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Facebook Dating Not Showing Up or Not Working? Reasons and Fixes

Facebook Dating lives in the Facebook app for iPhone and Android. When it’s missing, the cause is usually one of three things: your account doesn’t meet Meta’s rules yet (age, account age or country), Meta has restricted Dating for your account, or the app itself needs attention. This guide covers each, including the full list of countries where Meta says Dating is available.

Reviewed 13 min read 7 fixes Dating

Quick answer

Meta says Dating is available from the Facebook app for Android or iPhone, and you must be at least 18, have a Facebook account in good standing that’s at least 30 days old, and live in a country where Dating is available (the list is below — the US, UK and Canada are included; Australia is not on Meta’s list). If you meet those rules, update the app and look for Dating in the menu (it may be under See more). If you deleted your Dating profile, you can’t make a new one for 7 days. Never use a VPN or change your age to get around the rules.

Something else going on?

Does this match what you see?

  • You can’t find Dating anywhere in the Facebook app menu or shortcuts.
  • Dating used to be there and has disappeared after an update.
  • You see a message that Dating is not available in your area or a location mismatch notice.
  • Dating asks you to confirm your age with a video selfie or ID.
  • Your Dating profile won’t create, or you see a message that you’ve created too many profiles and should try later.
  • Dating opens but matches, likes or messages don’t load.

iPhone & iPadAndroid

Meta describes Dating as a space within the Facebook app. Menu names and where Dating appears change between app versions and countries, so look for the closest match if a label differs.

How to turn on Facebook Dating (step by step)

Dating is opt-in: it doesn’t appear in your normal Facebook profile, and you set up a separate Dating profile. If you’ve never used it, here’s the general process:

  1. Update the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android phone.
  2. Open ☰ Menu (top left of the Home screen on iPhone, top right on Android) and tap See more > Dating.
  3. Tap Get started (or similar) and follow the steps to create your Dating profile. You choose what to share.
  4. Allow location access when asked, so Dating can suggest people near you.
  5. Set your preferences and start browsing.

No matches, or your Dating profile was removed?

  • No matches showing: check your Dating preferences (age range and distance) and that location is on. Narrow settings can leave few or no suggestions.
  • Dating profile removed or restricted: look for a notice in the app and follow any review option it offers. Don’t create a new Dating profile to get around it.
  • Dating notifications missing: check that notifications are allowed for Facebook on your phone — see Facebook notifications not working.

Why this happens: the possible causes

Start by matching what you see to the right cause. Generic fixes like restarting won’t help if Dating simply isn’t available to your account yet.

Dating symptom, likely cause and first step
What you seeLikely causeDo this first
No Dating option anywhereNot eligible (under 18, account under 30 days old or not in good standing), country not supported, or an old appCheck the rules, then update the app
Dating vanished and your account is new or rarely usedMeta says new or inactive accounts may not get accessCheck the rules
Can’t create a new Dating profile after deleting oneMeta’s 7-day wait after deleting a Dating profileWait 7 days
Dating vanished after it workedApp update moved it, or a glitchFind Dating in the menu
“Not available in your area” or location mismatchYour location settings don’t match where Dating is offeredFix location
Asked to confirm your ageMeta’s age check for DatingComplete the age check
“Too many dating profiles” / can’t create a profileA temporary limit on creating profilesWait, then try once
Dating opens but nothing loadsConnection, cache or app glitchClear cache or offload
  • You’re using an older Facebook appCheck this first

    When Meta launched Dating in 2019 it said users needed the most recent version of the Facebook app. Older versions may not show the option.

  • Dating isn’t offered in your countryCheck this first

    Meta lists the countries where Dating is available (see the list below). It includes the US, UK, Canada and most of the EU, but not Australia. Third-party lists are often years out of date.

  • Your account is new, inactive or not in good standingCheck this first

    Meta says you need a Facebook account in good standing that is at least 30 days old, and that it may restrict Dating for new or inactive accounts. If your account is younger than 30 days, wait; if you rarely use Facebook, normal use may matter.

  • You don’t meet the age requirement — or Meta needs to confirm itPossible

    Meta requires people to be at least 18 to use Dating. If Meta thinks someone may be under 18, it can ask them to verify their age before they can continue.

  • Location settings or a mismatchPossible

    Dating uses your location to show matches. If location permission is off, or your location appears to be somewhere Dating isn’t offered, it may not work. Meta has a help page titled “Location Mismatch on Facebook Dating” (linked below).

  • You’re looking on a computerCheck this first

    Meta says Dating is available from the Facebook app for Android or iPhone. If you’re on facebook.com in a browser, switch to the app.

