Open season is upon us. This year, we’re serving grunt on (and off) the court. 

In the spirit of the US Open, Grindr’s taking a swing at something new—introducing the ‘grunt’ notification sound. That’s right, tennis grunts. They’re hot, they’re heavy, and now they’re part of your Grindr experience.

For those who live for the court, this will be an instant ace. But even if tennis isn’t your game, we think this new sound will still net you some fun. 

Why tennis, and why now? Because where else do grunts speak volumes, whether you’re playing a match or just playing around? Grindr and tennis were always a match made in heaven; we’re just making it official.

Ready for some action? Here’s how:

1. Tap your profile photo.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Scroll down to Notifications.
4. Turn on the “Sound” toggle—you’re ready to grunt your way through the US Open season.

But don’t worry—if you're not feeling grunty, you can always turn of sound notifications in your account settings. After all, we know everyone likes to play their own way.

Willkommen to Berlin, a city that wears its culture on its leather sleeve. Germany’s capital boasts pristine Prussian architecture, grungy street art, and a nightlife scene with such extended hours you’ll forget time exists (what day is it anyway?). This is a place for those who crave something different, with a come-one-come-all vibe that has made it a haven for expats from all over the world.

In our latest episode of Host or Travel, we kicked things off at Toms Wurst, a temple to Berlin's most beloved street food: the currywurst. But this isn't just any sausage. No, this spicy little hog is slathered in a sauce so tangy, you’ll want to take your sweet time with it. After living the curry fantasy, we headed to the Tipsy Bear, one of Berlin’s best no-frills queer bars—glitter, grit, and a whole lot of gumption. The shows are a riot, and if you're lucky, you might just get pulled onstage.

Of course, Berlin's queer scene isn't all glitz and glamour. At Grosse Freiheit 114, things are a little steamier—less sparkle, more sweat. Here, anything goes, and respect and consent are the only rules. Beyond that, it’s your playground.

We ended the night at Schwuz, a pulsing, throbbing testament to the best of German club culture. Three rooms—unlimited rotating music genres. At Schwuz, there’s a holy trinity of bass, bodies, and bad decisions just waiting for you to worship.

Here’s a list of more spots you should check out.

Berlin Food

Berio Berlin—The kind of place where one coffee turns into three (the people-watching is that good). The tables are always packed with people who know a good coffee when they taste it. If you can snag a seat outside, consider yourself lucky because everyone’s after that perfect spot. In the summer, it’s prime real estate. Fresh pastries, strong coffee, and the buzz of conversation make this place feel like home.

Romeo und Romeo—This Schöneberg spot nails the balance between cozy and cool, and while the walls might not talk, the well-thumbed LGBT magazines on the tables certainly do—they whisper stories of a neighborhood that’s seen it all. The regulars? You’ll find them nursing their espresso like it’s a fine art, which, in this corner of Berlin, it might as well be.

Sissi—Just a few-minute stroll from the subway, Sissi feels like a hidden gem, even though it’s right under your nose. Cozy but not cramped, intimate but not intimidating—it’s quintessential Berlin. Take your pick between the front and back seating, though with portions this generous, you might want to sit close to the door for a quicker escape to walk it all off.

Berlin Nightlight

Prinzknecht—Where Berlin’s industrial edge meets a bear hug—literally. Prinzknecht is a laid-back spot with a rugged charm, friendly crowds, and a warehouse-turned-hangout ambiance. Locals and tourists alike flock here, drawn by the no-nonsense vibe that’s part pub, part gay sanctuary.

KitKatClub—When you step into KitKatClub, you realize modesty’s taken the night off. The dance floor bleeds into the playroom, where latex, leather, and skin collide in Berlin’s most unapologetic sex party. Here, “Do what you want but stay in communication” is the cardinal rule. The rest? That’s up to you.

König Dragshow—What started at Tipsy Bear in 2019 has become a home for drag kings and nonbinary performers. No big production, just a stage where two new acts each month show what they’ve got. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s all about letting the performers define the night. Highly recommended for the discerning traveler who wants to see a piece of German culture that’s quietly making its mark.

