How to Find Out If Someone Is on a Dating Site?

You may be searching for someone specific on a dating site for various reasons. Perhaps you’re looking to connect with a particular individual, or you suspect your partner has a secret profile and want to confirm your suspicions. Alternatively, as a legal professional or journalist, you may need to find someone on a dating site for investigative purposes. Dating sites like Tinder don’t allow searching for specific individuals, unlike social media apps, which can make the process overwhelming and challenging.

Therefore, to ease your mind, I have figured out several reliable methods that can help you find a particular individual on dating platforms. The methods that I shall introduce to you include free and paid techniques along with manual tricks. I tested the third-party tools and methods in this article first-hand so that you can achieve your desired outcome using at least one of these strategies. However, you must also respect an individual’s privacy and try not to meddle too far. Keeping all these in mind, let us proceed to the methods.

 

Best Methods to Find Out if Someone Is on a Dating Site

Here are some of the best methods to find out if someone is on a dating site. However, all of these steps have challenges, so I have also mentioned the resolutions.

If you have any specific questions about the following apps, consult legal professionals or privacy experts.

Method 1: Using Reverse Look Up Sites

I tried several reverse lookup sites and shortlisted these top two apps. However, the reverse lookup sites may sometimes provide incomplete or outdated data. Hence, I suggest verifying their reports by confronting the person yourself or going to the dating site manually to find them in times of doubt.

1) Social Catfish

Social Catfish is designed to help you verify people’s online identities. Its database has 200 billion records and provides all an individual’s online profiles, such as social media, dating sites, etc.

To test its accuracy, I looked up a friend whom I knew was on Tinder. It brought up all his social media and dating profiles, and it turns out he was also on Hinge, as per this reverse look-up site. I confirmed it with him, and he admitted to it with laughter.

Follow the steps below to find your target person’s dating profile using Social Catfish:

Step 1) First, go to https://socialcatfish.com/ and type their full name. If you have other details, such as email, username, image, or phone number, these search parameters can also help you find their profiles.

Step 2) Now, add more details such as their state, city, age, etc. You can choose to answer them if you know. Otherwise, you can hit “All States” or “I don’t know” and allow it to search.

Step 3) You will receive a partial basic result first. Then tap on See Complete Results to continue the in-depth search.

Step 4) This will initiate Social Catfish to find all their online profiles, including dating sites.

Step 5) You can now submit your email ID and pay $5.73 (3-day paid trial plan) to view the full report.

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2) Spokeo

Spokeo is another people lookup site that allows users to search for names, phone numbers, usernames, emails, and addresses. I looked up my childhood crush on Spokeo just for the heck of it and found him on OK Cupid instantly, which was impressive.

Its search speed is remarkable compared to other sites, and it can unearth profiles from any dating site. This is because Spokeo has the power to look up 120+ social networks. It can also dig up images, date of birth, current and previous addresses, wealth information, criminal records, and much more.

Here are the steps that I used to find someone on a dating site using Spokeo:

Step 1) Go to https://www.spokeo.com/, enter the target person’s full name, and tap on Search Now.

Step 2) Now hit Continue once the search process prompts you to.

Step 3) This shall trigger a more in-depth search, as shown below, which will help you find their dating profiles, if any.

Step 4) Once this search is complete, click on Continue. Then, enter your name and email address to build your report.

Step 5) Finally, pay only $0.95 for a one-time report and open the result to view the person’s dating profile information. Therefore, this is basically how to find out if someone is registered on a dating site for free.

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Method 2: Using Spy Apps

The spy apps that I have mentioned below are some of the top phone monitoring apps. They run in stealth mode; however, there is a risk of detection if you do not update the app often. Hence, I suggest updating them on time. Additionally, do check device compatibility before purchasing the app and check its site to see if it supports tracking of dating apps.

1) mSpy

mSpy is a phone monitoring tool that is basically designed as a parental control app. You can use it to view all the activities on a target device and find out if a person is using a dating app. I would suggest you never use it on strangers; this is basically for individuals and parents who want to see if their spouse is cheating and to monitor minors.

Using mSpy, I could view all the apps on the target device. Additionally, I could view chats, take screenshots, track their location, view the keys they typed, and more.

Here’s how you can use mSpy to see if a person is on a dating site:

Step 1) Visit https://www.mspy.com/, go to Try Now, enter your email ID, and hit Continue to select the operating system you want to monitor.

Step 2) Next, purchase a plan that is suitable for you and sign in with the credentials received in your email.

Step 3) Now download mSpy on the target device, set it up, and come to your dashboard on your device (computer).

