Facebook Dating Secrets: Change Your Relationship Status and Find Real Matches That Matter — Navigating online dating can feel like trying to find true love in a digital jungle. One moment, you’re swiping through profiles that look like stock photos. The next, you’re knee-deep in small talk that goes nowhere.
But if you’re already using Facebook, you’ve got a powerful (and seriously underrated) dating tool right under your nose: Facebook Dating.
What makes it different? For one, it’s built into a platform you’re already using. You don’t need to download another app, create another profile, or learn a new interface. And best of all? You can find matches based on shared interests, mutual friends, events you’ve attended—even the comments you drop under that viral dog video.
Now, before you dive in and start swiping, there’s one important thing you need to get right: your relationship status. Facebook Dating is smart, but it’s not a mind reader. If your profile still says you’re “In a relationship” or “Married,” the algorithm isn’t going to show you to potential matches—and worse, it might make you look shady.
So if you’re ready to get serious about meeting someone new (or just want to see what’s out there), here’s everything you need to know—from changing your relationship status to finding real, compatible matches—written with you in mind.
Why Your Relationship Status Matters More Than You Think
Think of your relationship status like a billboard. It tells the world where you stand—even if you haven’t said a word. On Facebook Dating, it can literally decide whether you get matched with someone or not.
Here’s the deal:
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If you’re marked as “In a Relationship” or “Married,” Facebook Dating won’t let you create a profile.
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If you’ve recently broken up, your profile may still reflect the past—even if you’ve emotionally moved on.
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And if you’re “It’s Complicated,” well… that’s exactly what people will assume about dating you.
So, before you build a dating profile that screams “I’m available,” make sure your Facebook status doesn’t whisper otherwise.
How to Change Your Relationship Status on Facebook (Without the Drama)
Updating your relationship status doesn’t have to be public. In fact, Facebook gives you full control over who sees what.
Here’s how to change it—step by step:
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Go to Your Profile
Open Facebook and click on your name or profile picture to head to your personal timeline. -
Click on “About”
You’ll see this under your cover photo. Click it, then choose “Family and Relationships.” -
Edit Your Relationship Info
Click the pencil icon next to your current status. A dropdown menu will appear with all available options. -
Select the New Status
Choose “Single,” “Divorced,” or whatever applies to you. You can also remove your relationship status entirely if you prefer privacy. -
Adjust the Privacy Setting
Here’s the gold: Click the little audience selector (it might say “Friends,” “Only Me,” or “Public”). If you don’t want your ex—or nosy relatives—knowing about your new single status, set it to “Only Me.” -
Save Your Changes
Hit save and breathe easy. You’ve now opened the door to Facebook Dating.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to post a “newly single” announcement. Keep it low-key if that feels better. You’re not changing your relationship status for the likes—you’re doing it to make room for new, meaningful connections.
How to Activate Facebook Dating (It’s Not Where You Think)
Facebook Dating isn’t in the main menu by default. You have to seek it out.
Here’s how to find it:
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Open the Facebook App (mobile only; desktop doesn’t support Dating yet)
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Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the lower right corner.
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Scroll until you see “Dating.” Tap it.
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Follow the prompts to set up your Dating profile.
It’s totally separate from your main Facebook profile, which means:
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Your Facebook friends won’t see your Dating activity.
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Your dating profile won’t show up in News Feeds.
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You can control exactly who sees what.
This privacy feature alone puts Facebook Dating ahead of many other apps. You get to explore connections without putting your love life on display.
Building a Facebook Dating Profile That Actually Gets You Matches
Let’s be real—most dating profiles are a snooze fest.
But with Facebook Dating, you’ve got tools that most apps don’t offer. You can integrate Instagram posts, answer unique icebreaker questions, and choose from shared interests that actually mean something.
Here’s how to craft a profile that doesn’t just get you matches—it gets you meaningful ones.
Use Photos That Show, Not Just Pose
Skip the filtered selfies and group shots where no one can tell who you are. Use clear, recent photos that show your personality.
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One smiling headshot
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One full-body photo
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One candid shot of you doing something you love (traveling, playing guitar, hiking)
Bonus: Add a photo with your pet if you have one. Pets are match magnets.
Answer Prompt Questions with Personality
Facebook Dating gives you built-in prompts like:
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“The key to my heart is…”
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“My ideal weekend looks like…”
Avoid generic answers like “long walks on the beach” or “Netflix and chill.” Instead, give answers that reflect your real voice.
Example:
“My ideal weekend looks like farmers markets on Saturday morning, getting lost in a museum by noon, and ending the night with friends, wine, and spontaneous karaoke.”
Now that’s a vibe.
Highlight Shared Interests
This is where Facebook Dating shines. It uses your interests—pages you follow, events you attend, groups you’re in—to match you with people who actually align with your lifestyle.
So, if you’re into fitness, books, cooking, or spirituality, make sure your profile reflects that. It tells the algorithm (and your potential matches) what kind of life they’d be stepping into.
Smart Ways to Find Real Matches on Facebook Dating
You’re in. Your profile is polished. Now comes the fun part—connecting.
But don’t just scroll aimlessly. Here are a few expert tips to find quality matches:
1. Explore “Secret Crush” (With Caution)
This feature lets you choose up to nine Facebook or Instagram friends you secretly like. If they also add you, it’s a match.
Sounds thrilling, right?
But use it wisely. Don’t throw your whole friends list in there hoping someone bites. Be intentional. Choose people you have a genuine interest in, not just because they’re cute.
2. Engage With Events and Groups
One of Facebook Dating’s best features is matching you with people who are attending the same events or are in similar groups.
Going to a concert next weekend? You might meet someone who’s attending, too.
Love vegan cooking? Join a group, and let the algorithm go to work.
This creates more natural, real-world conversation starters. Way better than “Hey, what’s up?”
3. Use Filters (But Not Too Many)
Facebook Dating lets you filter by:
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Age
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Distance
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Religion
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Height
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Children
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Education
Use filters to narrow down what actually matters to you. But avoid setting super strict preferences that eliminate potential great matches based on tiny details.
Remember: chemistry often lives in the unexpected.
What to Do When You Get a Match
Okay, someone swiped right back. Now what?
First, resist the urge to open with “Hey.”
Instead, reference something specific from their profile. Did they mention a favorite book, place, or hobby? Start there.
Example:
“You mentioned you’re into Japanese literature. Have you read Norwegian Wood by Murakami? Total emotional rollercoaster.”
Now you’re in a real conversation. One that goes somewhere.
Also—don’t be afraid to move off the app when it feels right. Suggest a voice note, a phone call, or a coffee date when there’s rapport. Facebook Dating is a launchpad, not a destination.
Real Love Deserves Real Effort
If you’re serious about finding love—or even meaningful connection—Facebook Dating is one of the most powerful yet underrated tools out there.
But it all starts with honesty.
Change your relationship status if you’re ready for something new.
Build a profile that reflects who you are, not who you think people want you to be.
Engage with curiosity. Date with intention. Be the kind of person you’d want to match with.
Because in this noisy, fast-swiping digital world, the people who stand out aren’t the most polished—they’re the most real.
Read More: Dating App on Facebook: Join Facebook Dating for Singles Searching for Love
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