Berlin Arts & Culture

Künstlerhaus Bethanien—Künstlerhaus Bethanien—For 50 years, this international cultural hub in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district has been the gritty backstage of the city’s art scene. It’s where artists from around the world come not just to exhibit but to create—whether that’s painting, sculpting, fabricating, or something entirely different—in a historic building that’s all about the work. No velvet ropes, no pretentious gallery banter—just a space where the focus is on making art, getting messy, and maybe sharing a beer with fellow creatives.

Schwules Museum—Since 1985, Schwules Museum has been the go-to spot for exploring LGBTQ+ stories. From vintage photographs to personal letters and protest signs, each piece here tells a part of the LGBTQ+ journey. Located in Schöneberg’s Rainbow District, the museum also houses a library and archives, making it a key resource for anyone digging into queer culture.

Museum für Film und Fernsehen—In the heart of Berlin, the Museum für Film und Fernsehen is a sleek fusion of cinema and television, past and present. During your time here, you’ll wander through a century of German film, courtesy of the archives of Deutsche Kinemathek, then flip the channel to five decades of TV.

From street eats to basement beats, Berlin never misses.

Tschüss, for now. See you next week in Malta.

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Pop the Mezcal and drop the towel, because we're back with another episode of Host or Travel. This time, we hit up Zipolite, one of the most liberating beach towns in Mexico.

Nestled on a rugged stretch of the southern Pacific coast, this sun-drenched oasis has long been a magnet for free spirits, adventure-seekers, and anyone who believes that life's too short to tan with tan lines. Case in point: Playa del Amor, Zipolite's infamous clothing-optional beach.

But don't be fooled by the birthday suits—Zipolite isn't just for the nudies. This is a place with depth, with soul, with a flavor all its own. Just ask Chef Luis, the mad genius at Xhuba behind some of the most mind-bendingly delicious things we've ever had the pleasure of putting on our tongues. From his savory tlayudas to his crisp ceviche, every bite was a testament to Zipolite's singular spirit.

And then there was La Maxima, the pint-sized powerhouse of a bar where Zipolite's queer community comes to see and be seen. We rounded out our trip with a snorkeling dip down under in the Pacific. Parrotfish, angelfish, dorado, snapper—it’s clear Mother Nature took her time here in Zipolite. And you should, too, because this little slice of heaven’s got enough to do for even the thirstiest vacationers.

Here’s a list of more spots you should check out.

Zipolite Food

Orégano—Zipolite staple and brainchild of two young guns on a mission to keep old-school Oaxacan food alive. Step inside, catch a whiff of fresh tortillas from the comal and try not to drool. Hungry local? Adventurous foodie? Doesn't matter. Orégano's got you with quesadillas that'll rock your world and tlayudas that'll spice up your dreams.

Clan Destino—You stumble into Clan Destino. Shrimp taquitos, consommé, and flautas slam into your face like a freight train. The atmosphere electrifies the space, making it both an intimate dinner haven and the ultimate spot to kick back with a drink. Cozy? Sure. Tame? Absolutely not.

Av. Roca Blanca—Strap on your huaraches, honey, because Av. Roca Blanca is begging to be stepped on. This cobblestone street is an artsy foodie’s dream come true, where you can score a one-of-a-kind painting, sip mezcal with the expat crowd, and get stuffed with the best of Oaxacan cuisine. But be careful—you just might fall in love at least three times before dinner.

Zipolite Nightlife

Hotel Nude Pool Party—Hotel Nude strips away everything expected you’d find at your typical resort. With wood, royal palm, and biophilic design, Hotel Nude is Zipolite's wild child, the black sheep of the resort family. But the real headline? Their clothing-optional policy, one they pioneered when covering up was still the norm. Hotel Nude was the first to let it all hang out, not just on the sand but in every nook and cranny.

