Hinge adds limit on unanswered messages

Hinge will stop you from matching with someone new if you have a certain number of messages waiting for a response.
By  on 
your turn limits on hinge
Hinge launches a limit on unanswered messages today. Credit: Hinge

After testing a cap on unanswered messages, Hinge announces the global launch of "Your Turn Limits" today.

Your Turn Limits prevents users from matching with new people when they have eight or more unanswered messages in their queue. The name expands on "Your Turn," a feature Hinge introduced in 2017 to prompt users to either start a conversation with a match or keep it going.

If a user has reached the limit, they will have to respond to someone or unmatch in order to begin "liking" again. On the app, Your Turn Limits is displayed by a banner at the top of the message queue, either "You're approaching the limit" or "You're at the limit."

"When too many people are waiting for a reply, you need to reply or end chats," the banner states. "Then you can send likes."

Mashable After Dark
Want more sex and dating stories in your inbox?
Sign up for Mashable's new weekly After Dark newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
you're approaching the limit banner on hinge message queue
Credit: Hinge
you're at the limit banner on hinge message queue
Credit: Hinge

If you attempt to match with someone new, a pop-up will tell you that too many people are waiting for a response — and that "research shows this leads to more dates." In 2023, Hinge matches where one person responded to the other's first message within a day were 72 percent more likely to result in a date.

Via Giphy

Your Turn Limits rolls out to everyone on Hinge today, including free and paid users. In the test phase, Your Turn Limits increased responsiveness by 20 percent, according to Hinge. Almost half (48 percent) of users with Your Turn Limits said this feature helps increases people's ability to focus on quality over quantity. Meanwhile, 45 percent said the feature helps increase focus on current matches, and the same amount said the feature helps them be more thoughtful with current matches.

In an interview with Mashable back in May about Your Turn Limits, Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod said of the feature, "I think we'll see more conversations and more dates across a broader part of the population."

McLeod also said Hinge is aware of dating app burnout that singles are feeling, and the app is responding to it with features like this — that will hopefully get people on more dates.

anna iovine, a white woman with curly chin-length brown hair, smiles at the camera
Anna Iovine
Associate Editor, Features

Anna Iovine is associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on X @annaroseiovine.


Recommended For You
I put AI photos on my Hinge dating profile. They were the most liked by far
An illustration of a dating profile displayed on a phone with hearts rising from it.

Hinge launches AI-driven prompt feedback to help users write better profiles
hinge screenshots of prompt feedback feature

Comparing AI features for Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder
Mobile phone with heart symbol and icons surrounding it with heart symbols for messaging love

Hinge users can now share private details with matches
screenshots on Hinge app showing Match Note feature

Report: Match Group dating apps conceal assault cases
A woman using smartphone at night under colorful LED lights

More in Life

I'm grabbing the Apple Watch Series 10 for under $300 at Amazon, saving $100
Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) on a white patterned background

The Bose Smart Soundbar 550 is under $200 at Walmart. My ears are ready.
Bose Smart Soundbar 550 on a white patterned background

I've just scored Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad for under $260 at Amazon. That’s its lowest price in 30 days.
Apple iPad on blue background

Stock up on free indie books in the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day
Selection of books covers

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 7, 2025
A close-up of an NYT Connections game on a smartphone.

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 7
A game being played on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 7, 2025
A close-up of a Wordle game open on a smartphone.

Why are there no iPhones in 'Severance'?
By Jake Kleinman
John Turturro in "Severance."

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 7, 2025
Close-up view of crossword puzzle.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!