Grindr Review

ABOUT SITE

Active Audience	78%
Quality Matches	90%
Popular Age	20-22
Profiles	1 700 000
Reply Rate	87%
Ease of Use	9.5
Popularity	9.2
Fraud	Very Rarely
Rating	9.8
Registration	Free

PROS AND CONS

PROS

• Customizable detailed profiles
• Easy to start communication
• Targeted in-depth filters, allowing to narrow down the circle of search
• Free and straightforward registration
• Wide user base and opportunities to choose
• Free version has almost full functionality
• User-friendly interface and straightforward design

CONS

• A high volume of bots and auto sign-ups
• Permanently appearing ads and links to the extraneous sites.
• Paid subscription has very little to offer.
• Proximity-oriented search is not always optimal to satisfy the needs of all users.
• Quick view of profiles does not give a comprehensive matter.

Which dating site is right for you?

Grindr is a popular app for LGBTQ people. It opens new horizons for communication. Sign-up for free and meet men whose tastes and preferences are similar to yours!

Briefly about Grindr

It is hard to find a more extensive social network for gay, bi, trans and queer people than Grindr. Grindr was literally a pioneer in the world of online dating: the first-ever app running smoothly on Android, IOS, and iTunes. Grindr LLC, the owner of many other dating platforms for sexual minorities, established Grindr in 2009. So far, it has been on the dating market for 11 years and has grown into one of the largest communities catering towards LGBTQ people.

Grindr was characterized by rapid growth for the first years of its existence. By 2012, the total number of registered users reached 4 million, with 1.1 million active members. Currently, over 27 million people around the world use Grindr on their computers or mobile devices.

Grindr was honored with numerous awards in different categories: « Best Mobile Dating App» (three times), Award for Best Location Application, Choice Award for Best Dating App. Grindr was also nominated as an Official Honoree of the Webby Awards.

COMPARISON OF GRINDR WEBSITE AND MOBILE APPLICATION

The main feature, which distinguishes Grindr from the other dating platforms, is that its website is an introduction to the app. The desktop version contains the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Customer Support Service.

Grindr app is available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It is free of charge to download and install on a mobile device or tablet.

The developers took care to make the app easy and comfortable to use. The majority of on-the-go members prefer using the app version because of its convenience and modern layout. Grindr app runs smoothly on Android and IOS software and provides an instant connection with men online.

Profiles on a Grindr Website

Geography of members

Grindr is the largest LGBTQ community in the world and on a par with bars, one of the most popular places for gay dating. Grindr gained popularity in countries where same-sex relationships and marriages are legitimate: the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and rest Latin American countries. It is available in 196 countries worldwide. However, the app is prohibited in China, Eastern Europe – Ukraine, Russia, and Muslim countries: Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

25% of Grindr members come from the USA – over 6.5 million users visit the site daily. In the top-ranking are the following countries: UK (1 million 819 thousand members), Australia (650 thousand), Hong Kong (191 thousand), Singapore (162thousand), New Zealand (124 thousand). The average user spends on the site for 54 minutes.

Age distribution

According to the made research, the most popular age bracket is between 25 and 34 years old, but Grindr is geared towards men of all ages. On the site, you can find young men in their early twenties and gay seniors as well.

What fields do you need to fill out in the profile?

Completion of profile on 100% is highly recommended for attracting the attention of other users on the Grindr website. Each item can be quickly found on the app’s interface.

You can fill out five sections:

1. Basic infoIt is your name, which will be visible for other users and a short description of yourself.
2. StatsYou can add:

• Your body parameters, like height, weight, physique.
• Ethnicity
• Relationship status (single, in a relationship, widowed, divorced, separated),
• Your favorite sexual position
• What you are looking for or whom you want to meet on the site. It can be socializing, friendship, long-term relationship. If your goal is a hookup, just write, «Right now.»

3. Sexual healthThe sexual health section is most prominent on the Grindr. In this section, the user can report his HIV status and the date of the last test.
4. Adding HIV status to members’ profiles in 2018 was an ambiguous and controversial step. The majority of users did not want this information to be spread with third parties beyond the site. However, Grindr developers are assured to keep it private as a part of user data.
5. Social Links
6. You can add links to your pages in social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) so that other users could connect you beyond the site.

What type of communication can you find?

Grindr is an exclusively gay site, so it offers only same-sex relationships. Also, there is an opportunity to register as a couple. On Grindr, you can find men with different personalities, life views, and beliefs. You can also find bots’ profiles on the site, but you can report to customer support, and the moderators immediately ban these accounts.

HOW TO SIGN-UP ON GRINDR

The sign-up process on Grindr is free and quick and can be done within one minute. You can use your Facebook profile or email to log in. When you create a new account, you don’t need to verify your email, but Grindr’s administration must approve the profile photo. Aside from this, you need to provide your age, birthday, and gender identity to complete your sign up.

One final step is to allow Grindr to find your location. It is required to find matches in your closest proximity.

After the profile is created, you can log in to your account and start communication with other members by using a Grindr app.