Casa Nudista—Casa Nudista is where you realize that being naked is only weird until it isn’t. The sun’s warm, the pool’s cool, and after a few minutes, you start to wonder why you ever bothered with clothes in the first place. At this 100% nudist LGBTQ+ hotel, you stop overthinking and start enjoying the feeling of nothing between you and the breeze. By the end, the strangest part isn’t that you spent the day naked—it’s that putting your clothes back on feels like a step backward.

Domingo Disco—Domingo Disco's what happens when Zipolite's free spirit gets down and dirty with disco, and everyone's invited to the clothing-optional afterparty. This fiesta's as inclusive as it is wild, welcoming all to come dance under the stars. 

Arts and Culture

Gupalii Spa - Forget the fancy spa with the cucumber water and the whale music—Gupalii Spa is the real deal, a hidden gem where ancient rituals meet modern queer magic. The temazcal ceremony is like a spiritual steam room where you sweat out your toxins and emerge reborn. You’ll leave feeling lighter, not just from the detox, but from the realization that your problems are as ancient and universal as the ritual itself.

Mitotecali—Mitotecali’s Polynesian Dance Experience is less about mastering the moves and more about surrendering to the rhythm—awkward flailing included. The instructors guide you with a knowing smile, as if they’ve seen it all before (and they have). By the end, you’re either in sync with the island beats or happily lost in your own offbeat groove. Either way, it’s the most fun you’ll have realizing you’re not as coordinated as you thought.

Shambala Vision—Shambala Vision is where you let strangers rub out your stress while the ocean tries to drown out your last shred of obligations. The massages are top-notch, but it’s the salty breeze and the sound of waves crashing that really get under your skin. At Shambala’s Vision, stress goes to die—their masseuses know every knot you’ve got.

Zipolite changed us. And darling? We loved every second of it. In this queer mecca, the magic is real, and it’s everywhere you turn. 

See you next week in Berlin.

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African countries a public health emergency of international concern, with cases surging among children and adults in more than a dozen nations. Grindr is taking immediate action to protect and inform our users across all 54 African countries.

"In times of crisis, the LGBTQ+ community has always united to protect one another," said Steph Niaupari of Grindr for Equality. "We deserve inclusive, accessible information that empowers us to prevent the spread of mpox. By delivering vital updates directly to users' inboxes, we strengthen our collective safety."

Accordingly, Grindr has sent widespread in-app messages today providing crucial information about mpox transmission, risk reduction strategies, and the importance of vaccination. 

Since the beginning of the mpox outbreak, Grindr has worked closely with the WHO, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local partners to deliver timely and targeted information to millions of users across dozens of countries and languages. We remain committed to leveraging our platform to support global efforts to slow the spread of the virus and increase access to vaccines.

Grindr urges users globally to stay informed, follow the guidance of local health authorities, and prioritize their well-being. By working together, we can focus on rapid response and community support, empowering us to help contain the outbreak and save lives.

If you are able to get vaccinated, it's strongly recommended to do so. Visit the Grindr Help Center for the latest information on mpox and vaccination resources.

Ah, Los Angeles! If you’re looking for saints, you’ve boarded the wrong plane. Episode 3 of Host or Travel shows LA is more than silicone and smog, so get ready for some serious stargazing.

Here’s a little recap: We hit Runyon Canyon, where we got our blood pumping dodging selfie sticks and eyeing down the best shirtless talent. Voyeurism and public? We’ll take the lot. Later, the Ginger Rogers surf crew showed us the true meaning of a "group hang," and the East Side gays taught us that even though Akbar is located in Silver Lake, going out there is the gold standard. 

Of course, no queer tour of LA would be complete without a pilgrimage to the Tom of Finland Foundation. Let's just say this Michelangelo of muscle men makes art that puts the Statue of David’s physique to shame. 

And while we two-stepped with the studs at LA’s infamous line dancing party Stud Country, we’re not ready to stop dancing. Feeling the same? You’re in luck. Check out these extra spots for your next LA fix.

LA Food

Casita del Campo — Forget Taco Bell, honey. Step into Casita Del Campo, a Silver Lake staple where queer Mexican food thrives amidst provocative art, "West Side Story" memorabilia, and a colorful atmosphere that's practically begging for stolen kisses and under-the-table antics. 

