Grindr – how to get smiley faces in profile, and other tips

I have done a couple of blog posts on Grindr, the iPhone app that has been euphemistically described as Dating for Gays (I say hook ups, but that’s just me).  I find it amusing that Israeli publication Haaretz has the headline New iPhone application lets gay Israelis look for love while on the move. Love?  Hmmm, call me cynical (or maybe just call me realistic) but I don’t think it’s love anyone will find (nor are they looking for it if they are using Grindr).

I number of people have asked me how to get things like smiley faces (or Emoji) in the profile name and/or profile text.  Well the answer is easy: Install Emoji (as explained in this post) and then you have them to type in just like you would any character.

While I on the subject here are some protocol tips for using Grindr:

1. Like any ‘dating’ site, have a decent pic.   Given that all iPhones come with a camera, it’s not hard to take one, and having a clear face helps.¹
2. Reply to any message sent – even if its just “thanks” or “hey, just heading out, chat later”.  It takes 5 seconds to be polite but might make the other person’s day.
3. Be honest.  If you are 30 but look 25, you are still 30. 
4. Standard safety rules apply if meeting anyone – meet in a (semi) public place 1st (not your home).  A bar or cafe is always good.

TIP: Since the unpaid Grindr App only displays the closest 100 people, in big cities this doesn’t show much of a distance.  To expand that, just “block” anyone you are not interested in.  This removes them from your list and you can see others further away.  Don’t worry, no one knows you have blocked them, you just don’t show in their searches anymore (and they don’t show in yours).

Note 1: Apple actually have very strict rules on Apps for nudity and sexual content, so Grindr has the same strict rules.   In fact the photo restrictions are VERY long and detailed, including:

• No bare skin beginning 2 inches below the navel (hip bone area) or above the upper thighs can be shown.
• No underwear can be visible.
• Appropriate public swimwear is allowed. No pubic hair, no outline of genitals and no portion of the butt can be present.
• Pants and shorts must be worn normally, buttoned, and not pulled or hanging down.

It goes on to say No suggestive poses.  I consider myself a wordy and knowledgeable person, but have to say I don’t actually know what a suggestive pose is, but suffice it to say, they are not allowed.

A full list of photo rules for Grindr can be found here.

Black and White Version: Adding icons and smiley’s to Grindr is easy.  Finding love via Grindr is somewhat harder (and less likely).  Hook ups via Grindr – the easiest of all.