Bumble is completely free to download and use, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular dating app. You can choose to purchase a subscription to Bumble Boost, Bumble Premium, or Bumble Premium+, which unlocks perks like the ability to swipe through profiles of people who have already “liked” you. You can also purchase additional SuperSwipes & Spotlights.

Yes. Just tap on the information icon at the top of the right corner of the conversation screen, then select “unmatch.”

This area of the app is for finding friendship, rather than a date. It uses the same swiping and matching algorithms to show you members of the same sex that the app feels you may want to be friends with. The same 24-hour to message timeline still applies, but either party can make the first move. Your BFF conversations will be in green, instead of the yellow used for romantic matches.

Bumble isn't just for dating and making new friends, it's a great networking app as well. The Bumble Bizz mode is specifically for professional networking, whether you're looking for mentoring/advice, career advancement or employment opportunities.

A Modern Dating Expert's Guide To All Things Bumble

Q: How does Bumble work?

Bumble is a swipe-based dating app, meaning you can swipe right if you’re interested in a potential match, swipe left if you’re not. If both Bumble users swipe right, a connection is made and messages can be exchanged. Only women can send Bumble opening lines, unless it’s a same sex connection. In that case either user can send the first message. But the first message must be sent within 24 hours, or the connection will expire. If the recipient doesn’t respond within 24 hours, the connection will also expire. Once both users have sent a message, there are no more time limits. Bumble also allows users to communicate via video or voice call within the app. Once you have matched with someone and the first move has been made, you’ll see a phone and a video chat icon on the conversation screen. Simply tap whichever mode you prefer, and your match can then answer it as an incoming call. Women can initiate a video or voice call in lieu of sending the first message, however guys still have to wait for her to make the first move.

Q: How does Bumble’s algorithm work?

Like most dating apps, the inner workings of the algorithm are considered a trade secret and treated accordingly. But generally, you can safely expect that:1. The most popular singles (i.e. people who garner the most right swipes) and users who have already “liked” your profile to pop up in your match queue first. 2. Swiping right on everyone then deciding who you're actually interested in isn't good idea. Bumble wants users to be thoughtful and intentional with their swiping, so it can affect how often your profile is shown to local singles. It might even get you flagged as a bot and rendered invisible. 3. While you’ll be shown a wide range of people based on your match preferences, Bumble’s algorithm doesn’t appear to learn from and adapt to your swiping patterns. 4. Bumble often keeps inactive users in the match queue, so taking a break from the app won’t hurt your chances when you come back.

Q: Why can only women send the first message?

Whitney Wolfe envisioned a “female friendly” version of Tinder, where women weren’t bombarded with lame messages from guys - and the concept for Bumble was born.

Q: Is Bumble available for android and iOS?

Yes. You can download it via Google Play and the App Store.

Q: Does Bumble login only through Facebook?

No. New users can create a Bumble account using a mobile phone number, making it a dating app you can use without Facebook.

Q: Can I turn off Bumble notifications?

Yes - just go to the app’s settings screen and switch both the “Push Notifications” and “App Sounds/Vibration” off.

Q: How does Bumble work for guys?

On Bumble, women have to send the first message within 24 hours of matching, or the connection will expire. Guys can’t initiate the conversation unless they're sending a Compliment, but you can extend one match a day for an additional 24 hours to give her more time to message you. If it’s a same sex match, either person can make the first move but the 24-hour timeline still applies.

Q: Is Bumble a hookup app?

Because of its “female friendly” vibe and marketing, Bumble tends to attract women who are seeking a deeper connection. While scoring a Bumble hookup isn’t impossible, if you’re looking for something super casual you’ll probably have better luck on Tinder.

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Serious about meeting that someone special? You need to get serious about Bumble!

Good thing you landed here. VIDA's dating experts have managed thousands of Bumble accounts on behalf of clients, setting up their profiles, optimizing photo lineups, and sending messages!

We've been helping singles with all their online dating since 2009, and you're about to benefit from our 10+ years of direct, hands-on experience. And when it comes to Bumble specifically, well - we've been using it on a daily basis since it launched in 2014.

This Bumble Guide is packed with useful knowledge and insider’s tips, whether you just downloaded the app for the first time or you’ve been using it for years.

If you’ve got burning Bumble questions to ask, you’ll find the expert answers you need here.

This one-stop-shop for everything Bumble has it all, including profile tips, conversation advice, and effective (and easy!) tricks to boost your match rate.

Ready to start meeting the best local singles? Click on a topic below to get started.

And if you’ve just got a quick question, check out the FAQ at the very end of the Bumble Guide!

Bumble Guide: The Basics
What Is Bumble & How’s It Work? Here’s Bumble explained in a nutshell.
Bumble Review Still on the fence about this popular alternative to Tinder? This Bumble dating app review will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Bumble vs Tinder Find out which one will work better for you!
Bumble vs Hinge Compare the two apps and see which is the better option!
When & How To Reset Bumble & Start Over Want to delete Bumble and start all over? Find out how - and when - to do it!
Bumble Filters Learn how to get better matches using Bumble filters!
Bumble Best Photo Discover exactly what this feature does, and one reason why you should consider not using it!
Bumble Bantr Live This fun feature is the only way for guys to send the first message! Find out how it works.
Bumble Speed Dating Find out exactly how speed dating on Bumble works, and how to get more matches with it!
Bumble Modes Bumble BFF, Bizz & Date - explained!
Bumble For You (AKA Best Bees) Learn all about how this feature finds your most compatible matches, how to use it, and more!