  • Meta has restricted Dating for your accountPossible

    Meta says it may restrict which accounts can access Dating, and that losing access can happen if you went against its Terms of Service, Community Standards or other policies. Look for any notice in the app.

Who can use Facebook Dating, and where it’s available

According to Meta’s help page Who can use Facebook Dating (checked 20 October 2026), you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a Facebook account in good standing that is at least 30 days old.
  • Live in a country where Dating is available.

Meta also says Dating is available from the Facebook app for Android or iPhone, that it may restrict which accounts can access Dating (for example new or inactive accounts, or accounts that went against its Terms of Service, Community Standards or other policies), and that if you delete your Dating profile you can’t make a new one for 7 days.

Countries where Meta lists Facebook Dating as available
Countries where Meta lists Dating as available (20 October 2026)
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, United States Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Vietnam

Try these 60-second checks first

  • Use the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android phone — Meta says that’s where Dating is available.
  • Check your Facebook account is at least 30 days old and that you live in a supported country.
  • Make sure the app is fully up to date in the App Store or Google Play.
  • Open ☰ Menu (top left of the Home screen on iPhone, top right on Android) and tap See more — look for Dating.
  • Check the birthday on your Facebook profile is correct.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

Fix 1: Update the Facebook app (and your phone)

Safe & reversible3 miniPhone & iPadAndroid

When Meta launched Dating in 2019 it said you needed the most recent version of the Facebook app, so update first. It’s quick and keeps all your data.

iPhone & iPad

  1. Open the App Store and tap your profile icon.
  2. Scroll to App Updates and tap Update next to Facebook if it’s listed.
  3. If no update is available, check Settings > General > Software Update for an iOS update.
  4. Close and reopen Facebook.

Android

  1. Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon.
  2. Tap Manage apps & device > Updates available, then update Facebook.
  3. Check your phone’s system update (often Settings > System > System update; names vary).
  4. Reopen Facebook.

Did it work? After updating, Dating appears in the menu, or you get a clear message about why it isn’t available.

Fix 2: Find Dating in the app menu

Safe & reversible1 miniPhone & iPadAndroid

Facebook often moves features between the tab bar, shortcuts and the full menu. Dating may simply have moved.

iPhone & iPad

  1. Tap ☰ Menu at the top left of the Home screen.
  2. Look through your shortcuts and tap See more.
  3. Tap Dating if you see it. You may also find it by searching Facebook for “Dating”.

Android

  1. Tap the menu button ☰ — at the top right of the Home screen on Android (it appears at the top left when you’re on your profile).
  2. Tap See more. The extra features are listed in alphabetical order (Avatars, Birthdays, Events, Feeds…), so Dating would appear between Birthdays and Events.
  3. If Dating isn’t in that list, it usually means it isn’t available to your account or in your country — check the rules and country list.

Did it work? Dating opens and shows your profile or a set-up screen.

Fix 3: Check you’re eligible and Dating is offered where you live

Safe & reversible5 miniPhone & iPadAndroid

If Dating isn’t available to you, no app fix will make it appear. Knowing that saves a lot of time.

  1. Confirm you’re 18 or older and that the birthday on your profile is right.
  2. Check your Facebook account is at least 30 days old and in good standing (no restrictions or warnings). If it’s newer, wait until it passes 30 days.
  3. Check you live in a country where Dating is available — see the country list or Meta’s Who can use Facebook Dating page (in Official help routes).
  4. If you rarely use Facebook, note that Meta says it may restrict Dating for inactive accounts.
  5. If you’ve recently moved country, make sure your location settings are on and accurate; your account may take time to reflect the move.

Don’t change your birthday to something untrue or use a VPN to appear to be in another country. Giving false information can break Meta’s terms and cause more problems.

Did it work? You’ve confirmed whether Dating should be available to you. If not, the only fix is to wait until it is.

Fix 4: Turn on location for Facebook and fix a location mismatch

Safe & reversible3 miniPhone & iPadAndroid

Dating uses your location to show nearby people. If Facebook can’t get your location, or it doesn’t match where you are, you may see a mismatch or “not available” notice.

iPhone & iPad

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and make sure it’s on.
  2. Scroll to Facebook and choose While Using the App. Turn on Precise Location if shown.
  3. Turn off any VPN while you use Dating.
  4. Reopen Facebook and open Dating.

Android

  1. Open Settings > Location and make sure location is on (names vary by phone maker).
  2. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Facebook > Permissions > Location (names vary) and choose Allow only while using the app.
  3. Turn off any VPN.
  4. Reopen Facebook and open Dating.

