Your experience is everything to us, and we want to make it as seamless as possible. This guide is designed to help you get the most out of Ashley Madison—quickly and effortlessly. Let’s dive in.
In This Guide:
Profile Verification
🔵 As part of our commitment to creating an authentic community, we’ve taken significant steps to address fraudulent profiles and improve the overall experience for our Members—including profile verification. Learn More →
Connecting off Ashley Madison
⚠️ Proceed with caution if a Member asks to move your connection off Ashley Madison. Learn More →
1. Quick-Start Guide
💡 Being a Member of Ashley Madison is free, but Credits are required to access premium features to connect with other Members.
✨ Ashley Preferred | Level up your Membership with more benefits: more daily Winks and Private Key Requests, a 30-day Search Boost, and more. |
✴️ Ashley Prime | Stand out in Search, attract more connections, and get 50% more messages* for 30 days. Buy now → |
⤴️ Auto-Credit Top-Up | Automatically top up your Credits when you have 12 or less with the most recent Credit package purchased.* Manage → |
🔁 Automatic Private Key Exchange | Automatically share access to your Private Photo Gallery when any Member shares theirs with you first. Manage → |
💎 Credits | Use Credits to send Messages, Winks, and Private Key Requests. Buy now → |
📩 Collect Message | A Collect Message is like a collect call—the Member being contacted covers the Credits to read and reply if they accept. Manage → |
❤️ Favorites | Favorites keep track of your top connections. |
💋 Local Match Messages | Sends pre-composed messages on a Member’s behalf to other Members about potential matches. Manage → |
💬 Messages | Messages are sent with Credits. After your first message, subsequent non-Priority messages to the same member are free†. More info → |
📷 Photos | Upload a photo for better results‡ and keep them discreet by using our privacy tools → |
🤩 Priority Man | Highlight your profile in local search results for 30 days. Requires a Credit package. |
🚨 Priority Messages | Upgrade your regular message to a Priority Message for boosted delivery with a read receipt. Priority Messages are enabled by default. Manage → |
🗝️ Private Keys | Private Keys unlock Private Photos—get them by sending Private Key Requests. Manage → |
🫦 Private Key Requests | Private Key Requests are sent to Members when someone requests that they share their Private Photos. Members get 3 free Private Key Requests daily. Manage → |
🔥 Private Photos | Private Photos are photos that are typically spicy in nature, and Members have full control over who they share them with. More info → |
⏩ Quick Reply Messages (female only) | Female profiles can send custom or pre-composed automatic replies in response to Winks and Favorites. Manage → |
🥷 Stealth Mode | Stealth mode lets you customize the Ashley Madison® app icon on your phone notifications for optimal discretion. More info → |
👀 Viewed Me | Viewed Me lets you know who’s been checking you out. Viewed Me → |
😉 Winks | Winks let you flirt quickly and easily. Members get 3 free Winks daily. |
* Excludes introductory 100-Credit package for first-time purchases. If this was your last purchase, your account will be topped up with the 200-Credit package.
† Excludes Priority Messages
‡ Members with photos get 4x more messages
2. Your Profile
💡 All text changes require manual approval by an administrator. Most are approved within four hours, but during peak times, weekends, or holidays, it may take up to 24 hours.
You’re in full control of your Ashley Madison experience, including what information you choose to share on your profile through your Greeting, Photo Galleries, About Me, Vitals, and Interests and Desires. More →
Username
Usernames are only used to log into your Ashley Madison account. Other Members can't see your username. Your username can only be changed on the Ashley Madison app.
Locating Your Username
Locating Your Username
iOS or Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Your username will appear on this page.
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Your username (and profile number) appear at the top.
Nickname
A nickname is your screen name visible to other Members, and can only be changed on the desktop or mobile Ashley Madison website. Regardless of whether you change your nickname, your username remains the same.
Editing Your Nickname
Editing Your Nickname
iOS or Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account/Account Information
Then Username
Type in your new username
Tap Save.
