Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Creating an account
• Part 2 of 4: Create your profile
• Part 3 of 4: Using the app
• Part 4 of 4: Sending messages
• Tips

This article will teach you how to get started with Grindr, a mobile dating app that uses your location and is aimed at men and those on the LGBTQ spectrum.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Creating an account

1. Install Grindr on your phone or tablet. You can download the app for free in the App Store (iOS) or the Play Store (Android).
2. Open Grindr. The icon is an orange mask and is usually located on your home page or in your folder with other apps (if you are using an Android).
3. Press Sign Up in the upper right corner.
4. Fill in the form. You will have to enter your email address, create a password and confirm your date of birth.
5. Select a method to sign up. If you wish to create an account with your email address, please fill in the form and press "Finish". If you'd rather create an account from your Google or Facebook account, tap one of these options at the bottom and then follow the onscreen instructions to sign in.
   • You may be asked to complete a short activity to prove you are human.
6. Read the conditions and press Continue. A confirmation will appear.
7. Press Accept. By doing so, you confirm that you agree to Grindr's rules and privacy statement. Once you have confirmed you will be logged in to Grindr. Now you can create your profile.

Part 2 of 4: Create your profile

1. Press Add photo to upload a profile picture. Your photo is the first thing other Grindr users will see from you. Follow the onscreen instructions to either take a new photo or select a photo from your phone or tablet.
   • Use a clear photo of your face with a natural, fun smile. Use the tips in How to be photogenic for best results.
   • Grindr does not allow the use of nudity / pornography, visible contours of genitals or photos in underwear as a profile photo.
2. Press Display name to enter your name. This can be your own name or a short phrase to get people's attention.
3. Enter your age. If you want your age to be displayed on your profile, press "Age" and enter it now. If not, slide the "Show Age" switch to the Off position (gray).
4. Press I'm looking for to choose your relationship preference. Other members will see this when they view your profile.
5. Press Next one. Your profile is now live and filled in with most of the standard information. You can add more if you wish.
6. Tap your profile picture. This appears as the first option under "WHO IS NEARBY". The information others see about you will be displayed here.
7. Press at the bottom of your profile Edit profile. You can press this at any time to add or change details such as your physical details, relationship status, ethnicity, attitude, HIV status and other information to your profile.
   • Be brief when you fill in the "About Myself" field in your profile. You have a limited number of characters, so avoid irrelevant information.
   • Press "My Tribes" to choose a word that describes your identity.
   • If you wish to link your social media accounts to your profile, scroll down and select "Instagram", "Twitter" or "Facebook" and then follow the on-screen instructions to sign up.

Part 3 of 4: Using the app

1. Open Grindr. When you start the app, it will open on the home screen. This is where matches and new users will be displayed. You will also see an icon bar at the bottom of the screen with various functions and a link to your own profile (the first icon under "WHO IS NEARBY").
2. Familiarize yourself with the icon bar. This is the bar with 5 icons that appears at the bottom of the screen.
   • The "FILTERS" menu (in the top center of the icon bar) allows users to rank according to certain criteria such as age, what they are looking for and whether or not they are online.
   • The star icon shows users you have added to your favorites.
   • The icon of a mask will take you back to the home screen.
   • The rocket icon allows users to discover other locations.
   • The speech bubble icon displays your messages. You can also tap the "Tap" tab at the top of this section to see who sent you a "Tap", which means they pressed the flame icon on your profile. This means that the person is interested!
   • The speech bubble displays your conversations. When you have new messages, this icon will change to a number.
   • The "XTRA" icon displays your options to upgrade to the ad-free version of Grindr. The paid version also includes receipts, allows you to have an unlimited number of favorites or block people, and to swipe through profiles.
3. Adjust your settings. The Settings menu gives you control over how the app behaves:
   • Tap your own profile picture.
   • Press the cogwheel in the top right corner of your profile.
   • All preferences related to your account (such as your password, the option to upgrade, and your linked email address) will appear under the "ACCOUNT" heading. Depending on your device, it may be possible to adjust your notifications.
   • Sound and notification options appear under "PREFERENCES" heading.
   • Specify who can find your profile and see where you are under the heading "SECURITY".
   • Press the Back button to return to your profile and press it again to return to the home screen.
4. Tap an image to view someone's profile. This will display a larger version of this user's profile, along with the details they answered and when they were last online. Depending on the user's privacy settings, you may see how close that person is to you.
   • Press the star at the top of the screen to add a user to your favorites.
   • Press the alert symbol (a circle with a line through it) to block this user from seeing you and communicating with you.

Part 4 of 4: Sending messages

1. Tap the profile of the person you want to talk to. The profile details of that person will be displayed.
   • If you want to reply to a message someone has sent you, press the speech bubble icon on the home screen (the 4th icon from the left) to open your inbox and then press the message you want to reply to.
2. Press the speech bubble to open the message window. The message composing screen will appear.
   • If you want to let someone know you're interested, but if you're not ready to send a message yet, tap the flame icon at the bottom of that user's profile to send a Tap. Tapping means you are interested or believe the person is attractive, and they will appear in the user's mailbox in the "Tapping" section.
3. Send a message, photo or sticker. These are the most common ways to send messages:
   • Press the "Say something ..." field to send a text message.
   • Tap a camera icon to select and send a photo.
   • Press the smiley icon to send a sticker.
4. Send an audio message. If you want to record something and send it to the user, follow these steps:
   • To type, press and hold a microphone icon to the right of the place.
   • Continue to hold the icon while recording your message. The message can take up to 60 seconds.
   • Lift your finger to stop recording. When you reach 60 seconds before you are done, the recording will stop automatically.
   • Press the Play button to listen to the audio before sending it.
   • Press the Send button to send it.
5. Submit your location. If you want to tell someone where you are, tap the compass icon (at the bottom next to the last icon) to open the map and tap "Send Location". The user will see a map showing where to go to reach you.
   • Use your wits when meeting up to meet someone in real life. Always notify a friend in case you get into trouble.

Tips

• Push notifications are only available with Grindr Xtra.
• If a long-term relationship is your goal, then you need to set your filter to show only people who want a relationship and to leave out people just looking for casual sex.
• Do not try to ignore messages as this is considered rude. If you are not interested, please make this clear in a friendly manner or block the function.
• Do not try to use phrases that give your profile a racist or discriminatory character.
• Make an effort to keep the conversation going. One-word answers are usually not well received.
• Due to the nature of casual sex, you should always put your safety first and use condoms properly. Even if someone claims to be HIV negative and free from STIs, you should avoid unsafe sex with strangers.