Bumble Guide: Upgrades & Premium Features
Bumble Super Swipe Are Super Swipes worth the extra cost? Find out here!
Bumble Boost Thinking about upgrading Bumble? Find out when it makes sense to pay for the Bumble app.
Bumble Premium Bumble’s mid-level subscription has all kinds of handy perks. Find out what’s included, and when you should invest in it!
Bumble Premium Plus This "VIP" membership has all the bells & whistles. Get all the details, including cost!
Bumble Spotlight Find out how much it costs, and the best time to activate this Bumble feature if you want maximum impact!
Bumble Incognito Mode Get all the details on how to hide your profile on Bumble!
Bumble Travel Mode Find out how to change your location on Bumble, and what it will cost you!
How To Cancel Bumble Boost & Premium Step-by-step instructions for how to cancel your premium subscription to Bumble!
Bumble Compliments Feature Both men and women can send a message before matching on Bumble, thanks to the Compliments feature. Discover how it works and how much it costs!

Bumble Guide: Tips For Guys
Bumble Profile Tips 5 essential tips that will make your profile irresistible, which means more Bumble matches!
Bumble Profile Examples 12 expertly written Bumble profiles that you can use for inspiration! If she’s on the fence about which way to swipe, an awesome bio could make up her mind.
Funny Bumble Profiles 7 Bumble profile examples that will make her smile - and swipe right.
Bumble Conversation Tips This article has everything you need to know about how to keep a conversation going until you lock in the date!
Bumble GIFs Gifs are a great way to catch her attention and boost your response rate. Find out how to use them right!
Bumble Hacks For Guys These 10 Bumble dating tips for guys will increase your match rate and get you more dates with high quality matches.
Bumble Match Rate Got no Bumble matches? These 5 tips will explode your match rate and queue!
Bumble Prompts See which are the best prompts to answer, and how to use them to get more dates!

Bumble Guide: Tips For Women
Bumble Profile Ideas For Women Want an eye catching, attractive Bumble profile? These 6 profile ideas will make him eager to respond to your message!
Bumble Mistakes That Women Make From using boring Bumble conversation starters to choosing the wrong pictures, these 7 Bumble mistakes could be keeping you from getting dates!
Bumble Openers & Pick Up Lines Wondering what to message men on Bumble? These 6 conversation starters get responses from the high quality men you can’t wait to date!
Bumble's Opening Moves Feature Explained Find out how this feature works, and 3 reasons why you should try it!

Bumble FAQ

Is Bumble a good dating app?

Bumble is a great option for anyone looking for a more serious relationship. The gender ratio is about equal, and according to the app’s internal data 60% of matches result in a conversation.

How does Bumble work?

How does Bumble’s algorithm work?

Why can only women send the first message?

Is Bumble free?

Is Bumble available for android and iOS?

Does Bumble login only through Facebook?

Can I turn off Bumble notifications?

How does Bumble work for guys?

Is Bumble a hookup app?

Can I change my Bumble location?

What is Bumble verification?

What Is Bumble Best Photo?

Why did my Bumble photo get moderated?

How can I change my main profile photo?

How do I link my Instagram to my Bumble profile?

How do I link my Spotify to my Bumble profile?

What are Bumble Interests?

I accidentally swiped the wrong way on Bumble, can I undo it?

I swiped right, why can’t I start the conversation on Bumble?

Why does Bumble keep backtracking?

Why is Bumble out of people?

Why do I have zero matches?

Can I filter my Bumble matches?

Can I change my Bumble profile information?

Can I hide my profile on Bumble?

What is Bumble Premium?

What is Bumble Boost?

How much does Bumble cost?

What is Bumble rematch?

What is Bumble extend?

How do you extend a Bumble match?

What are Bumble Coins?

What is Bumble Spotlight?

What is the Reactions feature on Bumble?

What is Bumble BeeKey?

What is Bumble Incognito?

Does Bumble unmatch?

How do I get an expired match back?

Which is better, Bumble or Tinder?

Why is my Bumble not working?

What does “deleted user” mean?

Why did my conversation disappear on Bumble?

What is Bumble Snooze?

Where can I download Bumble?

How do you change your Bumble search distance?

What is Bumble BFF?

What is Bumble Bizz?

What are the main Bumble icon meanings?

Who are the founders of Bumble?

Is Bumble owned by Match Group?

What is Bantr Live?

What is a Compliment on Bumble?

What is Speed Dating on Bumble?

What is The "For You" Feed on Bumble?

Want to steal one of our top-performing bios? Download our top 10 proven profiles right now so you can get more matches and date higher quality women.

While others play the numbers game, we find the one person who elevates everything—someone who aligns with your values, enhances your world, and makes you wonder how you ever settled for less.