How Do I Match with Someone and Start Chatting?

If Someone Likes Your Profile

• You'll see them in the Likes You tab at the bottom of the screen.
• To match, tap the Chat icon and either send a message or tap Match.

• Their profile will then move to your Matches tab.

If You Want to Send a Like

You can initiate a match in Discover or Standouts:

• In Discover: Tap the heart icon next to something that stands out in their profile. You can also add a Comment: users who Comment are more likely to get a response!
• In Standouts: Tap the star icon at the bottom of the screen, then send a Rose to someone who catches your eye. Adding a comment can help spark a conversation.
• If they accept your Like or Rose, you'll match, and their profile will move to your Matches tab.

Not interested in someone? Skipping to the next person indicates to us (and our algorithm) that you weren't interested. To skip in Discover, tap the black X. To skip in Standouts, just swipe the profile to the left.

Messaging your Match

You've made a match! Now it's time to start chatting:

• Open your Matches list and select a conversation.
• Send a message, emoji, or even "Like" a message your match has sent!
• Want to make great first impressions? Check out our Dating Tips and Safe Dating Advice

Not seeing matches yet? Keep exploring, updating your profile, and sending thoughtful Likes—you never know who you'll connect with next!

Chat-Specific Notifications

If you have matches, but want more control over which matches you receive notifications from, you can enable Chat-Specific Notifications.

From your Conversation:

• Tap Enable Notifications in the chat banner, or
• Tap the three dots in the upper right of the chat, then select Enable Notifications

You may be brought to your device's notification settings, where you can enable notifications. Turning on notifications here will only turn on notifications for this specific match.

You'll then receive notifications when your match messages you!

To Disable Chat-Specific Notifications:

• From your Conversation, tap the three dots in the upper right corner
• Select Disable Notifications

Not seeing Chat-Specific Notifications?

This could be because you already have device-level notifications and new message notifications on in your OtterHalf Settings.

If you'd like to enable all chat notifications:

1. Tap your Photo Icon (far right of the navigation bar).
2. Tap the Gear icon to open Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap Push Notifications
4. Tap the New Messages toggle so it turns purple
5. Ensure you're device-level notifications are on for OtterHalf

You can find more info about how to adjust your notifications preferences Here.

Troubleshooting Messaging Issues

If you're having trouble sending messages, try the following:

• Make sure you have a strong data or Wi-Fi connection.
• If a message fails to send, close and reopen the app, then try again.

Still having issues? Check out Basic Troubleshooting for more solutions.