Web Browser
Click on Profile
Then on Edit (beside your nickname)
Update your nickname
Select Save.
Profile Number
💡 Your profile number appears at the bottom of all email notifications, in the fine print near your email address.
Profile Numbers are assigned to Members when they sign-up, and are needed for escalation with Customer Service.
Locating Your Profile Number
Locating Your Profile Number
iOS or Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Your profile number appears at the bottom of the screen.
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Your profile number (and username) appear at the top.
Editing Profile Content
⚠️ All text changes in your Greeting and About Me sections must be manually approved by an Administrator. New photos must also be manually approved.
Edit your Greeting, Photo Galleries, About Me, Vitals, and Interests and Desires.
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Tap on Profile
Then select Edit on the sections you want to change
Make your changes
Tap Done.
Web Browser
Web Browser
Click on Profile
Then select Edit on the sections which you want to change
Make your changes
Click Save.
Hiding Your Profile
When your profile is hidden, it won’t appear in search results or be visible to other Members, but you can still log in, browse the Discover page, and update your profile.
You can unhide your profile anytime without losing any Credits.
⚠️ Important: After 12 months of inactivity (no logging in), your account will be deemed inactive, deleted automatically, and unable to be retrieved.
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top left corner
Then on Settings
Then Profile Options
Enable or disable Temporarily hide profile.
Web Browser
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Security & Privacy
Enable/disable Hide profile
Profile Tips
Crafting Your About Me
Crafting Your About Me
An interesting About Me section is essential for making a good first impression and getting other members’ attention on Ashley Madison.
We recently conducted an Ashley Madison Member survey* and found:
93% of responding members said they always read someone’s profile before messaging them
39% said they aren’t interested if a profile doesn’t have enough information
27% won’t initiate contact if it’s unclear what someone’s looking for.
To help you craft your About Me section for the best results possible, here are some tips and takeaways.
Be honest and authentic: Your About Me section should be an accurate representation of who you are and what you’re after, so be honest about your intentions. Nothing can sink a conversation faster than realizing the person you’re talking to is full of it.
Tip: Instead of writing what you think members want to hear, double down on the truth. If you’re looking for a casual, sex-only arrangement, just say so and make your offer as enticing as possible.Highlight your best qualities: Use your About Me section to showcase your best qualities and highlight what makes you unique and worth connecting with.
Tip: Try to keep things contextually relevant, and focus on the attributes that will entice someone to get to know you better. Are you the life of the party? A great lover? Well-groomed? These are the kinds of qualities that potential matches would love to hear about you.
Be specific: When describing yourself, be specific about what you’re looking for on Ashley Madison and what your expectations are. This will help attract like-minded members and increase your chances of making connections.
Be funny: A little bit of humor can go a long way in making your profile stand out, and showing off your personality. It can also help members who might be overly cautious or shy feel more comfortable messaging you.
Tip: Remember, what people find funny is subjective. Until you have a handle on who you’re talking to and the type of humor they respond to, try to keep any funny anecdotes or phrases in your profile light and respectful.
Be positive: Nobody likes a Debbie Downer, and your About Me isn’t the place to complain – it’s supposed to attract people and encourage them to connect with you! Avoid negative language or dredging up past relationships, and focus on the positive aspects of your life and what you're looking for in an encounter.
Tip: Avoid using negative phrases that raise the red flags like "Don't bother messaging me if…,” "I have a low tolerance for nonsense," or "Impress me.” Remember: you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
Keep it short and direct: Members aren’t here to read a novel. Keep your About Me concise and to the point, highlighting the most compelling information about yourself.
Tip: When trying to capture someone’s attention in just a few sentences, be as concise as possible. Try stringing together scannable descriptors that let your personality shine through, like “Foodie. Dog lover. Sports fan,” etc.
Proofread: Remember, your dating profile is a reflection of yourself and what you're looking for on Ashley Madison. Take the time to craft a great one, and you'll increase your chances of making connections.
