The biggest worry that most people have with dating apps that use GPS location to match users is that that they may record location data and make it public.
One of the most popular location-based dating apps is Bumble and despite its popularity, most people still worry that the app may record their location.
As a result, most people have various questions about the exact process that Bumble uses to match users. The following are some of the most important ones.
The way Bumble's location feature functions is by using the GPS location data from your device to display potential matches in your area. To get Bumble work, you must grant Bumble location permissions.
There are three options available:
Always: With this option, your location will update not only when the Bumble app is open but also when it's running in the background. If you prefer not to have your location updated while the app is not in use, you can force close the app.
While using the app: With this option, your location will only be updated when the Bumble app is actively open and in use. It won't update if the app is running in the background.
Never: With this option, you won't be able to make any new matches.
If you pick 'Always' for Bumble's location permission, Bumble can still see where you are even when the app is running in the background. But if you choose 'While using the app,' Bumble only knows where you are when the app is in the foreground. It can't see your location when you're not using the app or when it's running in the background. And if you force close the app, Bumble can't see your location then either.
The accuracy of Bumble's location depends on factors such as GPS signal strength and internet connectivity. If the GPS signal is strong enough and you have a stable internet connection, the location displayed in the Bumble app is fairly accurate, and the app can determine your location with some certainty.
If you want to hide your location on Bumble without deleting your profile, you can use the free Snooze Mode feature. This allows you to take a break from Bumble while keeping your profile active. Snooze Mode lets you pause your activity on Bumble and hide your profile from potential matches for either 24 hours, 72 hours, a week, or indefinitely. This way, you can take a break without losing your connections or chats.
On Android:
On iOS:
Not necessarily. Bumble displays the distance of a profile from the last time the user logged in. This means you might see a potential match's profile showing they are 10 miles away, only for the distance to change to 15 miles suddenly. It suggests that the last time they used Bumble, they were 10 miles away, then they logged out and traveled an additional 5 miles before using the app again.
Yes, it's possible to use GPS location spoofing tools like MockGo to change the GPS location on Bumble. Afterward, the app will show potential matches in the location you chose with MockGo. For instance, if you set yourself in London using MockGo, Bumble will only display matches in London.
Using location-dating apps like Tinder and Bumble carries privacy risks, as location is the main method used to connect you with potential matches. It's up to you to decide if the risk is acceptable for you to continue using the app. The questions above can help you make that decision. If there are any we missed or if you have a follow-up question, feel free to post it in the comments section below, and we'll do our best to provide a satisfactory answer.
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