Bavel — If you manage to score a table at Bavel, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. This fine-dining heavyweight is throwing down some serious Middle Eastern magic in the kitchen. The slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma is the stuff of legends—one bite and you might just swear off all other meat for good.

Chateau Marmont — LA’s favorite den of opulence and sin, where the ghosts of Hollywood’s horny past roam the halls. Kick back in the Gothic-style dining room straight out of a vampire's wet dream, or go for a little al fresco hanky-panky in the lush garden terrace. At the Chateau, anything goes.

LA Nightlife

Hi Tops — Slip into something more comfortable at this gay sports bar where the only thing tighter than the uniforms is the sense of camaraderie. With cheap pitchers and a chance to score, there's no striking out. Can't decide between the West Side and the East Side? Hi Tops has a location in both parts of town, so you can have your balls, brews, and boys any way you like 'em.

The Eagle — Spread your wings. The Eagle’s nest is calling. If you're looking for a beastly night out, fly right into this iconic leather bar where LA's best bears and daddies show you how it's really done.

Ostbahnhof — Abandon all shame, ye who enter here. Ostbahnhof is the unholy lovechild of a grungy warehouse party and a kinky art show. Wall-to-wall flesh, sweat, and a thick fog of pheromones make this party an extreme sport for queers. Inhibition? Don't know her. Shirts? Optional.

Arts and Culture

Wi Spa — Enter the steamiest corner of K-Town, where getting clean takes on a whole new meaning. From the depths of the mugwort pool to the heights of the Himalayan salt sauna, this 24/7 spa paradise is a playground for those who like their relaxation hot, wet, and au naturel.

Griffith Observatory—High atop Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory stands tall, an art deco planetarium with science exhibits galore. Feeling starstruck? You're not alone. Even Orion's belt can't help but come undone at the sight of Griffith's three solar telescopes.

LA LGBT Center — For over 50 years, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has empowered queer Angelinos as the world's largest service-providing LGBTQ+ organization. The Center provides free HIV/STI testing, medical care, mental health services, housing support, cultural events,  legal aid, and more to tens of thousands annually. With ten vibrant locations across LA, the Center welcomes all to get involved, access services, or take a tour.

Runyon studs. Eagle daddies. Tom of Finland fantasies. LA, you’re a star. We're spent, but we'll be back for more.

Hasta la vista, baby. See you next week in Zipolite. 

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

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Olá, gatas! We just got back from Rio for Episode 2 of our new series, Host or Travel, and if you thought the caipirinhas were strong, wait 'til you get a taste of the local flavor. The heat, the samba beats, the winding streets—Rio spoke to us, and we think it’ll speak to you, too.

In case you missed it, we got our glutes righteously wrecked climbing the Escadaria Selarón in Lapa, sipped bebidas with the artsy crowd in boho-chic Santa Teresa, and let the locals of Ipanema Beach gag us with how they handled a few volleyballs. And when the sun went down, we discovered that Rio nightlife is just as hot as its beaches—Club Turma OK had us sweating in all the right places.

But we only scratched the surface. And we’re not done scratching. So grab your sunscreen, your smallest sunga, and enough Rio-mance to make you think you're fluent in Portuguese.

Here’s our list of more spots you should check out.

Rio de Janeiro's Food

Aprazivel — Aprazível offers a rare and essential experience: the chance to slow down, indulge in organic flavors, and appreciate the beauty of your partner-in-dine. As you feast on some of the freshest Rio de Janeiro food, let your imagination run wild with all the ways you could work up an appetite for round two.

Bossa Lounge — Your soon-to-be favorite rooftop in the heart of Rio. With its stylish bar, smooth tunes, and jaw-dropping oceanside views, it's the perfect spot to get things rising higher than its 20th-floor perch.

Bar dos Descasados — While the name might mean "unmarried," after a few of their expertly crafted cocktails, you'll be ready to say "I do" to a night of indulgence. Let the goat cheese omelet be your wingman.

