Which Dating Apps Don't Require Photos?

Of the six big apps, none says it works without a face photo: Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Match, OkCupid and Plenty of Fish each ask for one, in their own wording. On Tinder and Hinge the details vary by country. The practical answer for a man with no photos he likes is to fix the photos.

Tinder's help page says users are required to upload at least one face photo "in many regions around the world." It says the rule differs by country and that some exceptions apply.

If Tinder cannot find a valid face photo, the account is hidden. A hidden account is not seen by other people and cannot use features such as Likes, Super Likes or Boosts, though you can still reach Settings and chat with your existing matches. An acceptable photo shows your full face, well lit and close up, with nothing covering it, such as a mask, your hand or your phone.

Tinder says it uses technology that only roughly detects whether a face is present, not facial recognition to identify you. Asked what to do if you do not want to upload a face photo, Tinder says your account will be hidden and some features unavailable. It points to Settings, where you can block people or use Incognito to control who sees you.

If you travel from a country without the requirement to one with it, you will need a face photo to keep using your account there. The change reverses when you return home. Tinder's age checks in some countries also require a clear face photo and a Face Check scan from new users before they can send likes or messages.

Hinge's Community Guidelines say: "Daters must have one photo that clearly shows their face, and each account must only belong to one dater." Its help page says members must have a set of photos, the number depending on local requirements, along with prompt answers.

In some regions Face Check is required, which asks for a video selfie. If your photos include a clear solo shot of your face that matches the video, you receive a Selfie Verified badge. Hinge's optional Selfie Verification asks for at least one front-facing photo, crisp and unfiltered, with you in focus and the only subject.

Bumble's Community Guidelines say: "we require at least one of your profile photos to depict only you and to clearly show your full face." It does not permit heavily distorted photos, memes or photos with mainly text, or photos of children on their own.

Bumble lets you add a limited number of photos and videos, and says clear, bright shots where your face is visible work best. It says its own data shows more photos earn more likes. Photo Verification compares a selfie with your photos. It is mandatory in some places, and optional elsewhere unless Bumble asks. You get a limited number of attempts.

Match's photo guidelines say the main photo must show an unobstructed face with no other people. To be visible to others, a member needs at least one photo that clearly shows his face, plus a small minimum of photos in total. Its age check may ask new members for a clear face photo.

OkCupid says the main photo must show your face and be clearly and recognizably you, because the app is for genuine connections and not anonymous posting. It says an account may be banned as fake for using a fake or blank photo in place of a face photo. Its Incognito option hides your page and photos from everyone unless you have Liked them.

Plenty of Fish asks for a main image with a good, unobstructed view of your face and nobody else, and says every image, public or private, is moderated. New members may be asked for a clear face photo as part of its age check.

Tinder, Hinge and Bumble each pair a face photo rule or a photo check with the same purpose, as those apps word it: showing that the photos look like you, and keeping fake accounts out. Match and Plenty of Fish each say a new member may be asked for a clear face photo as part of an age check, and OkCupid says it is not a place for anonymous posting. Privacy is a fair reason to want less exposure. Tinder's Incognito and OkCupid's Incognito are the controls those apps point to for it.

This is the usual reason a man goes looking for a photoless app. His camera roll is two years of screenshots, group shots where he is half hidden, and mirror selfies from the same hallway. No amount of cropping builds a varied set from that.

You have three honest options:

1. A friend with a phone. An hour outdoors in daylight is enough, and it costs nothing.
2. A photographer. A local professional can photograph you in two or three spots on one afternoon.
3. A set made from your selfies. It starts from pictures you have on your phone today, and nobody has to photograph you.

Whichever you choose, hold every photo to one question: would she pick you out at the bar on the first look? Photos that truly look like you are fine to use.