How to Reply to 'Hey' on Bumble (12 Examples That Actually Work)
You got a match on Bumble. She sends “Hey.” Now what?
Look, we’ve all been there. The dreaded “hey” is the most common opener on dating apps, and it’s also the most uninspiring. But here’s the thing: how you respond can make or break the conversation. Reply with another “hey,” and you’re stuck in small-talk purgatory. But respond with something interesting, and you might actually get somewhere. Want better opening lines for when it’s your turn to message first? Check out these 37 opening lines that get replies.
Here’s how to reply to “hey” on Bumble without being boring, awkward, or trying too hard.
Why “Hey” Happens (And Why It’s Not Necessarily Bad)
First, let’s acknowledge the reality: on Bumble, women have to message first. That’s pressure. Sometimes “hey” is just the easiest way to break the ice without overthinking it.
Your job isn’t to judge the opener. Your job is to take the conversation somewhere interesting. Think of “hey” as a blank canvas. You get to set the tone.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Mirror the Energy
If she sends “hey,” don’t send “hey” back. Don’t send “hey, how are you?” either. These responses are conversation killers because they don’t give her anything to work with.
Instead, use her “hey” as permission to start a real conversation. Reference her profile, ask a specific question, or make an observation that shows you’re actually interested.
12 Ways to Reply to “Hey” on Bumble
Here are 12 actual examples you can adapt based on her profile. Use what fits your vibe and her interests.
Playful & Light
1. “Hey yourself. So what’s your hot take on [something from her profile]?”
Why it works: Shows you read her profile, asks for her opinion, and “hot take” signals you want something more interesting than small talk.
2. “Hey! Quick question: are you more of a ‘plan the whole trip’ or ‘figure it out when we get there’ person?”
Why it works: Fun, low-stakes question that reveals personality. Easy to answer and opens the door to more conversation.
3. “Heyyy. Okay but I need to know: is a hot dog a sandwich?”
Why it works: Silly, unexpected, gets her laughing. These ridiculous questions work because they’re disarming and fun.
Interested & Curious
4. “Hey! I saw you’re into [hobby/interest]. What got you into that?”
Why it works: Shows genuine interest. People love talking about their passions. This opens the door to a real conversation.
5. “Hey! Your profile says [specific detail]. I’m curious, what’s the story behind that?”
Why it works: Specificity is key. You’re not just saying you read her profile, you’re proving it.
6. “Hey! So I have to ask, what’s been the highlight of your week so far?”
Why it works: Positive, open-ended, gives her room to share something meaningful or lighthearted.
Witty & Bold
7. “Hey! So this is the part where we pretend we’re good at small talk, right? Or can we skip to the good questions?”
Why it works: Self-aware, flirty, signals you want substance. Use this if you want to come across confident.
8. “Hey back. Alright, I’ll bite: what’s something you’re weirdly competitive about?”
Why it works: Fun, unexpected, gets her thinking. These kinds of questions lead to banter.
9. “Hey! Quick vibe check: coffee, drinks, or straight to an escape room?”
Why it works: Playful, forward (but not too forward), shows you’re thinking about meeting up. Only use this if you’re feeling the chemistry.
Compliment-Based (Use Sparingly)
10. “Hey! Just wanted to say your [specific photo/detail] caught my eye. What’s the story there?”
Why it works: Compliment + question. Don’t just compliment, give her something to respond to. Keep it specific, not generic.
11. “Hey! I have to say, your bio made me laugh. Are you always this funny or is this special Bumble content?”
Why it works: Compliments her humor, invites her to be playful back. Way better than “you’re hot.”
The Wild Card
12. “Hey! Alright, I’m invoking the ‘no small talk’ rule. Tell me something you’ve been excited about lately.”
Why it works: Sets a tone that you want real conversation. Shows confidence. Gets her to share something she actually cares about.
Tips for Standing Out on Bumble
1. Use Her Profile as a Cheat Sheet
This should be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it. Look at her photos, her bio, her prompts. Find something specific to comment on or ask about. It shows effort, and effort is attractive. Once you get past the opener, learn how to keep a conversation going naturally.
2. Ask Questions That Require More Than Yes/No
Open-ended questions are your friend. Instead of “Do you like traveling?” try “What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?” The first one dies instantly. The second one invites a story.
3. Show Personality, Not Perfection
Don’t stress about crafting the perfect response. Be yourself. A little humor, a little curiosity, and a genuine vibe will get you further than some over-rehearsed pickup line. Not naturally funny over text? Here’s how to be funny over text without forcing it.
4. Keep It Short (At First)
Your first reply doesn’t need to be a novel. Two or three sentences is perfect. Give her something interesting to respond to without overwhelming her.
5. Don’t Wait Too Long
If she sends “hey,” reply within a few hours if you can. The momentum of a match is highest right after you connect. Let it sit too long, and the energy fades.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t send one-word replies. “Hey,” “Hi,” “Sup” — these go nowhere.
Don’t be too intense. Save the deep philosophical questions for later. Start light.
Don’t complain about “hey.” Saying something like “Wow, great opener” is sarcastic and rude. Just roll with it.
Don’t make it all about you. If your response is three paragraphs about yourself, you’re doing it wrong. Ask about her.
When to Move the Conversation Forward
Once you’ve gotten past the initial exchange and the conversation is flowing, don’t let it die on the app. After a few good back-and-forths (usually 10-15 messages), suggest moving to text or setting up a date.
Something like: “This is fun, but I’m not on here much. Want to keep talking over text?” or “We should continue this over coffee. You free this week?”
The Real Secret: Just Start Somewhere
Here’s the truth: there’s no perfect way to reply to “hey” on Bumble. What matters is that you actually try. Most matches die because people overthink it or wait too long.
Your reply doesn’t have to be brilliant. It just has to be better than “hey.” Show some personality, ask a real question, and see where it goes.
And if you’re stuck on what to say or want help crafting replies that actually sound like you, that’s exactly what TextVibe is for.
Need Help With Your Replies?
Figuring out how to reply to every message can be exhausting. TextVibe analyzes conversations, suggests replies that match your tone, and helps you keep the momentum going without the stress.
Whether it’s a “hey” on Bumble or a follow-up after a great date, TextVibe gives you smart, natural-sounding replies that feel like you, not a robot.