Step 4) Next, go to the Target Phone option on the top right-hand side and tap on Add New Device to add the target phone.

Step 5) Once connected, allow some time for the data to sync, and then you can start monitoring.

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The other phone monitoring apps that you can use for this purpose are:

• uMobix
• ClevGuard
• Eyezy

Method 3: Using Search Engines

Search engines, as we know, can be a great source of information if you use them correctly to look for someone’s dating profile. However, this method may not work at times due to the type of dating app that they are using. My quest was fruitful after trying several times with the target’s full name and site name. Hence, do not give up on the first attempt. Here’s how to find out if someone is registered on a dating site for free using search engines:

1) Google

Using Google, you can find someone on Tinder. However, when I tried the same trick for Bumble, it didn’t bring up any profiles. To find a person on Tinder, all you have to do is type- Tinder.com (enter the target’s name), and it will bring up some profiles. You can click on it and check images without logging in and see if it’s the right individual.

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2) Bing

Bing works quite similarly to Google, although you may need to be more careful with the target’s name to get better results. I used the same process, i.e., typing Tinder.com (the target’s name). This brought up several profiles, and I could view their images and a few details without logging in, just like Google. You can also use its “Deep Search” feature if the usual search fails to find the person.

Method 4: Social Media Apps

Social media has a wealth of information. However, if you want to find someone specific on a dating site using social media, it could lead to a few challenges. For example, some social media apps could restrict such data; hence, using specialized paid third-party tools would be more reliable. I also found investigation on social media quite time-consuming; hence, it may take a whole day or a few days. If all else fails, do opt for reverse lookup sites.

1) Facebook

I logged in to Facebook to see if this particular individual was on Tinder since I was just genuinely curious. It was obviously not mentioned in their bio; hence, I installed FriendSwipe for Tinder.

This app allows you to view the list of connections that you have on Tinder from your Facebook friend list. However, you must send a friend request to your target individual on Facebook and get accepted to find them using FriendSwipe.

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2) Instagram

To find someone on a dating site using Instagram, you may have to create a Tinder profile. I tried out this method by creating a fake profile on Tinder, and then all I had to do was go to my profile icon > my display photo > scroll down and select “Connect Instagram“. Another smart tip is to check their stories and posts for hints.

A few times, I saw a follower of mine sharing Hinge memes on their stories that were related to dating sites to depict their experience, which was quite similar to the meme. Thus confirming that they were on Hinge.

You can also see if your target person has hinted about using a dating site on other social media apps such as Snapchat.

Method 5: Using a Fake Dating Profile

I understand this method is ethically questionable. However, if you are 100% committed to finding that specific individual or let’s say you want to know how to find out if your husband is on dating sites for free, then it might be acceptable. Although, I recommend proceeding cautiously since it’s a matter of privacy.

You can create a fake profile using the same steps you would use to create your actual account on a dating site. I tried out creating profiles on Tinder, Bumble, OK Cupid, and Grinder. You must set the distance, hobbies, etc., so that the app can help you connect with your target person.

However, there is a possibility of violation of the Terms of Service, so I suggest you read the terms and conditions thoroughly and do not misuse or catfish people using your dummy account.

Method 6: Try to Create a Profile Using Their Email

I wouldn’t recommend you use this method unless it is your spouse and you have some solid points to suspect them. In this method, if they already have a profile, the dating site will inform you that “this email is already taken” or “your email is already in use”.

When I tested this method, I realized that many dating sites allow you to sign in with a phone number. If the email address does not yield the result, try using their contact number instead. However, since it doesn’t indicate an active account, it could also be an inactive profile that was used years ago.

You can try this method on as many dating sites as possible but try not to attempt it too many times on one site. Attempting more than two or three times may have legal consequences, such as identity theft. I suggest you understand the risks involved in breaching privacy. Additionally, there’s the potential of an account ban; hence, using your data to create a profile is a safer option.

Method 7: Use the Forgot Password Trick

Once again, I would not recommend this method to you unless it’s your partner or your child. You can try this trick if you are almost sure that they are using a dating site behind your back. Since some websites and apps do not tell you if the email is already in use, try the “forgot my password” link. Just enter your target person’s email or phone number and click on the “submit” button.

If your spouse or child doesn’t own an account, the site will say, “username incorrect”. However, if it says that a “password reset link has been sent to your email or phone number”, they own an account, and they will be informed of your intrusion.

I must tell you that trying to access someone’s account without authorization is illegal and a breach of privacy. In this case, it may not be considered so if you do not repeatedly attempt to do it. Hence, having open communication with your spouse and your kid could be a better idea.

