Grindr is a very popular dating app designed for gay and bisexual men. It is available on Android, Blackberry OS, iOS phones and uses the GPS of the device it is installed on to locate other users near your location. Whether you're looking for an adventure, a new friend, or your future mate, Grindr helps you find a guy near you.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Preparation
Step 1. Download the app
As previously mentioned, Grindr is available on Android, iOS and BlackBerry OS.
- On Android devices, version 2.3.3 Gingerbread or later is required.
- IOS devices must be updated to version 6 or later. The App Store also asks for confirmation that you are of legal age to download the app.
Step 2. Create a new account
Enter your email address and password. You also need to confirm your age and complete a CAPTCHA.
Part 2 of 5: Creating the Profile
Step 1. Fill in the fields to create your Grindr profile
- Display name: is used to identify you; you can enter a nickname or your real name.
- Title: A short phrase that "draws" users to your profile.
- Age: Enter your age. Users must be 18 or older to use the app. If you wish, you have the option to hide it.
- About me: a brief description of your interests, hobbies, preferences, intentions, etc.
- Grindr Tribe: These are slang terms used within the gay community to identify a person based on their build and other characteristics. For example, a lean, young college student is likely a Twink, while a more portly, hairy man may identify with the Bears.
- Height, weight, build and ethnicity.
- Looking for: The reason that prompted you to create a profile, such as chatting, dating, friendships, business relationships, relationships, or adventures (casual sexual encounters).
- Relationship status (single, boyfriend, etc.).
- Social networks: You can add your username on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, so that users can visit your profiles on those platforms.
- Make sure you follow Grindr's guidelines. In your profile, you must not write anything that could be considered sexually explicit, vulgar, racist, threatening, you cannot advertise, mention illegal drugs or promote unsafe sexual practices.
Step 2. Upload an image
You have the option to take a photo with your phone or choose an existing shot from your device's camera roll. After you upload an image, it will be saved in the app, so you can send it to other users without having to search for it again.
- For best results, choose a photo that shows your face clearly, with a natural and amused smile. Try the advice in this article.
- Use the front camera of the device and avoid mirror shots.
- Make sure you follow Grindr's guidelines. You must not upload pornographic or sexually explicit images, you must not advertise products or services, display firearms or drugs, violate copyright laws, impersonate other users or display minors.
Part 3 of 5: Using the App
The user interface differs by device and operating system. The images used in the article come from an Android phone running 4.4 KitKat.
Step 1. Click on an image to open that user's profile
Scroll down to see other guys.
- Once you open another person's profile, you will see their enlarged photo, their personal information and their distance from you.
- Add users to favorites by pressing the star icon.
Step 2. Learn how to use the orange toolbar
It contains five icons with different functions:
- The mask icon on the left contains the menu to edit your profile, change settings, get support and subscribe to Grindr Xtra (the premium service).
- The balloon opens the chat. When you have new messages to read, the icon changes to a number.
- The circle hides offline users and only shows those who are currently online.
- The star shows the users you have added to your favorites.
- The icon with three overlapping rectangles allows you to use filters.
Part 4 of 5: Talk to other Users
Step 1. Start a conversation
Go to a user's profile and tap on the balloon icon, or double tap on their photo on the main screen. The messages are displayed as in the apps you are used to using; what you write is in orange, while the answers of other users are blue.
Step 2. Press the camera icon to send a photo
You can take a photo right now or use one you have saved in your phone, just like you did to upload your profile picture. Crop the shot if necessary to remove unwanted background objects.
Step 3. Submit your location by pressing the device menu button and selecting "Send Location"
You will use GPS to send a mini-map of your approximate location.
Part 5 of 5: Using the Advanced Features
Step 1. Use the filters to restrict the number of guys displayed
Press the last icon on the toolbar to activate the filters and adjust the following parameters: photos only, Grindr tribe, age, height, weight, build, ethnicity, seeking and relationship status.
Note that some of the options are disabled for non-Grindr Xtra subscribers (see below)
Step 2. Consider purchasing Grindr Xtra subscription, the app's premium service
New users receive a free trial of Xtra for a couple of weeks. As long as you can use this service, additional features will be unlocked on your account, such as:
- The ability to view only online users
- No advertising
- Push notifications for new messages
- The ability to view other users by scrolling down
- Filter options: photo only, height, weight, body size, ethnicity and relationship status
- The ability to bookmark people and block an unlimited number of users
Advice
- Try to be concise in the "About me" section of your profile. You only have a certain number of characters available, so avoid irrelevant information. Just describe some of your interests, hobbies and characteristics, as well as what you are looking for.
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Grindr is known to have many bugs and performance issues. One of the most serious problems is the sudden failure to receive messages. If this happens to you, consider changing your title to "I'm not receiving messages" or something similar.
Likewise, since push notifications are not available to those who are not subscribed to the Xtra service, many users write "I am receiving late messages" as a title
- Use filters to your advantage. If you are looking for a lasting relationship, set the filter to only show guys who are looking for a serious relationship and not casual relationships.
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Follow the etiquette of dating apps.
- Don't ignore the messages, as it is considered rude. If you are not interested in a person, tactfully tell him no or block him.
- Don't write phrases that imply racism or discrimination on your profile, such as "No Asians" or "No sissies".
- Commit to developing interesting conversations. Replies to monosyllables are considered rude in all cases.
- Make your profile more interesting with emojis (iOS and Android).
Warnings
- Use common sense when planning a date, whether it's a date or a one-night stand.
- In some cases on Grindr you will be hit with spam. Don't click suspicious links.
- Due to the nature of casual sex, always put your health first and use condoms the right way. Even if you are certain that the guy you are meeting is perfectly healthy, avoid unprotected sex with strangers.
