Illustration of a person securing their data on a phone, emphasizing Tinder data privacy.

What Data Does Tinder Have on You?

November 13, 2025 / News & Updates / By / 9 minutes of reading

Introduction

In today’s digital age, maintaining your online privacy is more important than ever. With the advent of GDPR rules, individuals can now request the data that companies have collected and stored about them. Dating apps like Tinder collect a substantial amount of personal data, and understanding what data they have and how to access it is crucial for your privacy. (Updated November 2025)

As of 2025, Tinder has over 75 million active users worldwide, generating billions of swipes daily. Each interaction creates data points that build a comprehensive profile of your dating preferences, behavior patterns, and personal life. This guide will help you understand exactly what information Tinder collects and how to take control of your digital footprint.

Why Now?

The GDPR rules have now made it possible to request any data a company has collected and stored about you. This includes data you voluntarily provided. While it’s relatively easy to access data from giants like Google and Facebook, dating apps like Tinder pose a more significant challenge. Understanding what data Tinder collects and stores on you is essential, and learning how to request it can help you protect your privacy.

In 2025, privacy regulations have expanded beyond GDPR. California’s CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act) and similar laws in Virginia, Colorado, and Connecticut now provide additional rights to US residents. These laws require companies like Tinder to be more transparent about data collection and give users more control over their personal information. The penalties for non-compliance have also increased significantly, with fines reaching up to 4% of annual global revenue.

The Sheer Amount of Data That Tinder Collects and Stores

Graphic showcasing the extensive amount of data Tinder collects from users.
Tinder collects extensive user data, including interactions, locations, and preferences.

In a 2017 Guardian article, Judith Duportail used GDPR provisions to request her data from Tinder, receiving 800 pages of intimate information. With over 75 million users in 2025, Tinder collects data on your interactions, locations, preferences, and linked social media accounts. This data is invaluable for companies but can be a privacy concern for users.

Recent investigations in 2024 revealed that the average Tinder user generates approximately 1.5GB of data per year. This includes:

  • Behavioral analytics: Every swipe, tap, and pause is recorded with timestamps
  • Machine learning data: AI algorithms analyze your preferences to predict compatibility
  • Communication patterns: Response times, message lengths, and conversation topics
  • Device fingerprinting: Unique identifiers from your phone that track you across sessions

User Data That Tinder Collects Officially

Infographic detailing the official user data Tinder collects.
Tinder officially collects personally identifiable data, usage data, and more.

When you request your data from Tinder, you’ll typically receive:

  • Personally identifiable data: Full name, phone number, email address, IP address, device IDs, and browser fingerprints.
  • Smartphone platform: iOS or Android, app version, device model, operating system version, and screen resolution.
  • User information: Bio, birthday, last active time, search preferences, gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship goals.
  • Messages: All sent and received messages, including deleted conversations and timestamps.
  • Photos: Uploaded pictures in a compressed format, plus metadata like upload dates and photo analysis results.
  • Places feature: Locations visited using the app, GPS coordinates, and frequency of visits.
  • Purchase information: Date, platform, location, type of purchase (Gold, Platinum, or Consumables), and payment method details.
  • Linked accounts: Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, and any other connected social media platforms.
  • Usage data: Frequency and timing of app use, swipes (left/right ratio), messages sent/received, matches, super likes, and boosts used.
  • Verification data: Photo verification images, ID verification documents (if provided), and verification status history.

User Data Tinder Unofficially Collects and Stores

Beyond the officially provided data, Tinder likely collects additional information, such as:

  • Snapchat and Instagram accounts: Even if not officially linked, Tinder may track mentions in bios or messages
  • ELO score data: Used by Tinder’s algorithm to calculate personal and match scores, though Tinder claims to have moved beyond the ELO system in 2025
  • Facial recognition data: Advanced AI analyzes your photos for attractiveness scores and facial features
  • Predictive behavior models: AI predictions about your likelihood to subscribe, match patterns, and relationship success rates
  • Cross-app tracking: Data from parent company Match Group’s other apps like Hinge, OKCupid, and Match.com
  • Third-party data brokers: Information purchased from external sources to enhance your profile
  • Other undisclosed data: Various data points not officially acknowledged

What Tinder Does With Your Data

Understanding how Tinder uses your data is crucial for privacy awareness in 2025:

  • Algorithm optimization: Your data trains machine learning models to improve match suggestions and keep you engaged longer
  • Targeted advertising: Both within the app and through third-party networks, your preferences influence ad targeting
  • Market research: Aggregated data helps Tinder understand dating trends and develop new features
  • Data sharing: Information may be shared with Match Group subsidiaries and select third-party partners
  • Law enforcement: Data can be provided to authorities when legally required or to prevent harm
  • Business transactions: Your data becomes an asset in mergers, acquisitions, or bankruptcy proceedings

How You Can Request Your Personal Data from Tinder

Steps to request personal data from Tinder illustrated.
Steps to request your personal data from Tinder.

To request your data, visit Tinder’s Data Request Page. The process involves:

  1. Logging into your account using your phone number or email
  2. Verifying your identity through SMS or email verification
  3. Submitting your email address for data delivery
  4. Selecting the data format (JSON or HTML)
  5. Waiting for the email with your download link (typically 2-4 days in 2025)
  6. Downloading and viewing your data before the link expires

Pro tip: If you’re concerned about privacy when creating dating profiles, consider using MobileSMS.io’s “All Services” 30-day rental plan. This gives you a non-VoIP USA phone number that works with all dating apps, keeping your real number private while maintaining full account access.