If you see a Location Mismatch notice, follow the on-screen steps. Meta has a help page titled “Location Mismatch on Facebook Dating” (linked below) that you can check for the current guidance.

Did it work? The location notice disappears and Dating shows profiles near you.

Fix 5: Asked to confirm your age? Complete the official check

Safe & reversible5 miniPhone & iPadAndroid

Meta said in 2022 that people who may be under 18 can be asked to verify their age before using Dating, with a video selfie or an ID. For how Meta’s video-selfie checks work and how to avoid fake requests, see our hacked-account guide.

  1. Only complete age checks inside the official Facebook app. Never through a link someone sends you.
  2. Choose the option that suits you: a video selfie or uploading ID (the options shown can vary).
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions in good light, with your face clearly visible.
  4. Wait for the result. If it fails and you’re over 18, the screen may offer another way to verify.

Did it work? You can create or open your Dating profile after the check.

Fix 6: Deleted your Dating profile or hit a limit? Wait, then try once

Safe & reversibleUp to 7 daysiPhone & iPadAndroid

Meta says that if you delete your Dating profile, you can’t make a new one for 7 days. Some people also report a message saying they’ve created too many Dating profiles and should try later.

  1. If you deleted your Dating profile, wait 7 days from the deletion before creating a new one.
  2. If you see a “too many profiles” style message, stop trying for now — repeated attempts may not help.
  3. Make sure the app is updated, then create your profile once, completing every step in one go.

Did it work? The profile is created without the limit message.

Fix 7: Clear Facebook’s cache (Android) or offload it (iPhone)

Safe & reversible3 miniPhone & iPadAndroid

If Dating opens but profiles, likes or messages don’t load, temporary files may be the problem. These steps keep your account and Dating profile.

iPhone & iPad

  1. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Facebook.
  2. Tap Offload App — this keeps the app’s documents and data.
  3. Tap Reinstall App, open Facebook and go to Dating.

Android

  1. Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > Facebook (names vary).
  2. Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache. Don’t choose “Clear storage” unless you want to sign in again.
  3. Reopen Facebook and Dating.

Did it work? Dating loads profiles and messages normally.

Notices you might see (reported wording)

These are the messages as people report seeing them. The exact wording on your screen can differ by app version, language and region, so match the meaning, not every word.

Facebook Dating is not available in your area
What it usually means
As reported by users, it suggests Dating isn’t offered where Facebook thinks you are, or your location can’t be confirmed.
What to do
Check the official availability page, turn on location and switch off any VPN (Fix 4).
Location Mismatch
What it usually means
Appears to mean your location doesn’t match what Dating expects (Meta has a help page with this title).
What to do
Follow the on-screen steps, check location settings and switch off any VPN; Meta’s help page is linked below.
You have created too many dating profiles today, please try again later
What it usually means
A temporary limit on creating profiles, reported by users.
What to do
Wait and try once later (Fix 6).
Confirm your age
What it usually means
Meta may ask some people to confirm they’re 18 or older to use Dating.
What to do
Use the in-app video selfie or ID option (Fix 5).

Stay safe on Facebook Dating

Once Dating works, it’s worth knowing the common warning signs of romance scams. These are general safety habits, not a sign that anything is wrong with your account.

  • Be wary of anyone who quickly moves the chat to another app, especially if they won’t video chat.
  • Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you’ve only met online — whatever the story.
  • Don’t share codes sent to your phone. A request to “just read me the code” is a classic account-takeover trick.
  • Meet in public the first few times, and tell a friend where you’re going.
  • Report and block profiles that pressure you or ask for money, using the options in Dating.

If you shared a code or password and now can’t get into your account, go straight to Facebook hacked: recover your account.

How to know it worked

  • Dating appears in the Facebook app’s menu (or your shortcuts) and opens.
  • Your Dating profile is visible to you and editable.
  • Profiles near you load, and you can like or message without an error.
  • No location or age notice appears when you reopen Dating.

Still not working? Your next steps

  1. Re-check Meta’s Who can use Facebook Dating page — if Dating isn’t offered in your country, the only option is to wait.
  2. If you’ve completed an age check and it failed, look for another verification option in the app.
  3. Reinstall the Facebook app as a last resort (make sure you know your password and can receive login codes first).
  4. Report the problem: on a computer, click your profile picture > Help and support > Report a problem (Meta’s steps), or in the Android app tap ☰ Menu > Help and support > Report a problem (or shake your phone on the screen with the problem) and pick it on Select product, with a screenshot and description.
  5. If your whole account is restricted, see Facebook account disabled or suspended.

Official help routes

SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I find Facebook Dating?