* The Ashley Madison Member Survey was conducted in March and April of 2023, with the results reflecting the opinions of a small sample of 3,277 Ashley Madison members.
Crafting a Great First Message
Crafting a Great First Message
We know that writing that opening message to someone you’re interested in can be difficult and intimidating, but it’s the key to getting noticed and standing out.
⚠️ Never share your phone number, banking information, or any other personal information with a stranger.
We recently conducted an Ashley Madison® Member survey* and 43% of responding members said that when they don’t respond to someone, it has something to do with the messages they received. Their reasons included:
Not receiving enough messages from someone (22%)
The messages weren’t interesting (6%)
The messages were vulgar or poorly-written (4%)
To help you write a message that breaks through the clutter and increases your chances of sparking a connection, follow these tips:
Personalize: Take the time to read someone’s profile and reference something that stood out to you. This will show you’re interested – don’t just send a generic message (nothing can kill a conversation faster than “hey”). When you personalize your message, it’s more likely to grab attention and encourage someone to chat with you.
Try something like: Hi [Username]. I came across your profile and noticed that we both enjoy hiking. Have you been on any great hikes lately? I’m always on the hunt for new trails to explore. Hope to hear back from you soon."
Be respectful: Being polite and respectful right out of the gate is essential to keeping the conversation going. Avoid using inappropriate language or innuendo until you have a read on who you’re talking to and what they like.
Keep it brief: Don't write a long essay in your first message. Keep it short and sweet, and focus on making a good first impression.
Try something like: Hi [Username]. Your great sense of humor really came through in your profile and made me laugh. Would you be interested in chatting a bit, and hopefully I can return the favor?
Ask questions: Ask Members a question about something they mentioned in their profile, like their profession, hobbies, or interests. This shows that you’re interested in getting to know them better.
Try something like: Hi [Username]. I’m fascinated by your work in architecture – do you have any interesting projects you’re working on right now? I’d love to hear more about it over coffee sometime. Cheers!
Avoid compliments about appearance (if you can): While we all usually love to be complimented, commenting on someone's appearance in a first message can come across as shallow or insincere. Instead, focus on something they said in their profile that impressed you and compliment that.
Try something like: Hi [Username], your photo with your dog is really cute! I have a dog too, and love going to the dog park with him. Would you be interested in meeting up for a pup playdate?
Use proper grammar and spelling: A message riddled with typos or incorrect punctuation can prevent someone from responding to you. Make sure your message is free of grammatical and spelling errors to show that you’re taking the time to communicate clearly and effectively.
Tip: Technology is your friend. If spelling and grammar aren’t your strong suit, leverage apps and programs like Grammarly or Google docs to ensure the messages you’re sending are well-written and polished. Sending an illegible or unpolished message can be a huge turn-off for members.
Be yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not in your message. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Nothing can sink a conversation faster than realizing who you’re talking to is full of it.
A thoughtful first message can increase your chances of receiving a positive response and starting a conversation with someone who interests you. And remember, a good first message and a complete profile go hand in hand.
*The Ashley Madison Member Survey was conducted in March and April of 2023, with the results reflecting the opinions of a small sample of 3,277 Ashley Madison members.
Crafting Your Profile Greeting
Crafting Your Profile Greeting
Your profile Greeting is the first thing a member sees when they check out your profile, so it’s important to grab their attention right away. You could think of it as an advertising headline promoting yourself.
Be original: Your Greeting should differentiate you from other members, so avoid using clichéd, overused, or boring phrases. Try to write something unique that showcases your personality.
Try to avoid generic or non-descriptive Greetings like:"Hey/hi/hello.”
"New here."
“Curious.
Keep it short and sweet: Your Greeting should be concise and to the point, and ideally no longer than one or two sentences. Avoid using long sentences or paragraphs because they can be overwhelming and difficult to read. Try stringing together scannable descriptors that let your personality shine through, and help you to look self-assured and direct.
