Facebook Dating is a convenient way to meet potential partners right within the app most of us already use daily. But what happens if you delete it—intentionally or not—and then change your mind? Whether you removed Facebook Dating out of frustration, took a break from dating, or simply hit the wrong button, reactivating it isn’t as simple as pressing “undo.” But don’t worry: with the right steps, it’s entirely possible.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to reactivate Facebook Dating after deleting it, including common obstacles, workarounds, and things to watch out for.
Understanding the Difference Between Deactivation and Deletion
Before we dive into the reactivation process, it's important to distinguish between two common scenarios:
1. Deactivating Facebook Dating
If you simply paused or hid your Facebook Dating profile, then your information is still stored. Reactivating it is straightforward: you can go back into the Facebook app and resume your dating activity.
2. Deleting Facebook Dating
If you went further and deleted your Facebook Dating profile, either by removing it entirely through settings or by deleting your entire Facebook account, the process is more complex. Facebook clearly states that deleting your Dating profile will permanently erase your matches, conversations, and preferences. You’ll have to start from scratch.
Can You Reactivate a Deleted Facebook Dating Profile?
The short answer is: not directly. Once you delete your Facebook Dating profile, there is no “restore” button. However, you can recreate a new Dating profile.
This might sound frustrating at first, but recreating your profile is relatively easy. Here’s how.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Facebook Dating Back
Step 1: Open the Facebook App
Facebook Dating is only accessible through the Facebook mobile app. You won’t find it on desktop. So start by opening the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android device.
Make sure you’re logged into the correct account—the one you originally used for Dating.
Step 2: Go to the Menu
Tap on the three horizontal lines (also known as the hamburger icon) in the bottom-right or top-right corner of the app, depending on your device.
Scroll down and look for Dating. If it’s not immediately visible, tap See More.
Step 3: Re-enter Facebook Dating
If you previously deleted your Dating profile, you’ll be prompted to create a new one. Click Get Started and follow the instructions.
You’ll need to:
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Add photos
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Choose preferences (gender, age range, location, etc.)
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Write an intro or bio
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Set privacy and visibility settings
Keep in mind: This is essentially the same as reactivating, but Facebook treats it as a new profile.
Step 4: Customize Your New Profile
Take a few extra minutes to customize your new profile thoughtfully. Since past conversations and matches won’t return, this is your chance to refresh your approach.
Update your photos, refine your bio, and be intentional about your preferences. It’s a clean slate!
Why Can’t I See Facebook Dating?
If you’re having trouble locating Facebook Dating even after following the steps, here are some common issues:
1. Age Restrictions
You must be at least 18 years old to use Facebook Dating.
2. App Version
Make sure your Facebook app is up to date. Outdated versions may not support the latest features, including Dating.
3. Location
Facebook Dating is only available in certain countries. If you’ve traveled or changed regions, the feature might disappear.
4. Community Standards
If your previous Dating activity violated Facebook’s Community Standards, your access may be restricted.
What Happens When You Delete Facebook Dating?
When you delete your Facebook Dating profile:
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All matches and conversations are permanently erased.
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Your profile is no longer visible to others in Dating.
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It does not affect your main Facebook profile, friends, or groups.
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Facebook may retain some anonymized data for service improvement, but your visible Dating info is wiped clean.
If you delete your entire Facebook account, you also lose Dating access by default. You'll need to create a new Facebook account and wait up to 7 days before you can use Facebook Dating again.
Can You Recover Chats or Matches?
Unfortunately, no. Facebook doesn’t offer any way to recover past messages or matches once your Dating profile is deleted. This is why Facebook asks for confirmation before you delete your profile. It’s meant to be a permanent action.
If you had a meaningful conversation or important contact, there’s a chance you shared other forms of contact info. If not, you’ll need to start fresh.
Pro Tips for Starting Over Successfully
Starting over doesn’t have to be a setback. In fact, many users find that reactivating Facebook Dating gives them a second chance to refine their dating experience. Here are some tips:
1. Refresh Your Photos
Choose recent, high-quality pictures that reflect who you are today—not who you were two years ago.
2. Be Honest in Your Bio
Think of your bio as your opening message. Keep it warm, genuine, and specific.
3. Review Privacy Settings
Make sure your Dating profile isn’t accidentally visible to your main Facebook friends if you don’t want them to see it.
4. Don’t Rush
It’s tempting to swipe quickly or recreate everything exactly as it was. But a fresh start is your chance to do things differently—and better.
In Summary
You can’t technically reactivate a deleted Facebook Dating profile, but you can recreate it from scratch within the Facebook app. While you’ll lose previous matches and conversations, it’s an opportunity to start fresh, set new intentions, and re-approach the platform with more clarity.
Just remember: deletion is permanent, so if you’re unsure, consider simply pausing your profile instead of removing it entirely.
Whether you’re rejoining after a breakup, a dating detox, or just a change of heart, Facebook Dating is still just a few taps away.
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