If you’ve been searching for an easy, convenient, and private way to meet singles online, the Facebook Dating App is one of the most reliable matchmaking platforms today. What many users don’t realize, however, is that Facebook Dating works hand-in-hand with Facebook Messenger, especially when it comes to activating features like chatting, audio calls, video calls, and connecting with matches in real time.

Whether you’re a new user or you’ve been on Facebook for years but still can’t find the Dating feature, this guide will walk you through how to activate Facebook Dating, how Messenger connects to your Dating profile, and how to get the best results while using both tools.

This article is written in a natural, human-like tone without robotic phrasing and optimized for search engines to help readers looking for:

How to activate Facebook Dating
Why Facebook Dating is not showing
How Facebook Dating works with Messenger
How to meet singles using the Facebook Dating App

Let’s get started.

What Is the Facebook Dating App?

Facebook Dating is a built-in feature inside the Facebook mobile app that helps users meet new people, find potential partners, and build meaningful relationships. It’s separate from your main profile, meaning your friends won’t see your dating activity unless you interact with them on Dating or mark them as a Secret Crush.

The Dating feature is free, private, and easy to use. Unlike most dating apps, Facebook doesn’t charge you to match, chat, or video call using Messenger.

Does Facebook Dating Work with Facebook Messenger?

Yes, Facebook Dating relies heavily on the Messenger app.

Here’s how the two work together:

1. Chats in Facebook Dating Are Powered by Messenger

When you match with someone in Facebook Dating, your conversation opens in a Messenger-style chat window. You don’t need to add the person as a friend.

2. Messenger Allows Voice and Video Calls

Facebook Dating doesn’t have its own call button. Instead, calls use Messenger’s technology.

3. Notifications Are Integrated

If you turn on Messenger notifications, you’ll automatically get alerts from your Facebook Dating chats.

4. Safety Features Work Together

Messenger provides blocking, reporting, privacy controls, and message restrictions that also protect Facebook Dating users.

In short, activating Facebook Dating is one part, linking it to Messenger is the final step.

How to Activate Facebook Dating on Facebook Messenger (Step-by-Step Guide)

Before Messenger comes into the picture, you must first unlock Facebook Dating on your main Facebook app.

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Update Your Facebook App

Facebook Dating only appears on the latest app versions.

On Android:

Open Google Play Store
Search Facebook
Tap Update

On iPhone (iOS):

Open App Store
Search Facebook
Tap Update

If your app is outdated, Dating may not appear.

Step 2: Open Facebook and Check for the Dating Feature

Once updated:

Open Facebook.
Tap the menu icon (three lines).
Scroll down and look for Dating.

You’ll find it under:

Feeds
Groups
Marketplace
Dating (purple heart icon)

If you don’t see it, don’t panic, later in this article, we explain why it may not appear and how to fix it.

Step 3: Set Up Your Facebook Dating Profile

Once you tap the Dating icon:

Click Get Started.
Enter your gender, location, and preferences.
Upload photos (not necessarily from your main profile).
Add prompts such as:
- My weekend vibe is…
- A green flag I look for…
- My idea of a perfect date…

Your Dating profile will now be active.

Step 4: Connect Facebook Dating to Messenger Automatically

You don’t have to manually link them. Facebook will do it for you.

But you must have Messenger installed.

If Messenger Is Not Installed

You will see a pop-up:

“To chat with matches, install Messenger.”

Tap Install.

Once installed, your Dating inbox will start using Messenger’s chat engine.

Step 5: Activate Messaging, Calls, and Video Calls

Once Messenger is ready, you can use these features inside Facebook Dating:

A. Sending a message

Open Facebook Dating
Tap on a match
Type your message (it will open in a Messenger-style box)

B. Voice call

Open your dating chat
Tap the phone icon

C. Video call

Tap the camera icon in the chat window

Remember: You are not friends with your match unless you choose to add them.

Why Facebook Dating Might Not Be Showing on Your Account

Many people ask:

“Why can’t I find Facebook Dating on my app?”

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Dating Is Not Available in Your Country

Facebook Dating currently works in the US, Canada, UK, Italy, Nigeria, and many more countries, but not all.

If the feature is missing, it could be because Facebook hasn’t launched it in your region.

2. You Are Under 18

Facebook Dating requires you to be 18 or older.

3. Your Facebook App Is Outdated

Older versions of Facebook hide the Dating tab.

4. You Are Using Lite or Browser Mode

Facebook Dating does not work on:

Facebook Lite
m.facebook.com (browser version)

You must use the main Facebook app.

5. Your Account Is New or Under Review

New accounts sometimes need a few days before Dating appears.

6. Your Age or Location on Facebook Is Incorrect

If your profile says you’re under 18 or living in an unsupported country, Facebook will block Dating.

How to Fix Facebook Dating Not Showing

Try these solutions:

Update the Facebook app
Uninstall and reinstall Facebook
Switch off VPN (it may confuse the app)
Log out and log in again
Clear cache (Android only)
Turn on Location Services
Use a stable internet connection
Make sure your profile age is correct

After these steps, the Dating icon usually appears.

How Facebook Dating and Messenger Help You Meet Real Singles Near You

Using Messenger with Facebook Dating makes your dating experience more fluid and interactive.

Here’s how:

1. Real-Time Communication

Instant messaging creates faster, more natural conversations than slow in-app chat boxes found on many dating apps.

2. Voice & Video Verification

Before meeting someone in person, you can make a quick audio or video call to verify identity. This reduces catfishing.

3. Building Chemistry

Sometimes a voice or video conversation builds attraction better than text.

4. Easy Transition From Matching to Chatting

Once you match, your chat starts immediately, no extra steps.

5. Offline Dating Becomes Easier

You can share:

voice notes
locations
meetup plans
photos
real-time updates

all through Messenger.

Tips to Get Better Matches After Activating Facebook Dating

1. Use clear, recent photos

Avoid blurry or old images.

2. Turn on Location for Nearby Matches

This helps Facebook suggest singles in your area.

3. Write a warm, genuine bio

Be honest. Fake bios attract the wrong people.

4. Be active

Facebook shows your profile more when you:

like photos
answer prompts
respond to messages

5. Use Messenger calls to verify matches

A quick call saves you from time-wasters.

6. Respect boundaries

Don’t pressure people for personal information.

Is Facebook Dating Safe?

Yes, as long as you follow Facebook’s inbuilt safety tools:

Block users who make you uncomfortable
Report scams
Use video calls to verify identity
Meet in public places

Messenger also adds another layer of safety through message controls.

Conclusion

By now, you understand exactly how to:

Enable Facebook Dating
Connect it with Messenger
Use Messenger to improve conversations
Fix issues when the Dating feature doesn’t show
Meet singles in your area safely and conveniently

Facebook has combined Dating and Messenger to create a smooth, user-friendly, and communication-focused dating experience. With both apps working together, you can chat instantly, share moments, video call, and build real connections with people who match your interests.

If you’ve been searching for a reliable, free, and effective way to meet someone special, now is the perfect time to activate Facebook Dating and start connecting with compatible singles.