Try something like:“Sweet, funny, ambitious, thoughtful, easy-going.”
"Looking for an emotional connection.”
“Looking to spice up my life with someone fun.”
Highlight your interests and personality: Your headline should give people an idea of who you are and what interests you. Highlight your hobbies, passions, or unique personality traits to attract like-minded members. Remember: point form is okay and lets you convey a lot of information quickly.
Try something like:"Adventure seeker with a passion for hiking and travel."
"Dynamic. Professional. Looking for some excitement."
“Fun and spontaneous: Shoot a message and take a chance!”
Be positive: Don’t use negative or self-deprecating language in your Greeting. Instead, focus on positive aspects of yourself and/or what you're looking for in a connection. Remember: low self-esteem isn’t modesty, it’s a turn-off.
Avoid Greetings that could be perceived as red flags, like:"I don’t know why I’m here.”
"Don’t message me if…"
“Feel like lowering your standards and going on a date with me?”
Use (appropriate) humor: A well-placed joke or clever pun can do wonders to catch someone's attention and encourage them to learn more about you. Just make sure that what you write is appropriate, respectful, and doesn't offend anyone.
Lead with a question: Remember, your Greeting is a chance to showcase your personality and convince members to connect with you, so take the time to brainstorm a Greeting that members will find irresistible.
3. Profile Badges & Indicators
Messaging Members with badges increases your chances of a connection.
| Active status indicates that a Member is or was recently active on the platform. Members are considered active until they have logged out of their session. |
| AM Badges identify paying Members and are automatically added after a purchase, showing you're active on Ashley Madison®. Buy Credits → |
| Collect Badges identify Ashley Madison® Collect Subscribers and are automatically added to profiles post-purchase. Get Collect → |
| New Badges means that the Member is new and has signed up within the last {X} days. |
| Prime Badges identify Ashley Madison® Prime subscribers and are automatically added to profiles post-purchase. Get Prime → |
| Priority Man Badges identify Ashley Madison® Priority Men. This badge is automatically added to your profile when you subscribe to Priority Man. Get Priority Man → |
| Verified Status: This badge means that the Member has verified their identity with Government-issue ID. Verify Your Profile → |
4. Messaging 101
💡 If you can’t find or open a message, it’s likely because the Member has deleted their account, the Member has been suspended, or the message is older than 90 days.
Messages
Use Credits to send messages. You can also attach Private Keys to grant access to your Private Photo Gallery.
Messages Folder
This is where all your conversations live—both messages you’ve sent and replies you’ve received, as well as messages from other Members who have reached out to you.
Sent Folder
Here, you'll find messages you've sent that haven’t received a response yet. Once a Member replies, the conversation moves to your Messages Folder.
Accessing Messages
Accessing Messages
Desktop Web
Click on Messages
You will see your Messages and Sent folders on the left.
Mobile Web, iOS, and Android
Tap on Messages
Tap on the Folder symbol in the top-right corner
You will see both folders: Messages and Sent.
Attaching Private Keys to Messages
Attaching Private Keys to Messages
iOS and Android
Go to your Messages
Tap the Paperclip/Key symbol
Select Attach my Private Key.
Web Browser
Go to your Messages
Click on the Key symbol
Select Send Private Key.
Deleted Messages
⚠️ Unfortunately, deleted messages aren’t recoverable.
Deleting Messages
Deleting Messages
Open the conversation you want to delete
Click the three dots (or Options depending on the device you’re using)
Selecting Delete Conversation.
Quick Reply Messages
Female profiles can send custom or pre-composed automatic replies in response to unreplied Winks and Favorites to help them manage their messages more efficiently. More →
Priority Messages
Priority Messages feature a distinct Priority profile badge and help Members break through inbox clutter by appearing at the top of a recipient’s inbox for extra attention. More →
Collect Messages
Collect Messages let guest Members connect with Full Members when they don’t have enough Credits to initiate contact. Think of it like a collect call—the receiving Member pays the fee. Male Members can't send Collect Messages on Ashley Madison. More →
5. Photos & Photo Settings
💡 Improve your chances of a match by adding a discreet photo—Members with photos get 4x more messages than those without!
