4 Simple Ways to Use Plenty of Fish - wikiHow (2024)

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1Signing Up

2Navigating POF (App and Desktop)

3Sending a Flirt

4Upgrading from the Free Version to a Paid Account

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Article Summary

Written byJohn Keegan|Edited byDarlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

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Plenty of Fish (POF) is an online dating service you can access through a web browser or mobile app using your active phone number. If you're looking to meet and date new people, you're in the right place! We've put together a guide on how to sign up for and use the Plenty of Fish dating service–from setting up a profile, to navigating the app, to messaging potential dates. We'll also cover the differences between free and premium accounts.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Signing Up

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  1. 1

    Launch Plenty of Fish. You can either use the mobile app (the icon that looks like a fish that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching) or go to https://www.pof.com in a web browser.

    • If you don't have the Plenty of Fish app, you can download it for free from either the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. 2

    Click Register. You'll see this in the top right corner of the page.

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  3. 3

    Enter your information. You'll need to enter your username, password, email address, gender, birth date, country, and ethnicity to continue.

  4. 4

    Click Continue. If there are any issues with your account information, such as an invalid email address, the field in question will be highlighted red. Refill that text box and continue.

  5. 5

    Finish the questionnaire. All fields are required to be answered to continue; click the "Select" text to drop-down a menu with possible answers, then click an answer to select it.

    • The first few sections include drop-down menus for you to choose an answer from. As you scroll down, you'll find text fields where you need to type your headline, description, interests, and optional conversation starters. To fill out your description, use at least 100 characters, so you can talk about your hobbies, goals, and aspirations, what makes you unique, your taste in music, or anything else you wish.
    • Do not include sexual language in your profile headline, description, or interests as that could qualify your account for deletion.
  6. 6

    Click Create My Profile Now!. You'll find this at the bottom of the page.

  7. 7

    Verify your account with your phone number. If you don't have a phone number, you can't create an account.

    • Enter the code that was texted to you. You have a limited time to verify with the code, so make sure you have access to that phone as soon as you enter the number to verify.
    • If you're using a mobile phone, you might be prompted to share your location with POF. Tap Allow to proceed.
  8. 8

    Choose pictures to upload. You must upload a picture of yourself to continue. You'll want to make sure your face is clearly visible in the image, but pictures including cartoons, celebrities, and any bare torsos will be deleted.

    • Any pictures including nudity will get your account deleted.
  9. 9

    Click Continue To Final Step. You'll see this at the bottom of the page and can only proceed if you have uploaded a photo.

    • You have finished signing up with POF and created a profile. Continue filling out tests and quizzes to get matches more and more relevant to you.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Navigating POF (App and Desktop)

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  1. 1

    Launch Plenty of Fish. You can either use the mobile app (the icon that looks like a fish that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching) or go to https://www.pof.com in a web browser.

  2. 2

    Click Inbox near the top of the page. You can see all the messages you've sent and been sent from your inbox. Click on a message to open it and read it. You can reply to the message, attach an image already uploaded to your profile, attach a gift, for which you have to be signed up for a paid subscription to use, or delete the conversation.

    • If you're using a mobile phone, you need to tap the Messages icon in the center of your screen.
  3. 3

    Click My Matches near the top of the page. This tab shows you all the profiles matching your criteria specified when you created an account, such as if you would date anyone who smoked.

    • If you're using a mobile phone, tap the fish logo > My Matches.
    • You can refine your matches by changing the defaults in the drop-down menus that you'll see in the middle of the page in the web browser.
    • If you haven't taken the Relationship Needs Assessment, you'll be prompted to in red text.
  4. 4

    Click Contacts near the top of the page. This page shows you your top prospects from the people you've already contacted.

    • If you're using a mobile phone, tap the fish logo > Will Respond to see your matches that will most likely reply to your message.
  5. 5

    Click Meet Me near the top of the page. This page will show you the profiles in your area. You can click No, Maybe, Super Yes, or Yes if you want to meet them.

    • To use Super Yes, you must have tokens, which cost about $1.99 per token.
    • If you're using a mobile phone, tap the fish logo > Meet Me.
  6. 6

    Click New Users near the top of the page. This page shows you the last 20 signups that match your dating criteria, which includes a 50-mile radius of your zip code.

    • The POF mobile app does not have this feature.
  7. 7

    Click My City near the top of the page. This page shows you people in your city.

