How to Reset Your Dating App Algorithm (And Fix Your “Broken” Matches)
Daniel Zvi
A "Dating App Reset" is the strategic process of deleting your user data or creating a fresh account to wipe your "Elo Score"—the hidden ranking metric apps use to determine who sees your profile. The main benefit is that it gives you a "New User Boost," temporarily prioritizing your profile to high-quality matches to hook you back into the ecosystem.
What is "The Algorithm" and why does it hate me?
Most users assume dating apps show people randomly. They don't. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge use complex collaborative filtering algorithms (historically called "Elo Scores") to rank you.
If you have been "swiping right" on everyone, ghosting matches, or deleting and re-installing the app frequently, the algorithm may have flagged you as a "Low-Value User" or a bot. This puts you at the bottom of the stack, where you only see inactive profiles or other low-ranking users.
Deep Dive: This isn't just bad luck; it's math. For a full breakdown of how apps profile your behavior, read our guide on Why You See Who You See: 7 Psychological Triggers in Dating Algorithms.
The Hidden Costs of a "Shadowban"
If your Elo score drops too low, you may enter a "Shadowban" state. You can still swipe and send messages, but nobody receives them. You are essentially screaming into the void. A reset is often the only way to escape this digital purgatory.
Our top picks for December 2025
9.9
Safe & secure mature dating
The "Soft Reset" vs. "Hard Reset"
Before you nuke your account, you must understand the two types of resets. Choosing the wrong one can actually make your situation worse.
1. The Soft Reset (The Placebo)
- What it is: You simply delete the app from your phone or toggle "Hide Profile" and take a break for a week.
- Does it work? No. Your data (and low score) is stored on the app's servers, not your phone. When you re-download it, you pick up exactly where you left off.
2. The Hard Reset (The Nuclear Option)
- What it is: You permanently delete your account ID, wait for the data retention period to expire (GDPR compliance), and create a brand new digital identity.
- Does it work? Yes. It forces the algorithm to treat you as a "New User," giving you the initial visibility boost (approx. 48 hours) where you are shown to top-tier profiles.
How to perform a "Hard Reset" (Step-by-Step)
Warning: Do not skip steps. If the app links your new account to your old one (via phone number or Apple ID), the shadowban will carry over.
- Delete Your Account (Properly)
- Go to Settings > Delete Account.
- Crucial: Do not just "Pause" or "Hide." You must confirm the permanent deletion of data.
- The "92-Day Rule" vs. The "Sim Card Swap"
- Method A (The Patient Way): After deleting, you must wait 92 days. Most apps (like Tinder) retain user data for 3 months per their privacy policy. After day 93, your data is wiped, and you can sign up again with the same number.
- Method B (The Fast Way): If you can't wait 3 months, you need a New Digital Fingerprint.
- Create a New Digital Identity
- New Email: Create a fresh Gmail address.
- New Photos: Do not use the exact same photos. The algorithm uses "image hashing" to recognize re-uploaded files. Crop your photos slightly or change the metadata.
- New Number: You cannot use your old number.
Pro Tip: Don't want to buy a new SIM card just for an app? Read our guide on How to Use a Burner Phone Number for Dating to get a fresh number for free.
What tools do I need?
To successfully trick the algorithm into thinking you are a new person, you need specific tools:
- EXIF Remover: A tool to strip the metadata from your photos so they look "new" to the app's scanner.
- Google Voice / Burner App: To generate a unique phone number for SMS verification.
- VPN (Use with Caution): While a VPN changes your IP address, some apps (like Tinder) flag VPN usage as "bot behavior." It is safer to simply sign up using your mobile data (4G/5G) instead of your home Wi-Fi to change your IP.
What are the advanced mistakes to avoid?
- Restoring Purchases This is the #1 mistake. If you create a new account and then click "Restore Purchases" to get your Gold/Premium subscription back, you instantly link your new profile to your old Apple ID/Google Play ID. The algorithm will recognize you immediately and restore your old, low score.
- Fix: You must sacrifice your remaining subscription time. Do not restore it.
- Linking the Same Instagram/Spotify Do not connect your Instagram or Spotify accounts to the new profile. These are unique identifiers that act as a "fingerprint" connecting you to your past low-ranking self.
Can software automate your restart?
Resetting is technical, stressful, and risky. If you have to "hack" an app just to get a match, the problem might not be your profile—it might be the app itself.
Certain apps are "Pay-to-Win," forcing you into a low score unless you buy Super Likes. If you are tired of fighting the algorithm, the best reset is often switching to a platform with a different matching model.
- If you want serious matches: eHarmony doesn't use a "swipe" algorithm. It matches you based on psychological compatibility, meaning you can't get "shadowbanned" for being inactive.
- If you want a fairer pool: The Top 5 Tinder Alternatives 2025 lists sites & apps that prioritize new users and have less aggressive paywalls.
Our top picks for December 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I lose my current matches if I reset?
A: Yes. A hard reset wipes everything. You will lose all chats, matches, and Super Likes. This is a fresh start.
Q: Can I just make a new account without deleting the old one?
A: No. This violates the Terms of Service. If the app detects two active accounts from the same location/device, they will ban both.
Q: Does swiping right on everyone lower my score?
A: Yes. This is called "bot behavior." If you swipe right on 100% of profiles, the algorithm assumes you are a spammer and lowers your visibility. Aim for a 30-60% right-swipe ratio.
Q: How long does the "New User Boost" last?
A: typically 24 to 72 hours. During this time, you must be active and selective to establish a high baseline Elo score.
Liked this article?
Daniel Zvi
Smart Recommendations
Thank you!