75 Clever Replies on How to Respond to Hey on Bumble

You finally get a match on Bumble, and then… “Hey.” No follow-up, no flair, just that one little word. It’s the most common opener—and honestly, one of the most boring. But don’t write them off just yet.

Knowing how to respond to hey on Bumble can turn a dull start into a great conversation, or at least help you decide if it’s worth your time. Whether you want to flirt, be funny, or call it like it is, there are plenty of clever ways to keep the spark alive—or gracefully let it fizzle.

Understand What a “Hey” Might Mean

Before you roll your eyes or type out a sarcastic reply, take a second to think about where that “hey” might be coming from. Yes, it’s basic. Yes, it’s low-effort. But not every “hey” is automatically a red flag. Sometimes, it’s just a safe way to open the door.

They might be shy or nervous

Not everyone is a master at witty openers, especially on Bumble where women are the ones who typically have to message first. For some, “hey” feels like a low-risk way to start a convo without fear of rejection or judgment. It’s a way to test the waters.

They’re putting the ball in your court

Sometimes a “hey” is less about lack of effort and more about handing over the conversation. They might be curious to see how you respond. Think of it like a soft serve—you can either volley it back or spike it with a clever or confident reply.

It could be laziness—or a copy-paste habit

Let’s be honest, some people just aren’t trying. They might send “hey” to five matches in a row and see who bites. It’s not personal, but it is a sign they’re not investing much upfront. Doesn’t mean they won’t step it up later, but it’s something to keep in mind.

They might not know what to say (yet)

If your profile doesn’t give them much to work with—no bio, no prompts, just a few photos—it might be hard for them to come up with something original. In that case, “hey” is more of a placeholder than a full opener. Your response could make or break the vibe.

Response Examples

A. Playful and Flirty Responses

Sometimes “hey” is just a starting point—and it’s your chance to turn a boring opener into a flirty exchange. If you’re into the person and want to keep things fun, a playful response can spark chemistry and show that you don’t take things too seriously. These types of replies let your charm shine and encourage them to put in a little more effort without any pressure.

“Is that your go-to pickup line? ”
“Just ‘hey’? I was expecting fireworks.”
“Hey you What took you so long?”
“Wow, coming in strong with the classics, I see.”
“That’s a bold opener. I like it.”
“Hey? Is that Bumble-speak for ‘Let’s get drinks’?”
“Well hey there, stranger. You’re cute.”
“I’ll pretend that ‘hey’ came with a smile and a wink.”
“If you get this charming with just one word, I’m impressed.”
“Flirting level: mysterious minimalist. I dig it.”
“Hey! You just made my day 2% better.”
“You had me at ‘h’.”
“If I say ‘hey’ back, do we fall in love?”
“This feels like the beginning of a great story already.”
“Hey! Do we high-five now or later?”

B. Funny or Sarcastic Responses

If you’re the type who loves to laugh and keep things interesting, this is your moment to bring the humor. A dry “hey” practically begs for a witty comeback. Using sarcasm or cleverness not only helps you stand out but also tests whether the other person has a sense of humor that matches yours. If they can’t handle a playful tease, maybe they’re not the right vibe anyway.

“A wild ‘hey’ appears! Do you attack or run?”
“That must’ve taken you hours to craft.”
“Is that Morse code for ‘I’m interesting, I promise’?”
“That’s a strong start. Can’t wait for the next syllable.”
“Wow. You talk to all the cuties like this?”
“Stop. Too many words. I can’t keep up.”
“Bold of you to open with such intensity.”
“You must be exhausted after writing that.”
“Let me recover from that thrilling opener.”
“I was hoping for a monologue, but this works.”
“This conversation is already Pulitzer-worthy.”
“I can tell you’re a poet.”
“Is this a test to see if I’m funny?”
“I was just thinking ‘I hope someone hits me with a hey.’”
“Well, don’t overshare or anything.”

C. Direct and Confident Replies

Not everyone wants to play games—especially when it comes to dating. If you prefer to take charge and steer the convo somewhere meaningful, a direct response is the way to go. These replies acknowledge the “hey” and move the conversation forward by introducing a topic, asking a better question, or just setting a higher standard. It’s a great way to shift gears from small talk to something more real.

