Frequently asked questions about Alcova

Alcova is a swinger dating site for couples, women and men aged 18 and over, designed around discretion and trust. Here are the answers to the questions we are asked most often. Something else on your mind? Write to contact@alcovaprivada.com, or use the "Report a bug" button at the bottom of every page.

Signing up and getting started

Is Alcova free?

Yes, Alcova is completely free while it launches. On top of that, the first 1,000 approved and verified members will receive a free year's subscription on the day the site starts charging.

Who can join Alcova?

Adults aged 18 and over: couples, women and men. The site is opening first in Lisbon and Porto, and also welcomes members from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Monaco.

Why does my account need to be approved?

Every new profile is checked by a member of our team before it appears on the site. This is what keeps out fake profiles, escorts and under-age accounts. Approval is usually quick, and you can finish your profile in the meantime.

How do I get my profile verified?

On the Verification page, you will be given a code. Write it on a sheet of paper and take a photo of yourself holding it, with your face clearly visible. The team compares this selfie with your profile photo. Once it is accepted, a badge appears next to your username.

Which languages is the site available in?

Portuguese, French and English. The site appears in your phone's language, and you can switch at any time.

Discretion and safety

Does my profile show up on Google?

No. Profiles, photos and messages can only be seen by approved members who are logged in. Search engines only see the home page and the blog.

Does Near me reveal my location?

No. Near me is only switched on if you choose to use it. Your location is rounded to roughly one kilometre, and other members only see a distance, never a point on a map. If you turn the feature off, your location is deleted.

Can I browse without being seen?

Yes. In My profile, on the Privacy tab, invisible mode lets you visit profiles without showing up in their visitors. You can also hide your online status, and pausing hides your profile completely for as long as you like.

Who can see my private photos?

Your private albums only open to members you give access to, either on request or with a password you choose. You can withdraw access at any time.

Why can't I send a link or a phone number?

For your safety, messages and ads do not accept phone numbers, email addresses, links to other sites or certain words (drugs, escorts, outside contacts). This protects members from scams and unsolicited approaches. You can swap contact details in person, once trust is there.

Does the team read my messages?

No. Your conversations are private. The team can only read a conversation if one of the two members has reported it, so that the report can be dealt with.

How do I report or block a member?

From their profile. A blocked member can no longer see you or write to you. Every report is reviewed by the team, which can suspend or remove the account.

What is a Safe date?

Before meeting someone, you can choose a trusted member and set the time by which you will confirm that all is well. If you do not confirm, your trusted contact is alerted.

Can I put my account on hold for a while?

Yes. In My profile, on the Privacy tab, tick "Pause my profile": your profile disappears for other members and nobody can write to you, but nothing is deleted. Untick the box to come back.

How do I delete my account?

In My profile, on the Access tab, choose "Delete my account". Your profile, photos and messages are then permanently erased.

Meeting members

How do I show someone I am interested?

Send a kiss, add the profile to your favourites or write to them directly. When two members send each other a kiss, the interest is mutual and both are notified.

What are Tonight and Speed Date?

Tonight shows members who are free to meet the same day. Speed Date lets you announce where you will be, today or over the next few days; only the profiles you are looking for can see it and say they are interested.

What are Fantasies?

You share a fantasy you would like to make happen. Interested members put themselves forward, either to talk about it or to make it happen with you, and you choose who to reply to, in complete discretion.

How do I make sure I don't miss anything?

Turn on alerts on your phone from your profile: new messages, kisses, members near you. Alert text stays discreet, with no username, unless you choose to show it.

The launch offer

How do I get the free year?

The first 1,000 members whose profile is approved and verified each receive a place. The free year starts on the day Alcova starts charging. The number of places left is shown on the home page.

Do invitations earn me anything?

Yes. Every friend you invite whose account is approved gives you an extra free month, up to twelve months. Your invitation link is on the Referrals page.