As a relationship coach, I’m always exploring new dating apps and trends to keep up with what my clients are experimenting with nowadays.
This time, I decided to try out Happn, a location-based dating app that focuses on connecting people who’ve shared the same spaces without realizing it.
In this review, I’ll explore Happn’s features and share my verdict on its merits as a dating app.
What is Happn?
Happn is a free, location-based dating app launched in France in 2014. It has since become popular in all of Europe and America.
By focusing on proximity, the app aims to connect you with people you’ve already crossed paths with in real life.
I find the idea to be simple yet powerful. We often miss connections with people nearby, whether it’s at a coffee shop, a park, or during our daily commute to work.
Happn brings a sense of familiarity and convenience to dating by helping you seize these chance encounters, making it easier to spark connections with people who are already part of your everyday world.
My Experience Trying Happn
I wanted to see how Happn delivers on its promise, so I gave it a try. The registration process was simple and straightforward. It asked for basic details like my name, date of birth, and even my star sign (astrology fans, rejoice!).
Their privacy policy was easy to understand. I could opt out of anything I wasn’t comfortable with and knew exactly how my information was handled. They don’t share personal details, and because they operate globally, GDPR rules apply.
Once registered, the app asked meaningful questions about what I was looking for — whether a committed relationship or just seeing where things go. I personally loved how many options Happn offers to help you customize your profile and make it unique. You can add general details like your height, exercise routines, travel and partying preferences, cooking skills, and deal breakers like smoking. It even included family preferences, like having or wanting kids. These thoughtful questions set the tone for building compatible connections.
While you’re free to share as much or as little info as you want, adding details about yourself helps you find more compatible matches. Every time you see a potential match’s profile, the “Similarities” feature highlights what they have in common with you. I find that such genuine commonalities, no matter how small, can be great conversation starters.
There’s also an “Audio Note” feature that lets you add a 2-minute voice note to your profile. You can use it to answer one of Happn’s fun prompts, like “Hum a song for me” or “If you invite me to dinner, what will you make?”
I think this is a brilliant way to let your personality shine and also hear a potential match’s voice before chatting with them. Imagine a potential partner’s warm voice talking about their favorite movie or narrating a snippet of a book they love. Exciting, right?
Before I knew it, profiles started appearing. For me, seeking women, it felt intuitive and straightforward. Happn made it easy to jump in and start exploring.
Bringing Online Dating Into the Real World
What makes Happn unique is its focus on local dating. Unlike apps that search across wide areas, Happn connects you with people you’ve physically crossed paths with.
You can customize the location feature. I chose to keep it active only while using the app, so my search results were super relevant. This approach makes meeting in person feel natural — you’re already sharing the same spaces. I even caught myself analyzing the backgrounds of profile photos, thinking, “Have I been there? That coffee shop looks fun!”
Happn’s timeline shows profiles of users who’ve been near you, starting with the closest. You can expand your search radius up to 90 kilometers (about 55 miles) and even see how many times you’ve crossed paths, along with the time and place of your last encounter.
For privacy reasons, it doesn’t show exact distances or timestamps, but if you spot “NOW” next to a profile, you know you’re within range.
Users stay on your map for 30 days. If you’re interested in someone, you can “Heart” their profile. If the user “Hearts” your profile back, you’ve now got a “Crush” and can send them a Happn first message. If you’ve matched with a crush and are ready to meet in person, you can use the “Ready To Date” feature to move on to a real-life date.
Even if you haven’t crossed paths with a Happn user yet, you can use “Explore” to find people in your area who meet your preferences.
Happn encourages intentional dating with features like:
- Real-Time Compatibility: Matches are based on shared proximity and lifestyle, aligning with your daily routines.
- Local Connections: It focuses on meeting people nearby, eliminating long commutes or complicated schedules.
- Face-to-Face Focus: The app prioritizes in-person meetings, moving beyond endless chats.
Happn Premium Features
If you’re planning on sticking around with Happn long-term, it might be worth investing in the premium subscription. This gives you access to several handy features. You can:
- See a full list of who has already liked your profile, so if someone looks interesting, you’ve got a Crush right away.
- Send up to 10 Flashnotes to profiles that catch your eye before you even match as a Crush.
- Find the one that got away if you swiped on a profile too quickly. Use the “Second Chance” feature by shaking your phone, and go back to the profile you just passed.
- Get unlimited swipes and profile likes per day — which is particularly helpful if you’d like to meet a lot of people and access a large dating pool.
- Use the Invisibility mode to catch a break from dating. Personally, I think this is a great feature for when dating starts to feel overwhelming. It’s a healthy way to clear your headspace and go off the radar without deleting your profile.
Some Limitations of Happn
While I found Happn to be safe, some users have raised concerns about how the location-based matching system could increase your chances of negative encounters like stalking.
Another limitation of location-matching is that you may end up having awkward encounters with people you don’t want to meet in your area — cue exes or family.
Since Happn is not as popular as Tinder or Grindr, you may also struggle with finding a large enough dating pool if you live in a small town.
Why Local Dating Is on the Rise
The local dating movement brings a refreshing simplicity. Building connections with someone nearby often leads to stronger emotional bonds.
For singles, couples, or even those exploring polyamorous relationships, tools like Happn help break down barriers between where we are and who we want to meet. Plus, Happn celebrates diversity and inclusivity, making it a great space for the LGBTQ+ community.
With urban dating growing rapidly, Happn stands out as an app that fosters real, local connections.
The Realities of Finding Love Today
As exciting as dating can be, it comes with challenges. As a certified sexologist and advanced somatic relationship coach, I’ve seen the ups and downs firsthand.
From mismatched expectations to ghosting or heartbreak, the process is a learning curve. It teaches us what we value, what we want, and how to grow. I help clients navigate these tricky moments—staying grounded during rejection and embracing self-compassion throughout the journey.
How I Can Help
If dating apps feel overwhelming or you’re unsure how to translate online matches into real-life relationships, I can guide you. Sign up for a free session.
I’ll support you through every stage, from the excitement of joining an app to handling setbacks, and ultimately to finding lasting love. Think of me as your personal guide, helping you stay focused on your goals and empowering you to be the main character in your story.
Why Happn Is Worth Trying
Happn isn’t just about dating online—it’s about creating real-world connections. With years of innovation behind it, the app has become a global leader in bringing people together authentically.
Whether you’re single, exploring open relationships, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, Happn represents a shift toward inclusive and intentional dating.
Why not give it a shot? You might be surprised by who you’ve already crossed paths with.
