How to Activate Facebook Marketplace on Your Account

How to Activate Facebook Marketplace on Your Account

Introduction
Facebook Marketplace (with over 1 billion monthly users globally) is a platform for buying, selling, and discovering millions of products in over 100 countries, with a large portion of the transactions happening locally.

Still not sure if Facebook Marketplace is worth your time? Here are some statistics provided by Scoop:

  • In 2022 alone, over 100 million businesses actively used this platform, drawing in over 800 million monthly visits.
  • Facebook users spend an average of 20 minutes per visit on Marketplace.
  • 33% of Facebook users in the U.S. use Marketplace.

So, if you want access to this incredible Facebook feature, our guide will show you exactly where to find it.


What is Facebook Marketplace?
Created by Meta to seamlessly integrate with Facebook, Marketplace is a user-friendly platform that allows you to buy, sell, or (less commonly) trade items with others in your local area.

Think of it as an online garage sale—but with a much wider reach and a lot more convenience.
Or like Craigslist, but with a more intuitive interface and better visuals to present your products.

This modern, visual, and easy-to-use alternative lets you explore a wide variety of items—from small, affordable products to larger, high-value ones.

Who uses Facebook Marketplace the most?

  • Small business owners
  • Everyday people

Best part? You don’t have to be a business to sell! If you just want to declutter your home or earn a little extra cash, all you need to do is post a photo of the item, add a title, description—and that’s it! Just wait for buyers to message you.

And if you’re a buyer, you’ll find thousands of great deals waiting.

While Marketplace is mainly used for local transactions, you can also offer shipping or buy from users in other regions quite easily.

Either way, Facebook Marketplace provides a smooth and accessible experience for all users.


How to Access Facebook Marketplace in 2 Simple Steps

For Desktop Users
If you’re using Facebook on a computer or laptop:

  • Step 1: Look at the menu on the left side of the screen. You’ll see a dedicated Marketplace icon.
  • Step 2: Click the icon (it looks like a storefront).
    That’s it! You now have access to local buying and selling opportunities.

For Mobile Users
If you prefer using the Facebook app:

  • Step 1: On the home screen, you’ll find “Marketplace” listed in the main menu.
  • Step 2: Tap on it, and you’ll be connected to the platform instantly.

Alternative Method for Mobile Access
You can also access Marketplace from the app menu:

  • On iPhones, the menu icon is in the bottom-right corner.
  • On Android, it’s usually in the top-right corner.
    Once inside the menu, just tap on “Marketplace.”

Who Can Access Facebook Marketplace?
To use Marketplace, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Location: Available in most countries, including the U.S. and Canada.
    You can check the footer of the official Facebook Marketplace website to see the full list.
  • Device Compatibility: You need a compatible device:
    • Mobile: iPhone (model 5 or newer), Android, or iPad (via the Facebook app).
    • Desktop: Visit www.facebook.com/marketplace using any browser.

4 Alternative Methods to Access Marketplace
Having trouble accessing Marketplace? Here are some effective solutions:

  1. Go directly to Marketplace by typing:
    www.facebook.com/marketplace
  2. New account? You might not have access right away. Start using your profile by liking, commenting, sharing photos, and adding friends.
    • Why does this work? It shows the algorithm that you’re a real person, not a bot.
  3. Update your location: Make sure your Facebook profile has a current city listed in a Marketplace-supported country.
  4. Reinstall or update the app: Try uninstalling and reinstalling Facebook, or check for app updates to make sure you’re on the latest version.

FAQs about Facebook Marketplace

Why can’t I see or access Marketplace?
Here are possible reasons:

  • Age Restrictions: Only users aged 18+ (or 20+ in some countries) can access Marketplace.
  • Geographic Limitations: If your profile’s location is set to a country where Marketplace is unavailable, you won’t see it.
  • Device Compatibility: Marketplace is only available on desktops, iPhone 5+, Android, and iPad.
  • New Account: Facebook may temporarily limit Marketplace access for recently created accounts.
  • Infrequent Usage: If you rarely use Marketplace, its icon might be hidden. Look under “See More.”
  • Policy Violations: If you’ve broken Facebook’s rules, your access may be suspended.

Can I sell anything on Facebook Marketplace?
No. Facebook prohibits the sale of certain items, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Adult products
  • Weapons
  • Animals

If you’re unsure whether your item is allowed—or if you’ve received a warning—check the official Facebook Marketplace guidelines.

Can I save items I’m interested in?
Yes! Just tap the “Save” button on any listing you like.
You can view all your saved items later from your account’s “Saved Items” section.

What should I do if I encounter a scam on Facebook Marketplace?
If you suspect fraud:

  • Report the listing or user directly within the platform.
  • Do not share personal information.
  • Never complete transactions outside of Facebook’s recommended secure payment methods.