Important Tips Before Requesting Your Data

  1. Email Arrival Time: The download link email may take up to 4 days to arrive, though most users in 2025 report receiving it within 48 hours.
  2. Link Expiry: The download link is valid for only 24 hours. If missed, you need to request again.
  3. File Size Warning: Your data file can be several hundred MB, especially if you’ve been active for years.
  4. Multiple Accounts: If you’ve had multiple Tinder accounts, you’ll need to request data for each separately.
  5. Deleted Account Data: Even deleted accounts may have residual data – you can still request this information.
  6. Legal Rights: Know your rights under GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, or your local privacy laws before requesting.

Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Data

  1. Log into your account and go to Tinder’s Data Request Page
  2. Enter your email address (preferably the one used to register)
  3. Complete the CAPTCHA verification to prove you’re human
  4. Choose your preferred data format:
    • JSON format: Best for technical users who want raw data
    • HTML format: User-friendly visual presentation
  5. Check the box confirming you understand the 24-hour link expiration
  6. Click “Request Download” and wait for the confirmation email
  7. Wait for the email and click the download link immediately upon receipt
  8. Use a JSON editor (like JSONView) or open the HTML file to view your data
  9. Save the file securely and review the contents carefully

Understanding Your Tinder Data File

Once you receive your Tinder data, here’s how to interpret the key sections:

  • Profile Section: Contains your basic account information and preferences
  • Messages Array: Chronological list of all conversations with timestamps and user IDs
  • Swipes Object: Details every left and right swipe with timing data
  • Matches List: Complete history of matches including those who unmatched you
  • Usage Statistics: Daily app usage patterns and engagement metrics
  • Purchase History: All transactions including failed payment attempts

Red flags to look for in your data:

  • Unrecognized login locations or IP addresses
  • Messages you don’t remember sending
  • Purchases you didn’t authorize
  • Profile changes you didn’t make

Protecting Your Privacy on Dating Apps

In 2025, protecting your privacy on dating apps requires proactive measures:

  • Use temporary phone numbers: Services like MobileSMS.io provide non-VoIP numbers that protect your real phone number while ensuring reliable verification
  • Limit social media connections: Avoid linking Instagram or Spotify unless absolutely necessary
  • Review app permissions: Regularly check and revoke unnecessary permissions in your phone settings
  • Use unique photos: Avoid using the same photos across multiple platforms to prevent reverse image searches
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Protect your account from unauthorized access
  • Regular data requests: Request your data annually to monitor what’s being collected
  • Delete old matches: Regularly unmatch and delete conversations you no longer need
  • Consider data deletion: Exercise your right to have your data deleted when you’re done with the app

For maximum privacy protection, consider using MobileSMS.io’s “All Services” rental option. This provides a dedicated USA phone number that works with all major dating apps, keeping your personal number completely private while maintaining full functionality.

Conclusion

Accessing your data on Tinder reveals the extent of information the app collects. In this digital age of 2025, ensuring the privacy of your data is crucial. Be mindful of the information you share on Tinder and other online platforms to protect your privacy. With new privacy laws and increasing awareness about data collection, you have more power than ever to control your digital footprint. Regular data requests, careful sharing practices, and tools like temporary phone numbers from MobileSMS.io can help you enjoy online dating while maintaining your privacy.

Remember, your data is valuable – not just to you, but to companies and potentially malicious actors. Take control of your digital identity by understanding what’s collected, requesting regular reports, and using privacy-protecting services when creating and maintaining your online dating presence.

FAQs

How do I use a temporary phone number from MobileSMS.io?

  • Sign up, top-up your account with credits, and use the credits to order a temporary phone number for bypassing SMS verification on any website or app. The “All Services” 30-day rental plan is perfect for dating apps like Tinder.

Why does MobileSMS.io only provide non-VoIP numbers?

  • Non-VoIP numbers are accepted by most online services for verification, unlike VoIP numbers from providers like Twilio or Vonage. Tinder specifically blocks VoIP numbers to prevent spam accounts.

Can I use the same temporary number again?

  • MobileSMS.io offers both one-time use numbers and long-term rental options for multiple uses. The 30-day rental is ideal for maintaining dating app accounts.

Can I use temporary phone numbers to access services outside my country?

  • Yes, temporary phone numbers allow access to services that may not be available in your location. MobileSMS.io specializes in USA numbers that work globally.

What happens if a number provided by MobileSMS.io does not work?

  • MobileSMS.io guarantees the numbers provided will work, offering refunds if they do not. Contact customer support for assistance.

How long does Tinder keep my data after I delete my account?

  • As of 2025, Tinder retains user data for up to 3 years after account deletion for legal and safety purposes, though you can request immediate deletion under GDPR or CCPA.

Can Tinder share my data with other Match Group apps?

  • Yes, Tinder can share data with other Match Group properties like Hinge, OKCupid, and Match.com. You can opt out of some sharing in your privacy settings.

Is my Tinder data encrypted?

  • Tinder uses encryption for data in transit and at rest, but the data in your download file is unencrypted, so store it securely.