Keeping Photos Discreet
Our photo privacy tools help protect your identity while still connecting with other Members:
Crop your photo to conceal sensitive details.
Blur your image to hide your face entirely.
Mask your photo to obscure identifiable features.
Set photos to Private, and only share them with select Members using your Private Key.
Your photos are never shared with third parties. You’re in full control—make your photos private or delete them anytime.
Public Photo Gallery
Photos in your Public Photo Gallery are viewable by any Member. Photos in this gallery can't contain explicit content, or they will be removed.
Content that you should/shouldn’t use it your Public Gallery:
✅ | ❌ |
|
|
Private Photo Gallery
This is where all of your Private Photos live. Grant access to this Gallery by sending a Private Key, or by enabling Automatic Private Key Exchange.
Photos not suitable for your Public Gallery will be marked as either Private or Explicit. Private Photos typically include soft nudity (like see-through clothing, sheer lingerie, sexually suggestive poses, etc.).
Private Gallery photos aren’t accessible unless you grant someone your Private Key, and you’re in full control of who you share access with.
Managing Photos
💡 Photos upload to your Public Gallery by default. If you want to upload photos to your Private Gallery, tap the Public button beside Save to toggle to Private before saving your changes.
Adding Photos
Adding Photos
💡 If Make this photo public is enabled, your photo will be added to your Public Gallery. To keep it private, simply uncheck this option before uploading.
iOS and Android
Tap on Profile
Tap on the camera symbol
Take a new photo, or upload from your library
Select your photo
Tap Next
Disguise your photo if desired
Tap Next
Then Use this photo
Web Browser
Click on Profile;
Scroll down to Photo Gallery
Click Add
Choose to take a new photo, or upload from your library
Select the photo
Disguise your photo if desired
Click Save
Editing Photos
Editing Photos
Photo editing is currently only supported in a web browser:
Go to Profile
Scroll down to Photo Gallery
Select the photo you want to edit
Click on the three dots [⋯] in the top-right corner
Select Edit photo
Disguise your photo
Deleting Photos
Deleting Photos
iOS and Android
Tap the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Manage photos
Select the photo to delete
Tap on the three dots [⋯]
Select Delete
Web Browser
Click on Profile
Scroll down to Photo Gallery
Click Edit
Select the photo to delete
Click Delete photo
Then Save
Photo Guidelines
Photo Guidelines
Connect with confidence at Ashley Madison. Our photo guidelines are designed to help you showcase your personality, interests, and style while maintaining a safe and respectful community.
By following these simple rules, you'll be able to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the freedom to be yourself.
Photos must have you in them, which means no stock images, AI-generated photos, celebrities, objects, pets, landscapes, etc.
Photos can’t contain personal information or logos. This includes email addresses, phone numbers, social media handles, and watermarks.
Photos can’t be sourced from third parties, like other Ashley Madison Members or copyrighted content (e.g., photos taken from social media or with visible watermarks).
Photos can’t depict minors. This includes family photos, childhood pictures, and any images where minors are visible (even in the background).
⚠️ Restricted Content
Displays of violence, violent gestures, or gruesome imagery
Depictions of criminal activity and/or drug use
Racist or hate imagery.
Managing Adult Content/Explicit Photos
Managing Adult Content/Explicit Photos
Private Photos typically contain adult content. Manage your settings to reflect your preference when receiving photos from other Members.
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top left corner
Then on Settings
Then Profile Options
Enable or disable Rated Photos.
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Enable or Disable View Explicit Photos
⚠️ All new photos are queued for approval. Photos are generally approved within one (1) to four (4) hours. However, approvals can take up to 24 hours during peak periods, weekends, or holidays.
