How Does Bumble Work for Guys?

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Who can message first on Bumble?

Co-authored by Kyle Smith Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: March 27, 2023

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Matching with Women

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Matching with Men and Nonbinary Users

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Sending Compliments

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Tips

Bumble has a few unique messaging rules. If a man has matched with a woman, only the woman can send the first message. For men that have matched with men or nonbinary individuals, either person can send the first message. This wikiHow discusses how Bumble works for guys.

Things You Should Know

If a man matches with a woman, she has 24 hours to send the first message.
If a man matches with a man or nonbinary user, either person can send the first message within 24 hours.
After receiving a first message, the individual has 24 hours to respond.

Section 1 of 3:

Matching with Women

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Only women can make the first move. For heterosexual matches, the woman has to send the first message. She has 24 hours to send a message before the match expires. Then, the man has to respond within 24 hours, or the connection will expire.^{[1]
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- After the initial back and forth messages, there is no longer a time limit on messaging.
- You can use the Extend feature to increase the first message timer. This means your match has 24 additional hours to start the conversation.^{[2]
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- You can rematch on Bumble if the connection expires!
- If you’re just getting started with Bumble, check out how to swipe on Bumble and our expert tips for chatting.

Section 2 of 3:

Matching with Men and Nonbinary Users

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Either person can make the first move. If a man matches with a man or someone who is nonbinary, either individual can send the first message. If a first message isn’t sent within 24 hours, the match will expire. The other person has 24 hours to respond before the connection expires.
- After the initial back and forth messages, there is no longer a time limit on messaging.
- You can use the Extend feature to increase the first message timer. You or your match then have 24 additional hours to start the conversation.
- After matching with someone, see our expert guide on how to start the conversation.

Section 3 of 3:

Sending Compliments

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Send a compliment to a potential match. The compliment feature allows you to send a short text message to another user before you swipe on their profile. Anyone can send a complement to any user they see in their swiping pool. Here's how to do it:^{[3]
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- Go to the section of the user's profile you want to compliment. This can be a profile prompt, picture, or bio.
- Tap the message icon with a heart inside.
- Type a compliment about the section you selected.
- Tap the send button in the bottom right. It's a paper airplane icon.