Usually one of these: you’re on a computer (Meta says Dating is in the Android and iPhone app), your Facebook account is under 30 days old or not in good standing, you’re under 18, your country isn’t on Meta’s list, or the app is out of date. Check the rules first, then update the app and look under Menu > See more.

Is Facebook Dating available on a computer?

Meta says Facebook Dating is available from the Facebook app for Android or iPhone. Use the app rather than a web browser.

How old do you have to be for Facebook Dating?

At least 18. Meta may ask people who might be under 18 to confirm their age.

Is Facebook Dating available in the UK, Canada and Australia?

As of 20 October 2026, Meta’s list includes the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, but not Australia. The list changes, so check Meta’s “Who can use Facebook Dating” page if you’re reading this later.

How old does my Facebook account need to be for Dating?

Meta says your Facebook account must be at least 30 days old and in good standing. Meta also says it may restrict Dating for new or inactive accounts.

I deleted my Dating profile. When can I make a new one?

Meta says that after you delete your Dating profile, you can’t make a new one for 7 days.

Why is Facebook asking for a video selfie for Dating?

Meta said in 2022 it may ask people who might be under 18 to confirm their age with a video selfie or an ID. Only complete this inside the official Facebook app, never through a link someone sends you.

Can I use a VPN to get Facebook Dating?

No. Using a VPN to appear to be in another country can cause location problems, and giving false information can break Meta’s terms. Dating needs your real location to work.

Does turning on Dating tell my friends?

Dating uses a separate profile and is opt-in. See Meta’s Dating terms and privacy information for exactly what is shared.

Sources and how we checked this guide

We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.

  1. Bringing Age Verification to Facebook Dating (2022) (external site, opens in a new tab)Meta Newsroom · checked 20 October 2026
  2. It’s Facebook Official, Dating Is Here (2019, updated 2021) (external site, opens in a new tab)Meta Newsroom · checked 20 October 2026
  3. Facebook Dating Expands to Europe (2020) (external site, opens in a new tab)Meta Newsroom · checked 20 October 2026
  4. Facebook Dating Adds Features to Address Swipe Fatigue (Sept 2025) (external site, opens in a new tab)Meta Newsroom · checked 20 October 2026
  5. Who can use Facebook Dating (external site, opens in a new tab)Facebook Help Center · checked 20 October 2026
  6. Location Mismatch on Facebook Dating (external site, opens in a new tab)Facebook Help Center · linked for reference 20 October 2026
  7. Facebook Dating safety tips (external site, opens in a new tab)Facebook Help Center · linked for reference 20 October 2026
  8. Delete your Facebook Dating profile (external site, opens in a new tab)Facebook Help Center · linked for reference 20 October 2026
  9. Report That Something Isn’t Working on Facebook (external site, opens in a new tab)Facebook Help Center · checked 20 October 2026
  10. How to manually update apps from the App Store (external site, opens in a new tab)Apple Support · checked 20 October 2026
  11. How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad (external site, opens in a new tab)Apple Support · checked 20 October 2026
  12. How to update apps on Android (external site, opens in a new tab)Google Play Help · checked 20 October 2026
  13. Fix an installed app that isn’t working on a Pixel phone (external site, opens in a new tab)Pixel Phone Help · checked 20 October 2026
  14. Clear up space (external site, opens in a new tab)Android Help · checked 20 October 2026

Last reviewed 20 October 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 18 January 2027. How we write and review guides.

What changed
  • 20 October 2026: Owner confirmed the iPhone app matches Android except the ☰ Menu button, which sits on the opposite side; iPhone steps updated and hedges removed.
  • 20 October 2026: Confirmed the Android menu route to Report a problem (☰ Menu > Help and support > Report a problem) from owner screenshots.
  • 20 October 2026: Added the Android Report a problem flow (shake to report, logs choice, Select product, Send report) from owner screenshots.
  • 20 October 2026: From owner screenshots: where the ☰ menu sits on Android, and that the ⋯ at the top right of your profile opens Profile Settings (Profile status not yet seen in that list; owner checking further down).
  • 20 October 2026: Confirmed the Android See more list (alphabetical) from an owner screenshot.
  • 20 October 2026: Confirmed Meta’s Report a problem steps (profile picture > Help & support > Report a problem).
  • 20 October 2026: Added Meta’s confirmed rules (18+, account 30+ days old in good standing, supported country), the current country list, app-only availability, the 7-day wait after deleting a Dating profile and Meta’s restriction reasons.
  • 20 October 2026: First published.
  • 20 October 2026: Editorial audit corrections applied.

SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or Facebook. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.