Managing Private Photos
Private Photos are photos that are typically spicy in nature, and Members have full control over who they share them with.
To send your private photos to a specific Member, you need to share your Private Key to access your Private Photo Gallery. More →
6. Searching with Filters
💡 For the Search location to work, you must search by city. If you enter a ZIP code, country, or state, the system will not recognize it.
To help customize your search results and find what you’re looking for even faster, you can use the Filters tool located in the top-right corner of the Discover page.
Basic Search Filters
Basic Search Filters
Age
Location
Distance
Relationship status
Public or Private Photos available
Last login
New Members only.
Advanced Search Filters
Advanced Search Filters
To use advanced search filters, select More in the Search Filters menu, and you can filter by:
Preferred body type
Height
Ethnic background
Language
Your limits
After selecting your filters, select Apply in the bottom-right corner.
Search results consist of a random selection of Members matching your search criteria. Occasionally, search may not return any results. In this case, you may want to adjust your criteria.
⚠️ For security reasons, the Search by Nickname feature has been permanently removed and is no longer available.
7. Emails & Push Notifications
⚠️ Usage-based email notifications (like payment receipts) and surveys can't be disabled.
Members control which account-level messages and email notifications they want to receive, including notifications for:
👀 Viewed Me: Receive emails when someone’s been checking you out
💬 New Messages: Receive emails when you have inbox activity
🆕 New Members: Receive emails when new Members sign up in your area
❤️ Favorite logins: Receive emails when someone you’ve favorited logs in
✨ Marketing messages: Receive emails for special offers and promotions
Managing Emails
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Click on the menu in the top-left corner
Then on Contact Options
Web Browser
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Notifications
Select which notifications you’d like to receive
Managing Push Notifications
💡 Push notifications are not sent if a Member is logged out of Ashley Madison.
Push notifications, when enabled, are sent whether the Ashley Madison app is active or running in the background.
iOS
iOS
Enabling Push Notifications on iOS
On your iOS device, open the Settings app
Scroll down and tap Notifications
Select the Ashley Madison app
Toggle on Allow Notifications (Toggle will turn green)
Optional: Customize how you would like to receive notifications. Options include:
Alert Style: Choose where the notifications will appear (Lock Screen, Notification Center, or as Banners).
Sounds: Turn on/off sound for notifications.
Badges: Display a badge on the app icon to show the number of notifications.
Preview Options: You can also choose how you want previews to appear (Always, When Unlocked, or Never), which controls when the content of a notification is visible on your screen.
Disabling Push Notifications on iOS
On your iOS device, open the Settings app
Scroll down and tap Notifications
Select the Ashley Madison app
Toggle off Allow Notifications (Toggle will turn gray)
Managing Scheduled Push Notifications on iOS
iOS’s Scheduled Summary feature lets you receive notifications at chosen times throughout the day instead of immediately as they come in:
On your iOS device, open the Settings app
Scroll down and tap Notifications
Toggle on Scheduled Summary (Toggle will turn green);
iOS will guide you through customizing a schedule. You can select specific times when you’d like to receive a summary of notifications; and
Toggle the Ashley Madison app (Toggle will turn green).
Once set up, notifications from Ashley Madison will be batched and delivered according to your chosen schedule—which means no unexpected notifications from Members throughout the day.
Using Stealth Mode on iOS
Please note that Stealth Mode is not available on Android devices.
On your iOS device, open the Ashley Madison app
Select Stealth from the bottom navigation bar
Choose an icon to disguise the Ashley Madison app icon
Customize your notification message to replace default Ashley Madison notifications
Toggle on Mute push notifications (Toggle will turn green) to prevent push notifications from being delivered to your device
Toggle on Require Face ID on startup (Toggle will turn green) for added discretion.
