Let’s face it—sometimes online dating just doesn’t feel like the right fit. Maybe you found someone special, maybe you need a break, or maybe Facebook Dating just didn’t live up to the hype. Whatever your reason, deleting your Facebook Dating profile is easier than you might think.
But here’s the kicker: simply deactivating your Facebook account won’t automatically remove your dating profile. That’s right—Facebook Dating is a separate feature, and you have to remove it intentionally.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding how Facebook Dating works to fully deleting your profile—without losing your main Facebook account.
Why People Delete Their Facebook Dating Profiles
Let’s start with the “why.” Before we jump into the steps, it helps to understand the most common reasons users decide to exit Facebook Dating:
- They found a match and no longer need the app
- They’re not satisfied with the experience or matches
- They want to take a break from dating altogether
- They have privacy concerns or want more control over their online presence
- They’re simplifying their digital life (less screen time, fewer apps)
Regardless of your reason, your time and peace of mind matter, and you’re allowed to hit reset anytime you want.
What Happens When You Delete Your Facebook Dating Profile
Before you press that delete button, here’s what you should know:
- Your dating conversations will be erased permanently.
- You’ll lose all your matches.
- Your dating answers, preferences, and likes will be removed.
- You won’t appear in anyone’s suggested matches anymore.
But here’s the good news—your main Facebook profile will stay intact. Deleting your dating profile doesn’t affect your friends, posts, Messenger chats, or anything else on Facebook.
It’s a clean break only from the dating side of things.
Step-by-Step: How to Delete Your Facebook Dating Profile
Now, let’s get to the part you came for.
Here’s how to delete your Facebook Dating profile directly from your phone (since Facebook Dating is only available on mobile):
Step 1: Open the Facebook App
Make sure you’re logged into the Facebook app on your phone. Then, tap the menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the bottom or top-right corner, depending on your device.
Step 2: Tap on “Dating”
Scroll down the menu until you find “Dating.” Tap on it. This will open your Facebook Dating profile.
Step 3: Go to “Settings”
In the top-right corner of the Facebook Dating screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This will take you into your Dating settings.
Step 4: Scroll Down and Tap “Delete Profile”
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the settings menu. You’ll see an option that says “Delete Profile.” Tap it.
Step 5: Confirm the Deletion
Facebook will ask you to confirm the deletion. They may even try to get you to pause your account instead. If you’re sure about deleting, continue by tapping “Delete” again.
That’s it—you’re out.
Optional: Pause Instead of Delete
If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your dating profile, you can always pause it instead. This hides your dating profile from others without deleting your data or matches.
To pause:
- Go to Facebook Dating settings
- Tap on “General”
- Toggle on “Take a Break”
This is a great option if you just need time to recharge but don’t want to start from scratch later.
Does Deleting Facebook Delete Your Dating Profile Too?
Short answer: No.
If you deactivate or delete your main Facebook account, it will pause your dating profile—but it won’t delete it completely unless you take the extra step.
So if your goal is to disappear from Facebook Dating entirely, you need to manually delete your dating profile first, and then deactivate your main account if you want.
Data Privacy: What Happens After Deletion?
According to Facebook’s policy, once your dating profile is deleted, your data will be permanently erased, including answers, matches, and chats. However, it may take a short period for everything to fully disappear from the system.
Your name or photo won’t be shown in Dating again unless you decide to rejoin and set up a new profile from scratch.
Two Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I recover my Facebook Dating profile after deleting it?
A: No, once you delete your Facebook Dating profile, it’s gone for good. There’s no way to recover matches, chats, or personal preferences from the previous profile. If you decide to use Facebook Dating again in the future, you’ll need to set up a new profile from scratch.
Q2: Will my friends know if I had a Facebook Dating profile?
A: No. Facebook Dating is designed to be private and separate from your main Facebook activity. Your friends won’t get notifications or see your dating profile unless they are also using the feature and get matched with you. Even when you delete the profile, it’s quietly removed—no announcements, no alerts.
Final Thoughts: Know When to Walk Away
There’s no shame in stepping away from dating apps—whether it’s for a digital detox, to protect your emotional space, or simply because it’s not delivering the connections you want. Deleting your Facebook Dating profile gives you back control and clarity.
And remember, if and when you’re ready to jump back in, it’ll still be there. Just don’t forget—you have the right to date on your own terms, not an app’s timeline.