ACCOUNT SETTINGS

At the down bottom of your profile, you will find the edit profile option. Select it if you want to fill out your profile or edit some personal information, like name, age, relationship status, etc.

Additionally, you can scroll down the screen and attach the links on your accounts on the other social networks – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In settings, you can customize your profile privacy – who can view it, leave comments on the wall, and send messages. Depending on your device, you may be able to adjust your notifications. Besides, you can change your password for logging in to the site.

How to Logout the Account on Grindr

You should open Grindr. This app icon has a yellow and orange mask. It is possible to see this app in the app section, on your home screen, or by searching.

1. Tap your profile picture. This will take you to your profile.
2. In the upper right corner of the screen, you will see a gear icon. Push it.
3. At the bottom of the menu, select the log out option

Note that logging out your account does not delete it from the site, and your subscription remains valid. Your profile will still be visible for other people for one hour. The chat history and gallery will be displayed until you uninstall the app from the device.

How Much Time Takes Profile Activation?

Usually, you do not need to wait long, and сonfirmation goes in a matter of seconds.

How to Remove an Account on Grindr website

It is not sufficient to uninstall the Grindr app from the mobile device to remove your account. You have to do additional actions. Furthermore, the Grindr uninstallation process differs on Android and IOS software.

Deleting Grindr on Android:

1. Go to the Grindr app on your device. Press the profile icon on the home page (it has the circle shape and located in the top left corner)
2. In the drop-down menu, select Settings by tapping a gray gear icon in the top right corner.
3. Push Deactivate > Delete Account
4. Then indicate the reason in the list why you decided to remove your Grindr account
5. Verify your email address to finish the uninstallation process
6. Confirm the deletion of your profile. After it, all your personal data will be erased from Grindr servers.

Deleting Grindr on IOS is simpler and does not require many steps:

1. Open an app on your device and tap your profile icon. It should be in the shape of a circle with a silhouette of a person inside the circle.
2. Select the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select Delete profile at the bottom of the drop-down menu

Note that you will not be able to restore your data after deletion. If you decide to reauthorize on Grindr website, you will have to create an entirely new profile.

How to Raise a Profile in Top

Grindr developers encourage users to indicate more personal information in their profiles. An accomplished profile attracts attention and has higher chances to find a soulmate, on the assumption of common interests. Grindr reviews testifies that detailed profiles have twice more responses than empty ones.

Are Minors Allowed to Use Grindr?

Upon registration on Grindr, all members must confirm their age. All individuals young than 18 years old are not allowed to sign-up on Grindr nor view profiles of registered members. If the administrators suspect that you are under the legal age, your account will be banned. In fact, Grindr does not conduct an age verification, so it is easy to cheat the system.

Can I Choose Another Nickname on Grindr?

You can edit your Display Name anytime and also write about yourself in the «About Me» section. To add a picture to your profile, сlick on the camera icon displayed near your name.

How to Go to a Stealth Mode On a Grindr Website?

Incognito feature is available for upgraded members only. You can enable a stealth mode if you do not want to reveal your identity. When your profile is hidden, other people do not see you online when you view their profiles.

How to Edit Profile Picture on Grindr?

1. Go to your profile picture
2. Tap on the Edit button
3. Press the Camera icon

Now you can do the following actions:

• Upload a new picture to the album from your gallery
• Crop the photo
• Change its thumbnail
• Turn it clockwise and anti-clockwise

When you finish editing your photo, tap Done.

PARTICULARITIES OF GRINDR

Grindr has some special features that help you find the most compatible matches and make your browsing experience unique and fun.

1. Gaymojis

Gaymojis are LGBTQ-themed symbols that make chatting fun and entertaining. It is a unique development of Grindr, not available in other apps. With the help of gaymojis, you can express your feelings and share opinions with other users on any subject.

2. Tap

It is a flame icon serving to show your interest. A tap is a sign to initiate a conversation.

3. Favorite list

You can add appealing profiles to bookmark to explore them later. Unlike taps, the user will not know that you are interested in having a chat until you message him!

4. Explore

This feature is available for upgraded users only and serves to look for members outside your country.

5. Discreet

App IconThe feature is free and allows the users to choose how the Grindr app will be displayed on their device.

6. My Tribe

My Tribe is an item created to categorize profiles. Tribes are a few words describing your sexual identity the best. For example, it can be Bear, Daddy, Geek, Jock, Twink, Poz, etc.

PAID VS FREE ACCESS. PRICING POLICY

Basic services include:

• Sign-up a creation of the profile
• View up to 100 matches
• Sending and receiving messages for other users
• Browsing through other profiles
• Standard filters
• Select one tribe
• Create a group chat
• Editing profile info
• Adding photos to the gallery

Paid services include:

• Removing all pop-up ads
• Receiving push notification
• View up to 600 matches (6 at once)
• Additional filters
• Unlimited favorite list
• Select 3 tribes
• Save and send chat phrases
• Sending multiple photos at once

In comparison to other providers, Grindr’s cost is upper than average.