Rio Nightlife

Pink Flamingo — Flamingle at Copacabana's hottest gay bar in Rio de Janeiro, where the drinks are strong enough to make even the most rigid flag pole bend. The beats will have you shaking your tail feathers and hunting for your next juicy shrimp.

Tropik Beach — When all the sun and seawater leave you craving a different kind of wetness, hit up this spot for tropical cocktails that'll make your beach balls tingle and your coconuts stand tall and proud.

The Home — This sleek, sexy techno temple will have you sweating on the dance floor and playing in some darkly fun corners. Rave now, sleep later.

Arts and Culture

Crescer e Viver — Circus performances where the performers believe in freedom, self-expression, and the power of a well-timed wink. It’s daring, seductive, and just a little bit naughty—but don’t worry, they always practice safe-circus.

Fundiçao Progresso — Rio’s biggest independent cultural center where you can go and let your freak flag fly. Check out the art, music, and maybe a few urban farmers—perfect for getting down and dirty with some hoes.

Samba in Pedra Do Sal — Shake that bunda at the birthplace of samba. On Samba Day, it's a non-stop party of hot rhythms and sweaty bodies where anything can happen.

We came, we saw, we caipirinha'd. From the sun-kissed shores of Ipanema to the pulsing rhythms of Lapa, this city really knows how to make your bossa feel extra nova in all the right ways. So if you're wondering "is Brazil LGBT friendly?" the answer is a resounding yes—Brazil LGBT culture is thriving, and Rio is at the heart of it all. Até logo for now. 

See you in LA for Round 3. 

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

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¿Qué pasa, guapos? We hit up Madrid for Episode 1 of our new series Host or Travel, and if you thought your Grindr chats were spicy, wait until you see what Spain’s bustling and oh-so-gay capital has to offer.

In case you missed it, we got our culos spanked in Chueca's best queer bars, gagged on Las Niña’s fierce drag, and stuffed our… faces with tapas at Mercado de San Antón. We even let El Matadero and Archivo LGTBIQ dom us with a crash course in queer history.

But Madrid’s not just all sangria, siestas, and Serrano—it’s a huge city with loads to offer, and we barely got past the foreplay. So, if you're ready to explore beyond the tourist traps, keep reading. 

Here’s our list of more spots you should check out. 

Food

Bar El Boqueron — Raw, wet, and ready to slurp. Seafood so fresh, it's still winking at you. It’s a tight squeeze where you can watch the chefs work their magic on the freshest catch of the day.

San Miguel Market — Foodies, welcome to your wet dream. This gourmet wonderland is packed with stalls slinging every type of Spanish delicacy imaginable. Come hungry, leave stuffed.

Sala de Despiece — Meat your match at this provocative dining experience that's not afraid to show some skin. You might overdraw your account, but it’s worth every Euro. 

Nightlife

Cazador Bar — Queer watering hole for creative creatures. Kitschy cool, cheap sips, and hunting-themed memorabilia everywhere. Prime time 11 pm.

STRONG — Pounding beats. Glistening bodies. End your night with a bang... or several. Madrid's most inclusive sex party SKIN, which goes down every Sunday at Strong, stands out in the city's nightlife scene—open to all, yet with a distinct LGTBQ+ and fetish focus.

La Venencia — When you need a break from the madness, slip into this timeless sherry bar. With its old-world charm and intimate atmosphere, it's perfect for a nightcap and a little tit-a-tit.

Arts and Culture

Thyssen-Bornemisza - Get cultured and sip on some queer thirst through the ages at this museum's "Inclusive Love" exhibit, which highlights themes, icons, and characters related to the sensitivity, culture, and experiences of the LGBTQ community. After you've had your fill, pop over to the iconic El Retiro park nearby—it's huge, gorgeous, and has cruising.

El Rastro - Thrifting is a queer rite of passage, and El Rastro is Madrid’s Mecca. This sprawling flea market is a treasure trove of vintage finds, one-of-a-kind oddities, and maybe even a rare connection or two, if you're lucky.

