So you have realized your match just isn’t the right fit for you. When this happens on Bumble, you have a few options: you can let the match expire (which takes 24-48 hours), you can unmatch them, or you can block them.
Unmatching is the most straightforward path to dissolving an unwanted match on Bumble. Here’s exactly how to do it, step-by-step, plus tips on avoiding awkward confrontations.
Overview: Unmatching vs. Blocking on Bumble
Before diving into the unmatch how-to, let’s clarify the difference between unmatching and blocking since both remove a match from your queue.
What Does Unmatching on Bumble Do?
- Removes the match from your Match Queue and chat tab
- Prevents that person from messaging you further
- The chat disappears from your view but remains visible on their end (in gray)
- That user could still show up in your feed to swipe again
What Does Blocking on Bumble Do?
- Removes match from your queue
- Prevents that user from viewing your profile or messaging you
- Chat disappears completely from both ends
- That user will not show up in your feed again
The implications are subtle, but the key distinction lies in the post-unmatch or post-block experience. Unmatching simply dissolves the connection on your end, while blocking severs it completely across the board.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step guide for unmatching.
How to Unmatch Someone on Bumble
Unmatching a person is straightforward and only takes a few taps. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open Your Bumble App
Launch the Bumble app from your home screen. The familiar bright yellow and black interface will pop up, along with any pending matches or messages.
Alternatively, you can unmatch people from Bumble’s browser version. Just head to bumble.com and log into your account.
Step 2: Navigate to the Chat Screen
To access your current conversations and queue of pending matches, tap the chat bubble icon on the bottom left corner of your app screen. This opens your messages inbox.
You can also access chats from an individual profile. Simply tap on them from the main swiping interface and select the chat icon.
Step 3: Tap on the Match You Want To Unmatch
Scroll through your Message Queue or Chat tab and select the conversation with the person you wish to unmatch. This opens the chat window.
Take a quick second to confirm it’s definitely the person you intend to disconnect from before moving to the next step. Wouldn’t want any accidental casualties!
Step 4: Tap the Three-Dot Menu
Inside the chat window, tap the three-dot menu button in the top right corner. This expands a dropdown menu.
Step 5: Select “Unmatch”
The very first option will be “Unmatch”. Go ahead and tap it.
A popup will then ask you to confirm and select a reason for unmatching.
Step 6: Choose Your Reason & Confirm
The reasons are as follows:
- It’s not them, it’s me: I’m just not interested
- Their behavior made me uncomfortable
- Something else
Bumble encourages choosing the first to avoid reporting users when unwarranted. Select your reason, then finalize by tapping “Confirm Unmatch”.
And that’s it – you’re now successfully unmatched! The chat will instantly disappear from your view.
What Happens When You Unmatch On Bumble?
After you unmatch someone, here’s what you’ll see on your end:
- The user disappears from your match queue.
- Any chat history and their profile vanish from sight in your inbox.
- You won’t be notified of further messages from this match.
- However, it is still possible to encounter them again in your swipe feed at a later point.
Meanwhile, from their perspective:
- The chat remains visible but is grayed out, indicating you unmatched.
- They cannot message you further.
- Your profile also disappears for them.
- You also won’t come up as a suggested match for them.
So in summary – unmatching cuts contact on your end specifically while leaving things somewhat intact on their side. Pretty clean and straightforward!
Now let’s get into some tips for avoiding any awkward confrontations.
5 Tips to Smoothly Unmatch on Bumble
Unlike blocking someone outright, unmatching simply dissolves the match connection only on your side. So while contact is officially severed, your former match can technically still see chat history (even if grayed out).
In most cases, this isn’t an issue. But occasionally it can lead to unwanted confrontations about why you unmatched. Here are 5 tips to unmatch without drama:
1. Unmatch Sooner Rather Than Later
Don’t drag things out! The beginning is full of excitement as you two dive into chatting. But pay attention as you exchange messages. At the first sign of boredom or discomfort – unmatch right away.
Don’t wait days or weeks before deciding to disconnect. Fizzle things out during the spark phase rather dragging through multiple cycles of conversation. It prevents attachments from forming and avoids misunderstandings later.
2. Don’t Ghost Before Unmatching
Nothing good comes from going cold turkey on responses before unmatching. Sure, it may seem easier to avoid officially dissolving things. But ghosting then unmatching often sparks more confrontation than doing so directly.
If your match notices chat activity before things suddenly disappear, it understandably raises questions. Did you intend to ghost me? Why didn’t you just say you weren’t interested?
Save yourself the trouble and unmatch as soon as disinterest arises. Don’t leave them guessing.
3. Pick the “It’s Not Them, It’s Me” reason
As mentioned earlier, Bumble provides pre-populated reasons for unmatching:
- It’s not them, it’s me: I’m just not interested
- Their behavior made me uncomfortable
- Something else
Always default to the first option unless their behavior is problematic. “It’s not them, it’s me” comes across as far less accusatory or judgmental about why things dissolved. It prevents them from taking the unmatch personally.
4. Resist the Urge to Explain Yourself
When unmatching, there’s no need to justify your decision or explain in depth why you’re not feeling it anymore. Statements like “I don’t think we’re the right match…” often backfire and come across overly critical about who they are.
You don’t owe them a detailed reason. As the saying goes, “No is a complete sentence.” Stick to unmatching without further explanation whenever possible.
5. Be Ready to Block if Necessary
In rare cases, an especially persistent user may react poorly and keep attempting contact. Should you receive angry messages from another platform after unmatching, don’t hesitate to block them both on Bumble and externally.
Remember – you do not need to put up with harassment, demands for justification, or retaliation after disconnecting. Simply block and move forward.
The beauty of unmatching is how effortlessly it allows you to revert an unwanted match. Follow these tips, and you can prevent any post-unmatch headaches for both parties.
Now that you’re a Bumble unmatching expert, go ahead and spring-clean your queue! Free yourself up for matches that truly captivate you, not those you feel lukewarm about. Still need help navigating online dating? Check out my other Bumble how-tos for mastering mingling in the modern world one match at a time.
