Grindr FAQ
Answers to the most common Grindr questions-age checks, privacy controls, subscriptions, and access issues.
Verification & safety
- Why is Grindr asking me for a video selfie now?
- The UK Online Safety Act and similar state laws require Grindr to confirm users are 18+. The app partners with FaceTec to run a liveness selfie (and, in some regions, an ID check). You'll see the prompt after you create an account, edit your birthday, or sign in from a new regulated location.
- What documents will Grindr accept if the selfie isn't enough?
- Upload a clear photo of the front and back of a government-issued ID-passport, driver's licence, or national ID. Make sure your name and date of birth match your profile, and avoid glare or cropping. The verification menu lives under Settings - Privacy - Age verification.
- Do I need to verify again when I travel?
- If you open Grindr in the UK or U.S. states with age-assurance mandates (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming), you may be prompted again. Have your selfie-ready camera and ID handy or connect through a trusted VPN endpoint only after you've complied with the law.
- How does Grindr store my biometric data?
- FaceTec processes the selfie, returns an age estimate, and deletes the media after review. Grindr stores a pass/fail token so you don't repeat the check. You can request deletion through Settings - Privacy - Request My Data.
Account & features
- What's the difference between Grindr (free), Grindr Plus, and Grindr Unlimited?
- Free accounts get 100 profiles per grid and essential messaging. Grindr Plus removes ads, boosts profile visibility, and expands filters. Grindr Unlimited adds browsing with an invisible mode, browsing from multiple locations, and unsend capabilities. You can trial subscriptions for seven days before the renewal kicks in.
- Where do Favorites, Blocks, and Notes live in the redesign?
- Tap a profile and hit the star, block, or note icon; the lists live under Settings - Safety - Favorites & Blocks. Notes are private to you and sync across devices when you sign into the same account.
- How can I control who sees my HIV status or pronouns?
- Edit your profile, go to Health and Identity sections, and toggle which fields display publicly. Grindr also supports HIV test reminders and resource links under Settings - Sexual health.
Privacy & security
- Is there still an incognito or "browse anonymously" option?
- Yes-Grindr Unlimited includes Incognito mode, hiding your profile from grids while letting you view others. You can also toggle Show Me Online and Recently Viewed in Settings - Privacy.
- How do I secure my account if my phone is lost?
- Enable passcode or biometric lock in Settings - Security, enable Sign-in approvals (email/SMS), and check Active Sessions to sign out remote devices. Change your linked email password and revoke third-party logins (Apple/Google) if needed.
- Can I download or delete my Grindr data?
- Go to Settings - Privacy - Request My Data to export chats, photos, and profile info. You can also delete your account entirely; Grindr retains minimal records for fraud prevention as outlined in its privacy policy.
Troubleshooting & access
- Grindr keeps looping the verification screen-what should I try?
- Force-quit the app, clear cache/data, update to the latest build, and retake the selfie in bright natural light. If it persists, submit a ticket at help.grindr.com with the error ID and attach the rejection email.
- Can I use Grindr on work Wi-Fi?
- Many corporate and institutional networks block LGBTQ+ dating apps. Use mobile data or a reputable VPN once you have verified your age. Remember that using Grindr may violate workplace policies even if the VPN connects.
- How do I report harassment or a fake profile?
- Open the profile, tap the shield icon, choose the reason (harassment, age concerns, spam, etc.), and submit. Combine this with a manual block to remove them from your grid while Trust & Safety investigates.
Need more help?
Pair this FAQ with How to Access Grindr for VPN/DNS walkthroughs and recovery checklists.