Android
Android
Enabling Push Notifications on Android
On your Android device, open the Settings app
Scroll down and tap Notifications or Apps & notifications (exact wording may vary depending on your device);
Select the Ashley Madison app to open its notification settings;
Toggle on All Ashley Madison Notifications;
Select which push notifications you want and don’t want to receive (Actions, Chat replies, New chats, and Allow notification)
Disabling Push Notifications on Android
On your Android device, open the Settings app
Scroll down and tap Notifications or Apps & notifications (exact wording may vary depending on your device)
Select the Ashley Madison app to open its notification settings
Toggle off All Ashley Madison Notifications.
8. Managing Features
Private Keys
Private Keys unlock access to your Private Photo Gallery.
💡 To send Private Keys, you need least one active/visible photo in your Private Photo Gallery. You can revoke access at any time.
Attaching Private Keys to Messages
Attaching Private Keys to Messages
iOS and Android
Go to your Messages
Tap the Paperclip/Key symbol
Select Attach my Private Key
Web Browser
Go to your Messages
Click on the Key symbol
Select Send Private Key
Revoking Private Keys
Revoking Private Keys
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then tap on Settings
Then Keys Sent
Revoke the keys
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Security and Privacy
Then Private Keys Sent
Revoke the keys
Private Key Requests
Private Key Requests are sent to Members requesting that they share access to their Private Photo Gallery.
💡 Sending a Private Key request does not guarantee that a Member will share their private photos with you.
Automatic Private Key Exchange
Automatic Private Key Exchange automatically shares your personal Private Key with any Member who shares theirs with you first, so they can quickly access your Private Photo Gallery.
💡 This exchange happens only with Members who share their key with you. If either you or the other Member revokes access, the automatic key exchange is disabled, and access will need to be granted manually moving forward.
Managing Automatic Private Key Exchange
Managing Automatic Private Key Exchange
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then tap Settings
Then on Profile Options
Enable or disable Automatic Private Key Exchange
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then click on Settings
Then Security & Privacy
Enable or disable Auto Private Key Exchange.
Priority Messages
💡 By default, all messages on Ashley Madison are sent with Priority Message.
Priority Messages feature a distinct Priority profile badge and help Members break through inbox clutter by appearing at the top of a recipient’s inbox for extra attention.
To see the cost of Priority Messages, start a new message and click the icon to the left of the message input box.
Managing Priority Messages
Managing Priority Messages
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top left corner
Then on Settings
Then Profile Options
Enable or disable Priority Messages
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Enable or disable Send all messages priority.
Alternatively, you can also manually deselect this option on the messaging screen each time you compose your message.
Auto Credit Top-Up
💡 Our introductory 100-Credit package is not eligible for Auto Credit Top-Up. If this was your last purchase, your account will be topped up with the 200-Credit package.
Auto Credit Top-Up automatically tops up your Credits when you have 12 or less remaining with your most recent Credit package purchased (unless as noted above).
Managing Auto Credit Top-Up
Managing Auto Credit Top-Up
iOS and Android
You can’t disable this feature from either of these platforms, so please follow the instructions below.
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Click on Purchases
Enable or Disable Auto Credit Top-Up
Collect Messages
💡 To read or respond to any messages, you must be a Full Member.
Collect Messages let guest Members connect with Full Members when they don’t have enough Credits to initiate contact. Think of it like a collect call—the receiving Member pays the fee. Male Members cannot send Collect Messages on Ashley Madison®.
If you receive a Collect Message:
Cost: 5 Credits to view, plus additional Credits to reply.
After your reply, all regular messages between you and that Member are free (Priority Messages not included).
You can ignore the message and instead view the sender’s profile. If interested, send your own message for the standard initial contact cost.
Maximizing Credits
Maximizing Credits
Before accepting a Collect Message, take a moment to review the sender’s profile. If it’s blank or doesn’t catch your interest, think carefully about whether it’s worth spending your Credits.
If you like the profile but want to save Credits, you can ignore or delete the Collect Message and send the Member a message yourself. This way, you’ll only pay for the initial contact, and all future non-Priority Messages between you will be free.