Method 8: Check Their Browser History and Junk Mail

Checking browser history and junk mail may sound unethical; however, you might be in a dire situation and have to go to these lengths. Although, I would not suggest attempting this on anyone but your child or spouse. You can simply go through their browser history and see if they have accessed any dating sites.

Usually, people are logged into their email on at least one device; hence, you can acquire their device and check the junk mail for any dating site emails. It could be just a promotional email sent to everyone. Do not rely on this partial clue; instead, read the email and check if it’s a personalized offer message, newsletter, or something that you can ignore. You could also be misinterpreting some regular emails; therefore, avoid jumping to conclusions.

Method 9: Ask to Do a Phone Exchange

Snooping into someone’s device might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Hence, you can try swapping devices instead if you are wondering, “how can I find out if my boyfriend is on dating sites for free?”. It is pretty common among couples to do this to ensure honesty in the relationship. This is a healthier option than going behind the back to access their phone without permission.

You can politely ask them to suggest phone swapping and if they are okay with it. If they ask the reason, you can tell them the truth and how it will help you trust each other more. When I tried it the last time, it went pretty smoothly as my partner had nothing to hide; hence, there’s a chance that they might not hesitate at all.

However, hesitating may not automatically indicate an affair since individuals have different comfort levels that may decide their reaction. You must also respect their boundaries if they are not willing since it could damage respect and intimacy in your relationship. If they do agree, know that this will set future expectations for sudden exchange requests from their side as well.

Method 10: Other Quick Methods

Here are my other quick methods if you are still wondering how to find out if someone has a dating profile for free:

For someone you are interested in:

• Bring it up in conversations, for example, drop hints about dating life.
• Tell them about a funny incident that happened when you tried using a dating app.
• Make a lighthearted joke about boring online dating scenes.

For a spouse/child:

• You can act as if you know they have a dating profile, which may make them act out of character.
• Try looking for dating apps on their phones.

Ethics to Consider in Finding a Dating Profile

When figuring out how to find out if someone is on a dating site, you must approach it by keeping ethics in mind. Here’s what I would want you to consider when using the above methods:

• Respect Privacy – Do not invade someone’s personal space or breach trust. Doing so, especially if it’s a person you are interested in, could ruin things before they even bloom.
• Consent – Make sure you have a mutual understanding of online activities before searching.
• Intent – Reflect on your intentions. Are your motives pure and clear, or are you doing it to cause them some sort of harm?
• Honesty – Be transparent about why you attempted it if your actions come to light.
• Emotional Impact – Always consider the potential harm and consequences that could occur for both of you.

Dos and Don’ts When You Find Your Partner on a Dating App

Here are some helpful Dos and Don’ts if you find out that your partner is using a dating app:

Dos:

• Be calm and composed and think rationally
• Communicate clearly about the concerns you have
• Listen to their side of the story
• Seek counseling or advice from mental health professionals if needed
• Put your self-care and emotional well-being first
• Reflect on what you are feeling and the goal of your relationship
• Set clear expectations and build healthy boundaries
• Make a call about whether you want to rebuild trust or move on

Dont’s:

• React impulsively or with anger
• Disregard their explanation
• Accuse or blame without understanding the full picture
• Forget your self-worth in the situation
• Give silent treatment without talking about the issue
• Bring friends or family in between without consent
• Continuously spy on their activities
• Continue the relationship out of fear or insecurity

Quick Fun Tip- How to Approach Your Crush on A Dating Site?

I had a massive crush on a guy who goes to my university, and I was eager to reach out to him. However, he is from a different department that is located on the other end of our campus. Hence, I thought connecting with him on a dating site would be more natural since I didn’t want to come off too strong face-to-face. I tried the following tips that I gathered after doing my research, and well, I am currently writing this after going on three dates with him:

• Choose a friendly profile picture and add a genuine and exciting bio highlighting your personality.
• Always start with a simple message: “Hi [Name]! I noticed you love [shared interest]”.
• Say something about a fascinating subject on their profile.
• Do not use lines that sound over-the-top or too formal; just be yourself.
• Use open-ended questions to encourage further conversation.
• Keep a relaxed vibe in the chat since response time could vary.
• Show that you are curious without being too intense, and balance your interests without overwhelming them.

Conclusion

Try all of the above methods depending on the situation you are in. I found reverse lookup sites like Social Catfish and Spokeo quite helpful when it comes to people you are interested in. As for your spouse or your child, mSpy can also be a reliable option. Overall, no matter which method you go ahead with, respecting an individual’s privacy and personal boundaries is a must. Additionally, make sure you are looking for them on dating sites only with pure intent.