    • If you're using a mobile phone, tap the fish logo > Nearby. You'll see how far the person is from you under their profile picture.
  8. 8

    Click the notification bell icon at the top of the page. A menu of all your recent notifications will drop-down, including recent profiles that want to meet you. Un-checked notifications appear with a blue background, and checked notifications appear on a white background. If you want to see more details about the notifications, click on them. Some features are only available to upgraded members.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Sending a Flirt

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  1. 1

    Launch Plenty of Fish. You can either use the mobile app (the icon that looks like a fish that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching) or go to https://www.pof.com in a web browser.

  2. 2

    Navigate to a profile you like. You can find a profile in multiple areas, including Meet Me and My Matches.

    • Tap a profile to go to the profile's page.
  3. 3

    Click Show Interest. You'll see this button next to "Send a Flirt." This will send a message that says "Hey there:)" to that profile's inbox.

    • You can also use the text box under the profile picture to write a message if you want.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Upgrading from the Free Version to a Paid Account

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  1. 1

    Launch the Plenty of Fish app. You can either do this on mobile (the icon that looks like a fish that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching) or go to https://www.pof.com in a web browser.

    • Use this method if you want to pay for additional features, such as being able to see who has liked your profile.
  2. 2

    Click Upgrade. You'll see this pink button on the navigation menu near the top of the page or at the top of your screen if you're using a phone.

  3. 3

    Choose a plan. You can pick between the 8, 4, and 2-month plans.

    • You'll see the benefits of an upgraded membership in the panel on the right side of the page, including experiencing POF ad-free.
  4. 4

    Enter your payment information. You can pay by either entering a credit/debit card's information or by clicking PayPal and entering your PayPal information.

  5. 5

    Click Upgrade. You'll get an email confirmation of your subscription start date, how much you were charged, and when it will automatically renew.

    • To hide or delete your POF profile, you can click Help from the navigation menu near the top of the page and click Delete account in the center of the page, which you'll have to scroll to see.
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      Tips

      • The mobile app works similarly to the website when you're signing up, sending a flirt, and navigating the site, so you can use these methods to help you even if you're using the app instead of a web browser.

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      About This Article

      4 Simple Ways to Use Plenty of Fish - wikiHow (47)

      Written by:

      John Keegan

      Dating Coach

      This article was written by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 27,343 times.

      8 votes - 63%

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: April 29, 2024

      Views:27,343

      Categories: Dating | Online Dating

      Article SummaryX

      1. Go to https://www.pof.com/ in a web browser.
      2. Click Register.
      3. Enter your information.
      4. Click Continue.
      5. Finish the questionnaire.
      6. Click Create My Profile Now!.
      7. Verify your account with your phone number.
      8. Choose pictures to upload.
      9. Click Continue to Final Step.

      Did this summary help you?

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 27,343 times.

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      4 Simple Ways to Use Plenty of Fish - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      4 Simple Ways to Use Plenty of Fish - wikiHow? ›

      Use a friendly and positive tone. This is just the first message, there's no need to be too serious. Talking about how you haven't dated since your last break-up, or how you're ready to have kids like, yesterday, isn't a great opener. Keeping things fun and upbeat is the best way to get a response.

      What is the best first message to send on POF? ›

      Use a friendly and positive tone. This is just the first message, there's no need to be too serious. Talking about how you haven't dated since your last break-up, or how you're ready to have kids like, yesterday, isn't a great opener. Keeping things fun and upbeat is the best way to get a response.

      Do older people use Plenty of Fish? ›

      Launched in 2003, Plenty of Fish is a well-established and widely used dating site. While not designed specifically for older adults, Plenty of Fish does offer what it describes as an “Olds dating” option for users 50 and over.

      What can you do on Plenty of Fish without paying? ›

      The following features remain free when you create a profile on Plenty of Fish:
      • Sending messages to other users.
      • A limited number of First Contacts each day.
      • Uploading a limited number of photos to your profile.
      • Setting up advanced search filters.
      • Viewing a limited number of profiles.
      • Taking the Compatibility Predictor quiz.
      Aug 16, 2023

      Does anyone use Plenty of Fish anymore? ›

      POF tends to be more popular with daters over 30, especially those in their late 40s to early 50s. But if you're in your 30s and up, or live in an area with a small pool of singles and don't want to pay for online dating, POF is definitely a good option for you.

