Scruff
18+
Minimum age according to Scruff
18+
Minimum age according to Scruff
What is Scruff?
Scruff is a dating and meeting app mostly used by LGBTIQ+ men. You can create a profile by adding photos and information about yourself, such as age and interests. Scruff displays both worldwide and nearby user profiles. These profiles are sorted in a grid based on their location. It also has a feature that shows a list of users who have viewed your profile.
Tapping on someone’s profile picture opens their full profile where you do things like initiate a chat or send a ‘woof’, which is similar to sending a ‘like’ on other dating apps.
You can send photos and videos in a chat. These can either remain visible in the conversation or you can make them ‘disappear’ after one view.
You can also add photos and videos in a private album. These photos and videos do not appear on your public profile and other people can’t see them unless you choose to share the album with them. You can then ‘lock’ the album again to remove that user’s access. Images included in a private album or chat are not actively moderated.
Scruff states that it blocks screenshots of chat conversations and private albums, however, there still may be ways for someone to keep a copy, so consider what feels comfortable to share.
Scruff has a video chat feature within the app. Within a message conversation with another user, you can tap the video camera icon to video chat with them. There are a few requirements for this – both members must have exchanged messages within the previous 10 days, and both members must have video chat setting available. Video chat is enabled by default.
Scruff also shows you when people are online. Your own online status is shared with others by default. You can choose to turn this off in the settings.
Scruff has a feature called ‘Explore’ that shows LGBTIQ+ events near you. You can see who has RSVP’d to an event and RSVP yourself. There is also a feature called ‘Venture’ that lets you connect with other Scruff members before a trip. You can browse different destinations around the world and see members who are currently online in that city, members visiting now, or members who are planning to visit within the next 90 days.
Scruff can be used for free or with a subscription. A subscription offers additional features, such as read receipts and more search options.
Website: www.scruff.com
Apps: Android app, Apple iOS
How do people use Scruff?
Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use online relationship services like Scruff.
Scruff is used for: in-app purchasing, location sharing, messaging/online chat, online dating, online relationships, photo/video sharing and screen capture.
How can you block someone or report online abuse?
These links are provided by Scruff:
- Blocking profiles
How to block a profile on Scruff. - Reporting profiles
How to report a profile on Scruff.
How can you protect your personal information?
These links are provided by Scruff:
- Health, safety and privacy
How to manage your profile and privacy. - Permanently delete my profile
How to delete your profile from Scruff. - Privacy policy
Outlines how Scruff collects and uses the information you share.
Key safety links
These links are provided by Scruff:
- Community conduct
Outlines guidelines around the behaviour that is expected on Scruff. - Scruff support
Offers a range of general help, safety, sexual health and gender identity information. - Safety centre
The guidelines and policies to help keep you safe on Scruff. - Terms of service
The conditions you agree to when you use Scruff.
Related eSafety links
Find other resources to help keep you safe online:
Other eSafety Guides:
About this Guide
This guide is provided by the eSafety Commissioner to help people stay safe online and better understand digital platforms.
Last updated: 28/07/2026