and shared groups or events.
Key Facebook Dating Features Worth Knowing
Secret Crush
This lets you select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in. If they’ve also added you, you’ll both get a match notification. If not, no one is notified — it stays private.
Matches From Groups and Events
Facebook can suggest matches from groups you’ve joined or events you’ve RSVP’d to, assuming you’ve opted into this setting. This is one of the more distinctive features compared to swipe-only apps.
Video Chat
You can video chat with matches directly inside the Dating feature before deciding whether to exchange phone numbers or move to another platform.
Pros and Cons of Facebook Dating
Pros:
- Completely free, with no premium paywall for core features
- No separate app or new account required
- Matching based on real shared interests, not just proximity
- Robust blocking and privacy controls
- Available across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia
Cons:
- Requires an active Facebook account, which not everyone wants to maintain
- Smaller active user base in some regions compared to Tinder or Hinge
- Fewer advanced filtering options than niche or premium apps
- Some users report a slower match rate than dedicated dating apps
Is Facebook Dating Safe?
Facebook Dating includes several built-in protections:
- Profiles are visible only to non-friends by default (you control if friends can see you)
- You can report or block anyone directly from a conversation
- Meta uses automated systems to help flag suspicious behavior
That said, general online dating safety practices still apply, regardless of platform:
- Avoid sharing your home address or workplace early on
- Meet first dates in public places
- Trust your instincts if something feels off in a conversation
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or safety advice. Always use your own judgment and local resources when meeting new people online.
How Much Does Facebook Dating Cost?
Facebook Dating is entirely free. There are no premium tiers, subscription fees, or paid boosts as of this writing — a notable difference from apps like Tinder or Bumble, which reserve key features for paying users.
This makes it a reasonable starting point if you want to test the waters of online dating without financial commitment, especially compared to apps charging $10–$40 monthly for full functionality.
Facebook Dating Alternatives to Consider
If Facebook Dating doesn’t feel like the right fit, here are commonly compared alternatives:
- Hinge — designed for relationship-focused users, paid tiers unlock more filters
- Bumble — free with women messaging first by default, paid boosts available
- OkCupid — question-based matching, free and paid tiers
- Match — long-established platform geared toward serious relationships
Each has different strengths, so the “best” choice depends on what you’re looking for — casual connections, long-term relationships, or something in between.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating is a low-risk way to explore online dating, especially if you already use Facebook regularly. It’s free, integrates with your existing social graph, and gives you granular privacy controls most competitors don’t offer.
If you’re comparing options, it’s worth setting up a profile and testing it for a week or two before committing time to a paid app elsewhere. The setup takes minutes, and you can deactivate the feature at any time without affecting your main Facebook account.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Facebook Dating free to use? Yes, Facebook Dating is completely free, with no subscription tiers or paid boosts currently offered.
2. Do I need to download a separate app for Facebook Dating? No. Facebook Dating is built directly into the main Facebook app under the Dating menu option.
3. Can my Facebook friends see my dating profile? Not by default. Facebook Dating profiles are hidden from your friends list unless you specifically choose to make yourself visible to them.
4. What is the Secret Crush feature? Secret Crush lets you select up to nine friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in. You’re only notified if that person adds you back.
5. Is Facebook Dating available outside the United States? Yes, it’s available in more than 40 countries, including the U.K., Canada, and Australia.
6. Can I use Instagram with Facebook Dating? Yes, you can link your Instagram account to display your posts on your Dating profile, and you can unlink it anytime.
7. How is Facebook Dating different from Tinder? Facebook Dating uses your existing social connections, groups, and events for matching, while Tinder relies mainly on location-based swiping.
8. Can I delete my Facebook Dating profile without deleting Facebook? Yes, you can deactivate Dating separately from your main Facebook account at any time in settings.