Are you ready to dip your toes into the modern dating pool and explore real connections directly from your favorite social app? Facebook Dating opens a world of opportunity to meet new people in your area and beyond—but before you can start matching and messaging, you need to know: What makes you eligible for Facebook Dating?
In this ultimate, SEO-optimized guide, we break down all the essential criteria, explain how to ensure you qualify, and share expert tips for making the most out of the Facebook Dating app in 2025.
Why Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating is much more than just another swipe-based app. It leverages the immense data and social connections you’ve built on Facebook over the years to suggest matches based on your interests, groups, events, and shared friends. It’s designed to be safe, user-friendly, and integrated into the Facebook app you already know.
But—like any premium feature—Facebook Dating sets clear eligibility requirements to protect its users and maintain a thriving, trustworthy community.
The Core Eligibility Checklist
To use Facebook Dating in 2025, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have an active Facebook account in good standing for at least 30 days.
- Reside in a country where Facebook Dating is available.
- Have your Facebook app updated to the latest version.
- Enable location services on your device.
- List your relationship status as “Single,” “It’s Complicated,” or similar—not “Married” or “In a relationship.”
- Agree to Facebook’s policies and community standards.
Let’s break down these criteria in more detail.
In-Depth: Age Requirements and Verification
Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
Facebook Dating is only for adults. You must be at least 18 years old to activate or use the feature. This age limit ensures user safety and meets international legal standards.
Age Verification:
Increasingly, Facebook may request you to verify your age if anything about your account, activity, or profile information raises questions. This may include:
- Uploading a government ID
- Submitting a video selfie for a facial recognition age check
If the system detects you’re a minor or doubts your provided age, access will be blocked until verification is complete.
Account Status and Good Standing
Active, Verified Facebook Account
You must have an established, active account to unlock Facebook Dating:
- Your account must be at least 30 days old. Newly created profiles are ineligible to help reduce fake accounts.
- Good Standing:
- No history of major policy violations, suspensions, or fake profile flags.
- Accounts linked to recent abuse, impersonation, or violations of Facebook’s Community Standards are restricted from using Dating features.
Why so strict?
This helps ensure you’re a genuine user and not a bot —which protects everyone in the community.
Country and Regional Availability
Only in Supported Locations
Facebook Dating is not available everywhere. As of 2025, you can use the feature if you live in one of the more than 50 supported countries, which include:
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, most of Europe, and other select regions.
- Some notable countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United States, Vietnam, and more.
How to check availability:
If Facebook Dating doesn’t show up in your app, double-check your country’s eligibility and whether the app is supported in your region.
Other Essential Requirements
App Version Must Be Current
- Facebook Dating only works in the official Facebook app for iOS and Android—not on desktop browsers.
- If you have an outdated app, you may not see Dating as an option.
Location Services Enabled
- You need to enable location services on your device so the app can recommend singles in your area.
- Turn this feature on in your phone’s or tablet’s settings before trying to set up Facebook Dating.
Relationship Status
- Your Facebook profile must accurately reflect your single status to access Dating.
- Users with “Married” or “In a Relationship” cannot activate the feature.
Privacy and Permissions
- Facebook Dating requires access to certain permissions, such as:
- Your Facebook profile information
- Photos and media (to upload images to your dating profile)
- Location data
These permissions allow the app to connect you to compatible singles and protect your privacy.
How to Tell If You’re Eligible Today
- Update Your App:
Go to your device’s app store and update Facebook. - Check Your Eligibility:
- Open Facebook.
- Tap the menu (three lines).
- Scroll down to “Dating” (or tap “See More”).
- If available, tap it to start. If not, recheck your eligibility and region.
- Verify Your Account:
- Ensure your account is older than 30 days.
- Check that there are no restrictions or flags on your profile.
- Review Your Relationship Status:
- Go to your Facebook profile, make sure you’re listed as single.
- Location Services:
- Enable on your device for best functionality.
- Stay Within Supported Countries:
- If you’re traveling or using a VPN, your location must be recognized as eligible for the service.
Troubleshooting Common Eligibility Issues
Can’t See Facebook Dating in the App?
- Update your app.
- Ensure your account age and status meet requirements.
- Double-check your relationship status and country.
Recently Deleted a Dating Profile?
- You must wait 7 days before creating a new Dating profile on Facebook.
Age Verification Issues?
- Facebook may prompt you for a face scan or ID upload to prove your age.
Account Suspended or Flagged?
- Appeal any wrongful restrictions through Facebook’s Help Center.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Facebook Dating Experience
- Complete Your Dating Profile Properly: Add photos, detailed interests, and prompts to help the algorithm recommend better matches.
- Connect Instagram (Optional): Link Instagram to display more photos and enhance profile visibility.
- Check Your Privacy Settings: Fine-tune what’s visible on your dating profile. Your Facebook friends won’t see your Dating activity unless you both use Secret Crush.
- Leverage Groups and Events: Facebook Dating suggests matches from your groups or events—perfect for meeting like-minded people.
- Be Honest and Respectful: Use your real information, and always approach others with kindness.
Conclusion
Getting started on Facebook Dating is easy—if you’re eligible. Make sure you’re at least 18, have an active, mature Facebook account in good standing, reside in a supported country, list your relationship status as single, and have the latest app version installed with location services enabled. Double-check these requirements to ensure you’re ready to start browsing, matching, and connecting with singles near you.
Eligibility is about both protecting users and building a trusted community. So optimize your profile, play by the rules, and let Facebook Dating bring new connections, friends, and possibly romance your way.
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