If you’ve been scrolling through your Facebook app and wondering why everyone seems to have the Facebook Dating icon except you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find or activate the Dating feature, even when they’re fully eligible. The good news? Turning on the Dating icon is actually simple once you know where to look and what steps to follow.
In this easy, conversational, SEO-optimized guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to turn on the Dating icon on Facebook, why it might not be showing for you, and how to fix common issues so you can start meeting singles near you right away.
Let’s dive in!
What Is the Facebook Dating Icon?
The Facebook Dating icon is the shortcut inside your Facebook app that takes you directly to the Dating feature. It usually looks like a heart-shaped logo and appears under your Facebook menu.
This icon is your key to:
Creating a separate dating profile
Matching with singles near you
Messaging people you’re interested in
Using features like Secret Crush, group-based matches, and events
But before any of this can happen, the icon needs to appear.
Step-by-Step: How to Turn On the Dating Icon
Let’s go through the exact steps to activate Facebook Dating and make the icon appear on your app.
Step 1: Update Your Facebook App
This is the number one reason most people don’t see the Dating icon.
Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone).
Search Facebook.
Tap Update.
Facebook Dating is only available in the latest versions of the app. Missing updates = missing features.
Step 2: Log In to Your Main Facebook Account
Facebook Dating works only when you're logged in with your personal account—not a page or business account.
Make sure your:
The name is real.
Age is correct.
The account is at least 18 years old.
If your age on Facebook is set below 18, the Dating icon will never show.
Step 3: Go to the Facebook Menu
Once your app is updated:
Open Facebook.
Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iPhone).
Scroll down the options.
You should now see “Dating” with a heart icon.
If it’s not there—don’t panic yet.
Step 4: Activate Dating by Tapping the Icon
If you see the Dating icon:
Tap Dating
Create your dating profile.
Upload your photos.
Set your preferences (age, distance, interests).
Your Dating icon will automatically stay active once you complete the setup.
Why You Might Not See the Dating Icon
If the Facebook Dating icon is still missing, here are the most common reasons—and how to fix them.
1. Facebook Dating Is Not Available in Your Country
Facebook Dating is available in many countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
If your country isn’t supported yet, the icon will not appear.
Fix:
Use a stable location (not a VPN), and make sure Facebook recognizes your region.
2. Your App Is Outdated
If your Facebook app is older than a few months, the Dating feature may not load.
Fix:
Update the app or reinstall it.
3. You're Using Facebook Lite
Facebook Dating does NOT work on:
Facebook Lite
Mobile Browsers
Desktop browsers
It only works on the main Facebook app.
Fix:
Delete Facebook Lite.
Install the standard Facebook app.
4. Your Account Violates Facebook Policies
If your account has:
Fake name
Underage profile
Multiple identity issues
Restrictions or bans
Facebook may block Dating from your profile.
Fix:
Update your account info or appeal restrictions.
5. Location Services Are Off
Facebook needs your location to suggest nearby matches. If location is disabled, the Dating icon may disappear.
Fix:
Turn on your phone’s GPS:
Settings > Apps > Facebook > Permissions > Location > Allow
6. You Haven't Scrolled Far Enough
Sounds funny, but it's true—some people just don’t scroll down far enough in the menu.
The Dating icon may be below:
Marketplace
Feeds
Groups
Memories
Friends
Keep scrolling until the end of the list.
7. Facebook Is Glitching
Sometimes the app simply bugs out.
Fix options:
Log out and back in.
Clear the cache (Android).
Restart your phone.
Reinstall the app.
These steps refresh your account and often make the icon appear instantly.
How to Reinstall Facebook to Make the Dating Icon Appear
This reset trick works for many users:
Uninstall Facebook.
Restart your phone.
Reinstall Facebook from the Play Store/App Store.
Log in and check the menu again.
This method reloads all missing features, including Dating.
How to Create a Facebook Dating Profile Once the Icon Appears
After activating the icon, you can finally set up your dating profile.
1. Add at least 2–3 clear photos.
Choose:
A smiling close-up
A full-body photo
A lifestyle photo (travel, hobbies, pets)
2. Write a short, real bio.
Avoid boring, generic lines like “I like fun.”
Instead, be specific:
"I love outdoor walks, cooking spicy food, and discovering new music. Looking for someone genuine and kind."
3. Set your dating preferences.
Choose:
Preferred gender
Age range
Distance range (5–100 km)
4. Add interests and hobbies.
This helps the algorithm match you with people near you who like the same things.
5. Start exploring matches.
Once your profile is set, Facebook Dating connects you to singles near you automatically.
Extra Tips to Make Facebook Dating Work Better
1. Turn On Your Notifications
Dating messages won’t appear in Messenger.
They stay inside the Dating inbox—so enable notifications to avoid missing chats.
2. Connect Instagram (optional)
This lets people see more sides of your life.
3. Join Facebook Groups
The more active you are, the better your match suggestions become.
4. Use Secret Crush
This lets you select up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in.
If they add you too, you get matched instantly.
5. Keep Your Main Facebook Profile Clean
Suspicious or inappropriate posts may limit dating access.
How to Know If the Dating Icon Is Fully Activated
Once successfully turned on, you will see:
✔ A heart iconin your Facebook menu
✔ A welcome message saying “Create Your Dating Profile”
✔ Match suggestions after setup
✔ A dating inbox separate from Messenger
If you see all these, you’re good to go.
Troubleshooting: Why the Icon Still Won’t Show
If you’ve tried everything and the icon is still missing:
1. Check your age.
You must be 18 or older.
2. Switch to a different device.
Try logging in on:
Another phone
Another tablet
Sometimes the problem is device-specific.
3. Change language settings
Set Facebook to English (US) temporarily.
4. Contact Facebook Support
Go to Help & Support > Report a Problem.
Describe the issue, and Facebook may restore missing features.
Conclusion
Turning on the Dating icon on Facebook can feel confusing at first, but once you follow the right steps, the process becomes simple. Most of the time, the icon is missing due to an outdated app, using Facebook Lite, or disabled location services. With the solutions in this guide—updating the app, reinstalling it, enabling GPS, and logging in correctly—you can easily activate Facebook Dating and start connecting with singles near you.
Once the icon is active, you can create a profile, match with people in your area, and discover new connections right from your Facebook app. Love might be only a tap away, and Facebook Dating gives you the chance to explore genuine relationships without any extra apps or subscriptions.
So go ahead—turn on the Dating icon, set up your profile, and step into a world of exciting possibilities. Your next conversation could be the beginning of something truly beautiful.
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