      What should be my first message? ›

      Use this list of 50 conversation starters to jump-start your next text thread with someone new:
      • Ask them about questions about themselves.
      • Ask about plans, interests, or activities they enjoy.
      • Ask about pop culture.
      • Ask them questions about you.
      • Skip to making plans.
      • Give them a compliment.
      • Be funny!
      Jun 2, 2023

      What's a good first text message? ›

      FLIRTY FIRST TEXT: “I see that you're into [hobby/interest]. What do you love most about it?” WHY IT'S GOOD: This is a great first message on a dating-app because everyone's favorite subject is themselves. We all love to talk about our passions and hobbies, so it's very likely to kick-start a stimulating conversation.

      What is the most honest dating site for seniors? ›

      Summary of the 7 Best Senior Dating Websites
      • eHarmony - Best Compatibility Quiz.
      • EliteSingles - Best for International Matches.
      • Match - Best Long-Running Platform.
      • OurTime - Best Overall.
      • SeniorMatch - Best Free Service Tier.
      • SilverSingles - Best for Algorithmic Matches.
      • Zoosk - Best Facebook Integration.
      Mar 28, 2024

      What is the average age of people on Plenty of Fish? ›

      Plenty of fish age statistics

      The average age of users on Plenty of Fish is 28 years old. It's a great way to meet users in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. As always, you can set your age preference. Why not live a little and see what new perspectives the older generation can offer you?

      Does Plenty of Fish have a lot of fake profiles? ›

      Like other online dating sites, Plenty of Fish can be prone to scams. If you're looking for love on PoF (or plan to do so), learn the common signs of scammers and how to avoid them.

      Can you talk to people on Plenty of Fish without paying? ›

      Keep in mind that you can message your Mutual Matches for free - so as another option, if you're out of First Contacts for the day, all you need to do is Like the profile and wait for them to Like you back.

      Why does POF say you are not allowed to message someone? ›

      If your profile doesn't match their preferences, you won't be able to contact them. You have unlimited replies to existing conversations, but if you're trying to message someone brand new, your membership might be limiting you from sending that first message.

      What does the heart mean on Plenty of Fish? ›

      See who's Liked you by visiting Interested in Me. Like a member: While in Meet Me, hit that heart to make them one of your faves or send them a Like +. Tap Like (the heart) on their profile. Tap the Like (the heart) while in search.

      Why did I get banned from Plenty of Fish? ›

      If you're found to be harassing, or disrespectful to other users, or you have content on your profile that is racist, violent, rude, or abusive, you will be deleted and banned. Respect and kindness are very important to us, and anything less is simply unacceptable.

      What app is better than Plenty of Fish? ›

      Top Alternatives to POF

      eHarmony: With an emphasis on long-term relationships, eHarmony uses a comprehensive personality test to match users based on compatibility. Tinder: If you're seeking a more casual experience, Tinder offers a simple swipe-based approach to matching and is immensely popular among younger singles.

      What is the penny method in dating? ›

      The process of gradually ''cutting down'' on affection by a partner in a relationship while putting in a little effort and feelings once in a while to keep things steady is known as the penny method. This is also known as the ''piggy bank'' method since it functions similarly to how we add money.

      What is the introduction message on POF? ›

      The purpose of this first message is to introduce yourself and see if there is mutual interest. You should keep it light, casual and friendly. Think about the type of message you would like to receive. The right person for you will appreciate the same type of approach.

      What is the first contact on POF? ›

      Find a profile you're really into, but you haven't Mutually Matched yet? We want you to have a chance to shoot your shot - and that's why we've introduced First Contacts. Think of these as a "request to talk".

      What should I say in my first message on a dating site? ›

      Ask questions about their interests, their job, their pets, whatever you genuinely want to know about. If you matched with 100 people on a dating app, it can be tempting to just send them all the same, standard message and see who replied. However, as online dating first messages go, this isn't a good idea.

      What is the ideal first message online dating? ›

      Examples:
      • “Hey [name], I noticed that you're a big fan of traveling. ...
      • “Hi [name], I noticed on your profile that you go to fitness too. ...
      • “Hey [name], I noticed that you're a dog lover. ...
      • “Hello [name], I see that you're a big reader. ...
      • “Hello [name], I saw you like Green Day.
      Mar 4, 2023

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