BERKANA - Berkana opened in 1993 as the first LGBTQ+ bookstore in Spain and Latin America. It's often regarded as the Hispanic equivalent of New York's legendary Oscar Wilde Bookshop.

Madrid had us panting from start to finish. From culinary mastery and world-class art to nightlife that will leave you in need of a siesta, this city knows how to tease and please. But don’t just take our word for it. Get on over to Asspaña and see for yourself.

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

When the Olympics come around, Grindr isn't just there to watch from the sidelines. We’re in the game, with athletes in the host city continuing to use the app the way they do at home and everywhere else—to see who’s around, check out the locals, arrange meetups, and more.

If an athlete is not out or comes from a country where being LGBTQ+ is dangerous or illegal, using Grindr can put them at risk of being outed by curious individuals who may try to identify and expose them on the app.

That’s why, at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, we made the decision to disable location-based features within the Olympic Village and other athletic sites. It was our way of ensuring that LGBTQ+ athletes could connect with each other authentically without worrying about prying eyes or unwanted attention.

And we’re doing the same at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this year. Here’s our game plan:

Disabling Location-Based Features 

We're turning off features like "Explore" and "Roam" within the Olympic Village. The "show distance" feature will also be turned off by default, but users can share their approximate distance if they decide to turn it on. Our goal is to help athletes connect without worrying about unintentionally revealing their whereabouts or being recognized.

Empowering Users with Control 

Here are some of the additional safety and privacy features we’ll be enabling for users in the Olympic Village to give them more privacy controls and peace of mind:

• Send unlimited disappearing messages and unsend messages after they're sent—regardless of whether you’re a premium or free user. 
• Disable screenshots for profile images and media in-chat.
• Private Videos are disabled within the Olympic Village.
• Access the ‘Report a Recent Chat’ feature in Settings to report any concerns within 24 hours, along with our other enhanced security features. We protect your privacy by keeping user details confidential (profile names and photos are obscured).

Providing Targeted Safety Resources 

Being an LGBTQ+ athlete comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially for those who come from places that lack basic rights and protections for our community.

That’s why we’re taking the additional step of sending targeted safety resources and information, including weekly messages reminding users that they may face danger while using the app in the Olympic Village and sharing links to our multilingual safety resources.

Showcasing Our Values 

The only ads that will appear on Grindr to those in the village during the Olympics will be advertisements from Grindr for Equality promoting health & safety resources. You won't see third-party advertisements—only Grindr for Equality public service announcements to help keep users informed and safe.

We've got Your Back

To the trailblazing LGBTQ+ athletes heading to Paris, we can't wait to see you shine.

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Grindr is partnering with Prevention Access Campaign to promote the game-changing de-stigmatizing U=U message to millions of global Grindr users for #ZeroHIVStigmaDay, a movement to take action against HIV stigma, on July 21, 2024. U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable, meaning that people living with HIV who have undetectable viral loads have zero risk of passing on HIV to sexual partners.

“U=U messaging is a powerful evidence-based strategy to reduce HIV stigma and encourage HIV testing,” said Zac Katz, Head of Global Affairs & General Counsel at Grindr. “Grindr for Equality is delighted to join #ZeroHIVStigmaDay to amplify the U=U message as part of our mission to advance the health of LGBTQ+ communities and accelerate an end to the HIV epidemic."

Today’s announcement builds on the success of Grindr for Equality’s existing partnerships to distribute free at-home HIV test kits directly to Grindr users across a growing list of countries including Georgia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as the City of London. In partnership with organizations including Building Healthy Online Communities, these programs have distributed more than 440,000 test kits to date. Grindr for Equality plans to launch similar initiatives and bring additional safety, sexual health, and advocacy resources to more Grindr users and members of the LGBTQ+ community around the world.

A key pillar of Grindr for Equality’s work towards a world that is safe, just, and inclusive for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities is supporting initiatives that advance safety and sexual health for the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to announce that we have partnered with several new organizations to make critical resources available to our users across 30 countries, directly through a side drawer on the Grindr app’s home screen.