Subscription duration	Cost	Total sum
Free trial
1 month	13 USD/ month	13 USD
3 months	9.40 USD /month (save 3.60 USD /monthly)	28.20 USD
1 year	5.20 USD /month (save 7.80 USD/monthly)	62.40 USD
Unlimited access
1 month	41.11 USD/month	41.11 USD
3 months	20.39 USD/ month (save 20.72 USD/monthly)	61.17 USD
1 year	14.71 USD/month (save 36.40 USD/monthly)	176.46 USD

If you are a new member on Grindr and want to test it, take a one-week free trial with a 1-month auto-renew. The tariff plan is called Grindr XTRA Life Premium and will cost only 13 USD. When subscribing to it, you can browse up to 300 profiles and enjoy ad-free access.

Another tariff plan, called Grindr XTRA premium, offers a long-term subscription for 3 and 12 months, respectively. Provided services are read receipts, saving and sending chat phrases, taping favorites users, instant sending photos, quick profile views, and others.

Be aware that all Grindr subscriptions automatically prolong the same duration and terms that you previously subscribed to. To cancel a subscription on an iOS device, access your subscriptions and tap ‘Manage.’ Then you should go to Grindr XTRA subscription or Grindr XTRA Lite subscription and switch off “Auto-Renewal”.

If you use an Android device, you have to go to the Play Store and open ‘Accounts’ and then tap ‘Subscriptions.’ You will find there your Grindr subscriptions and then hit “Cancel”.

PRIVACY ISSUES

When using Grindr, take care of your privacy in advance. Some members can misuse the site rules and prefer to remain discreet by publishing a faceless pic or not putting too much information in their profiles.

Although users have the option to link their social media accounts to Grindr, it is not required. Anyway, Grindr does not collect Facebook information. When registering, you agree with the rules of the services, and the site requires your consent on the storage and processing of personal data. Grindr moderators do background checks of users and verify the published content.

Individuals under 18 years are strictly prohibited from registering on Grindr. If you have suspicions about the age of your partner, cease communication, and immediately report him.

Unfortunately, Grindr does not offer any specific safety features. The users are responsible for the security of their data themselves. In 2014, Grindr already had a privacy-related accident. Because of the bug in the system happened a data breach and users’ exact locations appeared in the public domain. This case testified a failure of Grindr to protect users’ privacy.

Note that some accounts on the site can be fake. They are already detected and reported to the site administration. The bots lure users into clicking on their fake webcam link, and this action installs a virus on the user’s devices. Communication with them is senseless since all answers are automated. One way to spot a bot is that they usually list their height as less than 3 feet.

Are Grindr Chats Encrypted?

All data on Grindr are encrypted and sent via SSL-connection, which makes it technically impossible to intercept your messages by anyone.

Thus, security measures provide a high level of privacy on the site. The Terms of Use agreement is very extensive, which ensures that your data will not be shared with non-authorized parties.

Can Grindr Track Your Location?

Yes, technically, Grindr can do it. Upon registration on a Grindr website, you give your consent to allow the app using GPS and Wi-fi to define your location. It is required to calculate a relative distance to other users.

Customer Service Support

If you have any complaints or suggestions, you can write a Grindr customer support service. Questions regarding the use of your Personal Data you can address to privacy@grindr.com.

Can I Delete Already Submitted Information?

Yes, you can delete your profile information anytime.

GRINDR INTERNET REVIEWS

Writing about Grindr, Internet users are not satisfied with pop-up ads and the app glitches:

The ads have flooded all page content. But the biggest problem is that the app tends to crash constantly. I have updated it few times, and after the last update, I still see the black screen».

At the same time, they do not forget to mention about Grindr pros:

The platform has a visually attractive design, simple, user-friendly interface, and unique geolocation technology. The app is a godsend for single people who are shy to get acquainted in real life.

SUMMARY

Grindr remains one of the largest communities for GLBTQ people. The platform appeared on the dating market in 2009, and for today, it is hard to find a person who never heard of it.

Grindr’s strong sides are simple and visually attractive interface, straightforward navigation, customized, detailed profiles, and a huge user base.

However, some things need to be improved:

1. Enhance anti-bot protection.
2. Make paid subscription more interesting for the audience by adding new features
3. Work out a search outside the country

Grindr uses a special technology, which tracks down your location and allows you to meet a partner in your neighborhood. The main disadvantage of such an approach is the narrowness of finding new connections outside a 5-mile radius.

On the other hand, Grindr categorizes profiles by type of men and their sexual preferences. Targeted filters are available for more effective searches. Thus, you can find what you look for in a few clicks. For instance, you can choose between teens and gay seniors, jocks and feminine twinks, bears and cubs, geeks.

Men register on the site with different goals, but principally they are not into serious romantic relationships. Therefore, Grindr is perfect for passing the time, socializing, and flirting with interesting personalities.

Grindr also allows you are adding links to your accounts in social networks. You can see how your partner looks in real life and get to know more about his interests, values, dreams, and passions. The most essential, you can exchange videos and photos, which is not available in the mobile app.

Grindr offers a 7-day free trial period to check out the site functionality; you will not lose a lot by signing-up. So, if you are not looking for a man, the Grindr app is definitely worth trying. We hope that our Grindr review will be useful for you!