So, you’ve heard about Facebook Dating, and you’re finally ready to give it a try—maybe on your shiny new phone or tablet.
First of all, congrats! Whether you’re hoping to find a lifelong partner or just someone who gets you, this could be the start of something real.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through how to set it up, use it effectively, and boost your chances of finding true love—right from your new device.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Facebook Dating on a New Device
Got your new phone in hand? Great. Let’s walk through the setup.
Step 1: Download or Update the Facebook App
First things first—make sure your Facebook app is installed and updated to the latest version. Facebook Dating only works inside the Facebook mobile app, not the desktop version.
Head to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and get that sorted.
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
Open the app and log into your Facebook account. If you’re using a brand-new phone, make sure you’ve entered the correct login info.
If you don’t have an account yet, create one—it only takes a few minutes.
Step 3: Navigate to the Dating Section
Here’s how to find the Dating feature:
- Tap the menu (three horizontal lines in the bottom right on iOS or top right on Android).
- Scroll down and tap “Dating.”
If you don’t see it, tap “See More” or use the search bar inside the app and type “Dating.” It should pop up.
Step 4: Create Your Dating Profile
This is where the fun begins. Facebook will pull basic info (like your name and age) from your main profile, but you get to customise the rest.
Fill out:
- Your bio—short, clear, and honest—is the way to go.
- Photos—Choose at least 3, preferably more. Make sure they’re clear, recent, and show your personality.
- Your preferences— Set your desired age range, distance, and gender preferences.
- Answer fun prompts like “The way to win me over is…” or “On a Sunday, you’ll find me…”
Take your time here. The more effort you put into this part, the better your matches will be.
What to Expect on Your First Use
Once your profile is live, the app will start showing you suggested matches based on:
- Your location (you can set a specific range).
- Your preferences (age, gender, etc.).
- Common interests and Facebook activity.
- Friends of friends and shared groups (only if you both opt in).
Instead of swiping left or right like other apps, you can “like” someone or comment on something specific in their profile.
If they like you back, it’s a match—and you can start chatting right away.
Using Facebook Dating Features to Your Advantage
Facebook Dating has a few cool tools to help you stand out and find people you genuinely connect with. Let’s break them down.
1. Secret Crush
Want to shoot your shot with a Facebook or Instagram friend without the awkwardness? Secret Crush lets you pick up to nine friends you’re into. If one of them adds you back as a crush, you both get notified.
2. Events and Groups
You can choose to see people who are attending the same events or are part of the same groups as you. This means you can meet people with real-life shared interests.
3. Audio and Video Chats
After matching, you can start a video or audio call right within the chat. It’s a great way to feel out someone’s vibe before committing to a real date.
4. Second Look
Changed your mind about someone you passed on? This feature lets you go back and see people you previously skipped.
Dos and Don’ts for First-Time Users
Let’s talk about the rules of the road. A new phone doesn’t mean you can’t still make rookie mistakes.
Do:
- Be authentic. Share who you really are—not who you think they want you to be.
- Respond with thought. Don’t just say “Hey.” Ask something about their profile.
- Use current photos. No filters. No five-year-old pics.
- Stay active. Check the app regularly and reply to messages promptly.
- Set clear preferences. Be honest about distance and relationship goals.
Don’t:
- Don’t overshare too soon. Keep personal details private until you trust the person.
- Don’t ghost. If you’re not interested, just say so.
- Don’t expect instant results. Great matches take time.
- Don’t copy-paste pickup lines. Just be you.
Starting the Conversation: Message Like a Human
Once you match with someone, it’s tempting to say something generic. Don’t.
Instead, read their profile and mention something specific:
- “You said you love food trucks—do you have a favourite around here?”
- “Your dog is adorable. What’s his name?”
- “You’ve hiked Kilimanjaro? I need to hear that story!”
Starting with genuine interest makes you stand out. Most people appreciate a message that shows you actually read their profile.
Meeting in Person: Keep It Real and Safe
Once you’ve chatted for a while and the vibe feels right, it’s time to meet. Here’s how to keep it smooth and safe.
Tips for your first meetup:
- Choose a public place like a cafe or park.
- Keep it casual and short—a coffee date or lunch is perfect.
- Let a friend know where you’re going.
- Go with your own transport (don’t rely on them).
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave.
Remember, the goal of the first date isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. Keep it simple and see if the chemistry is there.
Using Facebook Dating Across Devices
Since you’re starting fresh on a new device, keep this in mind:
- Your Facebook Dating profile is connected to your Facebook account, not your device. So switching phones doesn’t erase anything.
- Just log in using the same account, and all your matches, chats, and settings will be there.
- If you switch to a new number or email, update your Facebook login settings to avoid issues later on.
Troubleshooting Common Issues on a New Device
Sometimes, starting on a new phone doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. Here are common hiccups and how to fix them.
Problem: Can’t Find the Dating Option
Solution: Make sure your app is updated. Also, Facebook Dating may not be available in your country or age group (you must be 18+).
Problem: App Crashing or Not Loading Properly
Solution: Clear the cache or reinstall the app. Also, check your internet connection.
Problem: Dating Profile Isn’t Showing
Solution: Log out, restart the app, and try again. If it’s still not working, report the issue via the Facebook Help Centre.
Why Facebook Dating Can Help You Find True Love
It’s easy to get cynical about dating apps, especially if you’ve been ghosted, catfished, or just plain disappointed. But Facebook Dating offers something fresh.
Here’s what makes it worth trying:
- People are more real. Since it’s tied to real Facebook accounts, it’s harder for scammers to fake.
- You’re matched on more than looks. Interests, mutual friends, and shared groups help build deeper connections.
- It’s not built for endless swiping. It’s designed to encourage thoughtful matches and real conversations.
- No pressure to pay. All features are available for free.
True love might not come overnight, but with the right mindset and a bit of patience, Facebook Dating could lead you to something real—and maybe even lasting.
Conclusion
Starting fresh on a new device doesn’t mean starting over. In fact, it might just be the perfect chance to jump into Facebook Dating with a clear mindset and a real goal—finding love.
So go ahead—open that app, explore your matches, send a message that sounds like you, and get ready for a journey that could lead to your perfect match.
True love could be one click—or one heartfelt message—away.