Lack of access to HIV testing is one of the biggest obstacles in the fight against the global HIV epidemic, posing particular barriers for a variety of our users, such as those living in rural areas or those who are not “out” to their families. Additionally, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation threatens the safety of our community by making it illegal for us to be who we are and love who we love. We’ve partnered with several organizations around the globe to provide our users with access to localized and real-time information on the issues that matter to them the most. 

In partnership with European Test Finder, we’re giving our users access to the free online tool that helps identify nearby locations for testing and treatment of HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, and other STIs across the WHO European region. With today’s announcement, this resource will be available to our users across 24 countries supported by European Test Finder, including Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. We are also partnering with organizations including Ceska spolecnost aids pomoc, IntraHealth Namibia, IVOR Foundation, and The Love Tank, to provide our users across Czechia, Namibia, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom, respectively, with access to similar sexual and mental health resources. 

For our users in Brazil, we’ve partnered with Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de HIV, Aids, Tuberculose, Hepatites Virais e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis to provide access to Onde encontrar a PrEP, a PrEP service locator, directly through the Grindr app. We’ve also partnered with GALCK+ to provide our users in Kenya with in-app access to Know Your Rights, a safety page designed to empower the Kenyan LGBQ community by informing them of their rights.  

Bringing these resources to the Grindr app builds on the success of our partnerships with local organizations to distribute free at-home HIV test kits, which to date have sent over 440,000 tests to users across a growing list of countries including Georgia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as the City of London. We look forward to launching similar initiatives and bringing more essential resources to our users and community around the world.

The full list of regions where Grindr users can access our new sexual health and safety resources directly through the app is below. 

• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Namibia   
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

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Ready to join the horny masses and get yourself a Grindr profile (if you haven’t already, that is)? Call us biased, but if so, we’re so excited! Why? Well, because you’re in for everything as far as gay love and sex goes: new friends, dates, casual hookups, party invites, orgy invites, or — who knows — maybe even meeting the love (or loves) of your life. It’s a big, beautiful, hugely homosexual world out there, and it’s yours for the swiping.

But how does Grindr actually work? Read on as we show you how to create a Grindr account so you can start connecting with guys as fast as your thumbs can carry you.

What is Grindr used for?

If you’re new to Grindr, welcome! First things first: Here are the house rules. 

Next, shoes off at the door (unless your kink is keeping them on, of course, which we’re all for), lube to the left, and PrEP/condoms/poppers to the right. 

In all seriousness, you probably know by now that we're a gay hookup app. But Grindr has the potential to be so much more. How you use it ultimately depends on you. Some use it as they would any other dating app, like Tinder, while others are here primarily to connect with someone (or someones) nearby for some quick fun.

What sets Grindr apart from other dating apps is our ability to connect you with available hotties who are closest to you. This unique feature has made Grindr the largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, whether it's for casual hookups, finding a serious relationship, or anything in between.

How to use Grindr: The basics

Getting on Grindr is easier than ever, whether via the app on your smartphone (downloadable here) or Grindr Web on your desktop, which requires no download. Once you’ve officially signed up, here’s what to do next:

Create and complete your Grindr profile

An empty profile won’t exactly attract the loads of "attention" you're after, so step one is to add your info and a few photos. Your pics are the gateway to your profile and the first thing anyone will see, so make them count! Show other users what you really look like — taking selfies is an art that’s all about clear, flattering lighting and finding the right angle. Remember, face pics make a better first impression than pec pics as your primary profile photo (although chances are no one will say no to you including both).

Next, choose your display name. Feel free to get creative — some users change theirs often to reflect whatever they're looking for that day. You can swap out your username whenever, so don’t worry if you’re not feeling "Nu2Dis_69" after that wild weeklong romp around Puerto Vallarta. You do you, whatever that happens to mean.

Finally, finish filling out your profile info (age, height, weight, position, etc.), tags, and what you’re looking for (friends, dates, hookups). You can always add more details, specifics, or playful puns and emojis later. And you can delete them whenever, too.

