So, you’re ready to hit reset and start fresh on Facebook Dating. Maybe your old account got messy, maybe you just want a clean slate, or maybe you’re finally ready to try online dating the right way. Whatever the reason, creating a brand-new Facebook Dating account is easier than you might think — but there are a few things you need to do right to make sure everything works smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to start over with Facebook Dating — step-by-step. You’ll learn how to delete your old profile, set up a fresh one, and make it stand out so you can attract real connections (not just random likes).
Let’s dive in.
Why Start a New Facebook Dating Account?
First things first — why bother starting over at all?
Facebook Dating is built right into the Facebook app, and while that’s convenient, it also means your old dating profile is tied to your main Facebook account. Sometimes that’s fine… but other times, it can cause problems. Here are a few common reasons people start fresh:
- You want to reset your matches. Once you’ve swiped on a bunch of profiles, Facebook’s algorithm starts showing you the same types of people. A new account resets that.
- Your old profile didn’t perform well. Maybe your photos or bio weren’t attracting the right people — starting over lets you fix that.
- You deleted Facebook but want to try dating again. If you’ve reactivated Facebook, you’ll need to create a new dating profile.
- You want better privacy. A new start lets you tighten your privacy settings and be more selective about what info you share.
- You just want a clean slate. Sometimes, a fresh start just feels better — no old matches, no awkward histories.
Whatever your reason, a new profile can bring a new energy to your dating life.
Step 1: Delete Your Old Facebook Dating Profile
Before you can start from scratch, you’ll need to remove your existing Facebook Dating profile — otherwise, you can’t create a new one.
Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone.
- Tap the menu icon (☰) in the bottom or top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap Dating.
- Tap the Settings (⚙️) icon.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Delete Profile.
- Choose a reason (optional) and confirm.
Deleting your Dating profile doesn’t delete your main Facebook account. It only removes the dating section — your posts, friends, and photos stay untouched.
Once your old profile is deleted, you’re ready to build your new one from the ground up.
Step 2: Update or Create a New Facebook Account
Here’s the deal — Facebook Dating uses your Facebook profile to verify you’re a real person. So, if you want a completely new start, you might also want to create a new Facebook account.
To do that:
- Go to facebook.com
or open the Facebook app.
- Tap Create New Account.
- Enter your name, email or phone number, password, and birthday.
- Confirm your new account through your email or phone.
👉 Note: You’ll need to use a different email or phone number than the one tied to your old account.
If you just want to refresh your dating profile (not your whole Facebook), you can skip this step. But if your old Facebook is full of clutter or linked to past dating history, a new account might be worth it.
Step 3: Enable Facebook Dating
Once you’re logged in to Facebook (new or old account), it’s time to turn on Facebook Dating.
Here’s how to access it:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the menu icon (☰) in the bottom or top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap Dating (look for the heart icon ❤️).
- Tap Get Started.
If you don’t see “Dating,” make sure your Facebook app is updated to the latest version — it’s available in most countries now, but not everywhere.
Step 4: Set Up Your New Facebook Dating Profile
Now comes the fun part — creating your new profile.
Facebook Dating will automatically pull some info from your main Facebook account (like your first name and age), but you can customize the rest. You can edit everything before going live.
Here’s what you’ll want to focus on:
1. Profile Photos That Pop
Choose 3–5 clear, high-quality photos that show your personality. Mix it up — one smiling headshot, one full-body shot, one doing something you love (like hiking, cooking, or traveling). Avoid filters that hide your face or group photos where it’s hard to tell who you are.
2. Write a Bio That Actually Works
Keep it short, real, and fun. Skip generic lines like “I love to laugh” or “Looking for my partner in crime.” Instead, show a bit of personality:
“Coffee addict, weekend hiker, and dog whisperer. Just looking for someone who laughs at my bad puns.”
3. Add Your Interests
Facebook Dating lets you choose interests (like movies, sports, or travel) — these help match you with people who share your vibe. Pick honestly, not just what sounds impressive.