If you accept the message but suspect the Member may be fraudulent, report the profile using the Report option or email us at [email protected]. If we find a violation of our Terms, we’ll investigate and refund your Credits for that contact under our Credit Back Promise.
Quick Replies
Female profiles can send custom or pre-composed automatic replies in response to unreplied Winks and Favorites to help them manage their messages more efficiently.
Managing Quick Replies (females only)
Managing Quick Replies (females only)
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top left corner
Then on Settings
Select Quick Reply Settings
Select or deselect Don't Use Quick Reply.
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then click on Settings
Then Notifications
Then Quick Reply Settings
Choose the message you want to send/edit
Enable or disable the toggle
Click Save
Local Match Messages
💡 Local Match Messages aren’t personalized and don’t imply that you have shown specific interest in any of the Members receiving these notifications.
Local Match Messages are pre-composed messages automatically sent on a Member’s behalf about potential matches.
Managing Local Match Messages
Managing Local Match Messages
Sending Local Match Messages (females only)
iOS and Android
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then tap on Settings
Then Profile Options
Enable or disable Send local match messages
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Security & Privacy
Enable or disable Contact Potential Matches for Me
Receiving Local Match Messages (males only)
iOS and Android
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then tap on Settings
Then Profile Options
Enable or disable Receive new local match messages
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Notifications
Enable or disable New Local Match messages.
9. Credits
⚠️When you delete your profile, any remaining Credits in your account will be forfeited. More →
Credits are used to send Messages (including Priority Messages), Winks, and Private Key Requests. Buy Now →
Credit Balance
To view your current Credit balance:
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Select Credit History
Web Browser
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Select on Purchases
Your Credit balance appears at the top of the page
Transactions
To view your Credit transactions:
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Tap on the menu [☰] in the top left corner
Then tap on Settings
Then Credit History
View Transactions
Web Browser
Web Browser
Click on the menu [☰] in the top-left corner
Then on Settings
Then Account
Select Purchases to see your Credit transactions
Credit-Back Promise
Encountering a fraudulent profile is frustrating enough—there’s no need to involve Credits.
We have your back with our Credit-Back Promise: If you interact with a profile that is later confirmed to be fraudulent and suspended, we’ll fully refund all Credits used. No hassle, no questions asked.
Administrator Credits
Administrator Credits seen on your Credit Usage page are credits that have been returned to your account, and are indicated by a [+] symbol.
Any and all Credits used to interact with profiles which are later suspended will be automatically refunded to you in full (you can find them in your Account → Settings → Purchases → Purchase History as Administrator Credits).
Credits + Account Deletion
When you delete your account, you'll receive a warning confirming that you want to proceed and forfeit any remaining Credits.
If you click Agree, your Credits will be permanently lost.
However, if you choose to deactivate instead, your Credits will be held for 12 months and can be reinstated by contacting Customer Service—provided you log in at least once during that period. Accounts that remain inactive for 12 months are automatically deleted for security reasons and cannot be restored.
Auto Credit-Top Up
Auto Credit Top-Up automatically tops up your Credits when you have 12 or less remaining with the most recent Credit package purchased* More →
10. Purchasing Subscriptions
On Discover (Ashley Preferred, Ashley Prime, Priority Man)
Go to Discover
Select the Product banner (Preferred, Prime Priority Man)
Follow the payment instructions
Confirm your purchase
Start enjoying your benefits
With a Credit Purchase
Web: Go to Buy Credits / App: Choose Upgrade
Select a Credit package
Select your payment method, follow the instructions
Review your purchase, ensuring all information is correct
You will be prompted with a subscription offer
Select Buy and confirm your purchase
Submit your payment
Start enjoying your benefits
When you complete your purchase, you’ll be charged for the first month (unless enjoying a free trial), and your subscription will be activated, authorizing automatic monthly payments moving forward. To cancel your subscription, simply visit the Purchases page.