Explore how the app works

Now that you’ve officially introduced yourself to the Grindr-verse, it’s time to get into the ins and outs of using the app. We recommend playing around with the settings (tap your profile icon in the upper left corner, then “settings” in the bottom left corner) to see all the different options the app offers, including whether you want to activate or silence the iconic notification sound Grindr is famous (and also kind of infamous) for.

If you ever need to block someone, tap the circle with a line through it in the upper right corner. This will cut off all contact with the user, and they won't be able to see your profile. You can also unblock them whenever you like.

Connect with others

Ready to strut those tail feathers and see who takes notice? You’re not the only one. 

Window shopping the grid is one of the best parts of Grindr. See someone you like? Tap their profile pic to have a look at the rest of their photos and info (they’ll receive a notification that you viewed their profile, too).

If you’re really into what you see, tapping the flame icon in the lower right corner of their profile will let them know just that. And if you feel like making the first move, it’s as easy as dropping them a line in the “say something…” field at the bottom of their profile or tapping the chat bubble icon, also in the lower right corner, to get things started. You can also tap the star in the upper right corner of a user’s profile to add them to your favorites. 

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Grindr tips for a better experience

With your professional pounder/poundee profile (not official Grindr terminology, but apt nonetheless) officially up and running, you’re all set to start swiping. But before you engage with that first hottie that catches your eye, here are some quick tips for a better Grindr experience.

Communicate with respect

Studies indicate that acts of kindness enhance the production of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being and activate the brain's pleasure and reward centers, which is why you’re here in the first place, right? 

In other words, it’s scientifically proven that it’s good for you to be nice. 

You’re sure to meet folks from all walks of life on Grind. No matter your mood, never forget: There's a person on the other side of the screen. There’s enough hate in the world as is; as LGBTQ people, we all know this all too well. Why bring it here?

Be clear with your intentions

There are plenty of people on Grindr who are just as eager as you are, whether they're horned up looking for a quick hookup or actually on the hunt for a long-term relationship. Whatever you're seeking, be clear about your expectations from the start. This way, you won’t waste your time or theirs by being vague — unless ambiguity is exactly what you're both after, of course.

Don’t compare yourself to others

There's someone for everyone in this world, and Grindr, being a microcosm of the real world, means there's someone for you too. That said, social media, including dating apps, can sometimes make us all feel self-conscious. 

Our advice for using Grindr? Be yourself. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, as difficult as it may seem. Comparing yourself to others is a one-way ticket to getting stuck in self-defeating cycles where you don't think you're good enough to reach out to someone you're interested in. Instead, focus on your unique qualities (including all the beautiful nonphysical ones, too) and let them shine — after all, that’s what makes you you.

Never forget, there are plenty of fish in the sea. With more than 10 million monthly active users, trust us — we know what we’re talking about. 

Stay safe

Our commitment to your safety is and always has been a top priority — and we hope it's one of yours, too. 

We encourage you to always be vigilant while scrolling through profiles; watch out for red flags that might trigger your fight-or-flight response. If you make it to the hookup stage, always take additional precautions, like meeting in public for the first time or, if you go directly to their place, sharing your location with someone you trust. Always let a close friend or family member know where you're headed (even if they don’t know the specifics of what you’re planning on doing once you get there).

Say it with us: Safety is sexy!

Today, our CEO George Arison, accompanied by the Grindr leadership team, rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in honor of NYSE’s Pride Month festivities and in celebration of our very own 15th anniversary. This milestone comes nearly two years after Grindr's public listing in November 2022 and follows our first Investor Day presentation, where we shared our vision and strategy for the company’s continued growth, evolution, and impact.

Over the past 15 years, Grindr has grown from a groundbreaking upstart into a global platform that connects millions of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide for a multitude of use cases far beyond casual dating. This achievement is a testament to the power of our product and the trust and support of our users, who have made Grindr a ubiquitous part of their daily lives in more than 190 countries.

As we celebrate this occasion and look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of being the Gayborhood in your pocket. Through our success, we strive to make a world where the lives of our global community are free, equal, and just. 

‍Watch CEO, George Arison, Ring the NSYE Opening Bell

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