4. Adjust Your Preferences
You can choose who you want to see — by distance, age range, height, religion, and more. Fine-tune these so Facebook’s algorithm works for you, not against you.
Step 5: Check Your Privacy and Security Settings
This is where most people slip up.
Your Dating profile is separate from your main Facebook — your friends won’t see your dating activity, matches, or messages. But it’s still smart to double-check your privacy.
Here’s what to review:
- Location access: Facebook needs it to show matches near you. Turn it on, but only while using the app.
- Profile visibility: Only people who have also opted into Facebook Dating can see your dating profile.
- Blocked people: If there’s someone you don’t want to bump into, block them on Facebook, and they won’t appear as a match.
You can also use the “Secret Crush” feature to match with people you already know — it’s private until both of you add each other.
Step 6: Start Matching and Messaging
Once your new profile is live, it’s time to get out there.
Facebook Dating doesn’t use the “swipe” system like Tinder. Instead, you like or comment on parts of someone’s profile to show interest. If they like you back, it’s a match — and you can start chatting directly in the app.
Here’s how to stand out when messaging:
- Don’t just say “Hey.” Mention something from their profile.
- Keep your first message short — one or two lines is perfect.
- Ask light, open-ended questions like “What’s your go-to weekend activity?” or “That beach photo — where was it taken?”
Small talk that feels genuine goes a long way.
Step 7: Stay Active and Authentic
The algorithm rewards users who stay active. That means logging in, responding to matches, and liking profiles regularly.
A few quick tips to keep your momentum going:
- Update your photos every month or two. Keeps things fresh.
- Edit your bio occasionally. Even a small change helps boost visibility.
- Respond promptly. Active profiles get shown more often.
- Be yourself. Authenticity beats trying too hard every time.
Step 8: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, people run into snags when trying to start fresh on Facebook Dating. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:
Problem: You can’t access Facebook Dating.
- Make sure you’re 18 or older.
- Update the Facebook app to the latest version.
- Check that Facebook Dating is available in your country.
- If you’ve just deleted your old profile, wait a few minutes before trying again.
Problem: Your matches disappeared.
If you deleted your old dating profile, all previous matches and messages are permanently removed. Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t restore them.
Problem: You don’t see “Dating” in the menu.
Try logging out and back in, or reinstalling the Facebook app. Sometimes it just needs a refresh.
Tips to Make the Most of Your New Facebook Dating Account
Starting over is a chance to do things better this time. Here’s how to make your new profile truly shine:
- Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I’m adventurous,” post a picture from your last trip.
- Avoid negativity. Keep your bio upbeat — no rants about exes or “no drama” disclaimers.
- Use humor. A light joke or witty line stands out more than clichés.
- Be selective. You don’t have to like everyone — quality over quantity wins.
- Be consistent. A solid profile with genuine effort attracts real matches, not bots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I have two Facebook Dating profiles?
No — you can only have one dating profile per Facebook account. But you can create a new Facebook account if you want a completely new dating start.
2. Will my Facebook friends know I’m using Facebook Dating?
No. Your Dating profile is private from your friends list, and nothing appears on your main feed.
3. Can I recover my old Dating profile after deleting it?
No — once deleted, your Dating profile and all matches are permanently gone.
4. Is Facebook Dating free?
Yes. Facebook Dating is 100% free to use. There are no paid upgrades or premium tiers (at least for now).
5. Do I need Messenger for Facebook Dating?
No. Messaging happens within the Dating section itself — not through Messenger.
Conclusion
Starting fresh on Facebook Dating isn’t just about deleting an old profile — it’s about giving yourself a real shot at something better. With a clean slate, better photos, and a genuine bio, you can reset the algorithm and your approach.
Remember — confidence and authenticity are your best assets. So build your new Facebook Dating account thoughtfully, stay active, and don’t rush it. The right match might just be a few clicks away.