“Hey! So, what’s something random I should know about you?”
“Nice to meet you. Want to skip the small talk?”
“Let’s make this fun. Tell me your most unpopular opinion.”
“Hey! I’ll bite—what brought you to Bumble?”
“Cool, we’ve said hey. Now tell me what you’re passionate about.”
“Alright, ice officially broken. What’s your go-to karaoke song?”
“Hey back. So are you more brunch or late-night tacos?”
“Hey! Give me three emojis that describe your vibe.”
“Straight to the point. I respect it. Want to trade fun facts?”
“Now that we’ve covered ‘hey,’ tell me the best thing in your week.”
“I’m gonna need a bit more to work with ”
“Hey’s a good start. What’s your best travel story?”
“Okay, I’ll play—truth or dare?”
“What’s your love language? Asking for science.”
“Tell me something that would surprise me.”

D. If You’re Not Impressed (And It Shows)

Let’s be honest: sometimes a “hey” just feels lazy. If you’re looking for effort, energy, or creativity in a match, it’s okay to be a little unimpressed. These responses gently (or not-so-gently) call out the bare-minimum vibe. Whether you’re giving them a second chance or setting a clear boundary, this category is for when you want to be honest without being mean.

“Hey is cute and all, but I’m gonna need more.”
“That’s all you got?”
“Low effort—are you like this in real life too?”
“I was hoping for a little more creativity.”
“Let me know when you’re ready to actually talk.”
“I don’t swipe for ‘hey.’ I swipe for personality.”
“Honestly, I expect more than a one-word opener.”
“So… you just copy-paste this to everyone?”
“Was this meant to impress me?”
“Hmm, not sure this convo is off to a strong start.”
“Gotta say, this isn’t very convincing.”
“I need energy, not just a syllable.”
“I’m allergic to small talk—try again?”
“We’re gonna need a redo on this opener.”
“Hey doesn’t really tell me who you are.”

E. Creative or Unexpected Replies

If you like to catch people off guard (in a good way), this category is all about flipping the script. A creative or quirky reply turns the typical Bumble convo into something unforgettable. These kinds of responses are great for showing personality, sparking laughter, and filtering for people who can vibe with your originality. If you’re the type who’d rather roleplay than small talk—this is your lane.

“Hey! You’ve unlocked the secret chat level. What’s your next move?”
“Hey! But in an Australian accent. Now your turn.”
“Hey. You’re now legally required to tell me your Hogwarts house.”
“You say hey, I say… interpretive dance.”
“Hey! Now tell me your zombie apocalypse survival plan.”
“Hey? Are you a cowboy or just emotionally distant?”
“Hey! But imagine it sung like a 90s boy band.”
“You get one word, I get one question: aliens—real or nah?”
“Hey, is this how all epic romances begin?”
“Hey. Bold move. Now roll a D20 for charisma.”
“Hey, but spooky. Now tell me your Halloween costume plan.”
“Hey! Now answer: pancakes or waffles?”
“Hey! Let’s pretend we met at a bookstore. What section were you in?”
“Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy…”
“Hey. Okay, now rate yourself as a texter, 1-10.”

When to Just Not Reply

Sometimes the best response… is no response at all. As tempting as it might be to give a clever comeback or salvage a dull opener, not every “hey” is worth your time or energy. If someone puts in the bare minimum and it feels like they’re just going through the motions, it’s perfectly okay to leave the message on read. Dating apps already demand enough mental energy—you don’t have to engage with every match, especially if they’re not matching your vibe or effort.

Ask yourself a few quick questions:

Does their profile actually interest you?
Have they given any hint of personality or intent?
Do you feel curious or excited to reply—or just obligated?

If your honest answer leans toward meh, that’s your sign. Trust your gut. You’re not being rude—you’re just being intentional with your energy. The beauty of Bumble is that you have the power to choose who gets your time and attention. Don’t feel guilty for not replying to someone who couldn’t be bothered to type more than three letters.

And let’s be real—if they start with “hey” and then bring zero follow-up energy, are they likely to wow you later? Probably not.