Looking to meet someone who actually lives nearby? Tired of matching with people miles away or in different cities altogether? Then it’s time you gave Facebook Dating a try—specifically its “dating near me” feature.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to set up your FB Dating profile the right way—so the app works for you, not against you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Facebook Dating Profile
Ready to find singles in your area? Great. Here’s how to get started from scratch.
Step 1: Open the Facebook App on Your Phone
Facebook Dating only works inside the Facebook mobile app—not on desktop. So first, download or update your Facebook app to the latest version.
- For Android users: Go to the Google Play Store.
- For iPhone users: Head to the App Store.
Once updated, open the app and log in to your Facebook account.
Step 2: Access the Facebook Dating Feature
Here’s how to find it:
- Tap the Menu (three horizontal lines at the bottom right on iPhone or top right on Android).
- Scroll down and tap “Dating.”
- If you don’t see it, type “Dating” into the search bar and tap the icon that appears.
This will take you to the Facebook Dating start screen. Tap “Get Started” to begin building your profile.
Step 3: Build Your Dating Profile
Now, the fun part begins. Facebook will import your name, age, and location from your regular profile, but you can customise everything else.
Here’s what you need to fill out:
1. Photos
- Upload at least 4 to 6 good pictures.
- Use clear, recent photos.
- Include one smiling headshot, one full-body picture, and a few showing your hobbies or lifestyle.
- Skip the overly filtered selfies or old group pics.
2. Bio
- Keep it short, honest, and upbeat.
- Write 2–3 sentences that show your personality.
- Example:
“Dog lover. Weekend hiker. Coffee snob. Looking for someone local to share morning walks and pizza nights.”
3. Dating Preferences
This is where you tell Facebook exactly what you want:
- Preferred distance—e.g., 5 miles, 10 miles, 25 miles, etc.
- Age range—Pick a realistic window for your dating comfort.
- Gender preferences—Choose who you’re interested in dating.
Make sure to enable location permissions so Facebook can suggest singles near you.
Step 4: Answer Profile Prompts
Facebook Dating offers fun and unique prompts to help your profile stand out. Use them!
Here are a few examples:
- “The way to win me over is…”
- “A perfect Sunday for me is…”
- “One thing I never travel without is…”
These prompts are great conversation starters. Keep your answers natural and light-hearted.
Step 5: Set Location and Privacy Settings
To meet people nearby, Facebook needs to access your real-time location. Make sure you:
- Turn on location services for the Facebook app on your phone.
- Adjust your distance filter—we recommend starting with 10–15 miles.
This helps the app focus on truly local matches—people you could realistically meet for coffee this week.
As for privacy:
- Your Facebook friends won’t see your dating profile (unless they also have one and you match).
- Your dating activity stays completely separate from your main Facebook feed.
Step 6: Explore Matches “Near Me”
Once your profile is set up, Facebook starts showing you potential matches based on your settings.
These people will:
- Be located within your set distance.
- Share similar interests, events, or groups.
- Have filled out their profile (you’ll notice if they’re serious or not).
You can:
- Tap the heart icon to like someone.
- Leave a comment on something in their profile (this gets more attention).
- Swipe X to pass.
If someone likes you back—boom! It’s a match, and you can start chatting right away.
Smart Tips to Attract Local Matches
Now that you’re all set up, how do you make sure your profile actually gets noticed by singles in your area?
1. Mention Your City or Neighbourhood
A simple line like “From Victoria Island, love long walks by the beach” creates an instant local connection.
2. Use High-Quality Photos in Familiar Spots
Pictures taken in local parks, cafes, or landmarks spark conversation.
3. Talk About Local Favourites
Mention favourite restaurants, hangout spots, or events.
Example: “Catch me at the Sunday market near 5th Avenue every week without fail.”
4. Be Active
Open the app regularly. Facebook prioritises active users when showing profiles to others.
5. Update Your Profile Monthly
Even small updates, like a new photo or fresh bio line, signal to the app (and users) that you’re serious.
The Secret Crush Feature: A Local Twist
Facebook Dating also lets you add people from your friends list or Instagram followers to a “Secret Crush” list.
If they also add you, both of you are notified. If not, your crush remains private.
This is perfect for crushing on someone from your gym, local church, or Facebook group—without the risk of awkwardness.
How Facebook Dating Connects You Through Events and Groups
This is where “Facebook Dating Near Me” gets super smart.
You can opt in to match with:
- People attending the same events (like a food fest or fitness class)
- Members of the same local Facebook groups (like “Abuja Singles,” “Houston Dog Owners,” or “New York Runners Club”)
This creates more meaningful matches—because you already have something in common. And, let’s be honest, it’s easier to bond over a shared event than a random profile picture.
Conclusion
Finding love doesn’t have to mean downloading a dozen apps or swiping for hours. With Facebook Dating, especially the “near me” feature, you can meet singles in your area who share your interests, lifestyle, and maybe even your favourite weekend hangouts.
So grab your phone, open the Facebook app, and start building that profile. Your next great conversation, coffee date, or even long-term partner might be closer than you think.
Love is local. And it could start with just one like.