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Facebook Marketplace has quietly become one of the most popular places to buy and sell items locally. From furniture and phones to cars, rentals, and even free stuff, Marketplace connects everyday people in the same area who want to trade without the hassle of shipping or complicated platforms. The only problem? Many users don’t even realize Facebook Marketplace exists—or that it’s turned off in their account.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I see Facebook Marketplace?” or “How do I turn it on in my settings?” you’re not alone. This guide is written exactly for you.
In this detailed, step-by-step article, I’ll walk you through how to turn on Facebook Marketplace, why it may not be showing up, common issues that prevent access, and how to fix them. Everything is explained in simple language, with practical tips, so you can start using Marketplace with confidence.
Let’s break it all down.
What Is Facebook Marketplace and Why It Matters
Before jumping into the settings, it helps to understand what Facebook Marketplace actually is and why so many people use it daily.
Facebook Marketplace is a built-in feature within Facebook that allows users to:
- Buy and sell items locally
- Discover nearby deals
- List products without paying fees
- Chat directly with buyers or sellers
Unlike online stores, Marketplace focuses on local transactions, meaning most items are picked up in person. This makes it faster, cheaper, and more personal than many other platforms.
Marketplace is especially useful if you want to:
- Sell unwanted items quickly
- Find affordable secondhand goods
- Avoid shipping costs
- Support local buyers and sellers
Now let’s get into the real question—how to turn it on.
Why Facebook Marketplace May Not Be Showing on Your Account
If you don’t see the Marketplace icon, don’t panic. There are several common reasons Facebook Marketplace might not appear in your menu.
Here are the most common ones:
- Your account is new.
- Your age is under 18.
- Marketplace is not available in your country.
- Your account violated Facebook policies.
- Marketplace was hidden from your shortcuts
- You’re using an outdated Facebook app.
The good news? Most of these issues are easy to fix.
Basic Requirements to Use Facebook Marketplace
Before trying to enable Marketplace, make sure you meet Facebook’s basic requirements.
You must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a Facebook account in good standing
- Live in a country where Marketplace is available
- Use the Facebook mobile app or desktop version.
If you meet these requirements, Marketplace should be available to you.
How to Turn On Facebook Marketplace Using the Facebook App
Most people access Facebook Marketplace through the mobile app, so let’s start there.
Step 1: Open the Facebook App
Make sure you’re logged into your account.
Step 2: Tap the Menu Icon
This is the three horizontal lines:
- Bottom-right on iPhone
- Top-right on Android
Step 3: Look for the Marketplace Icon
The icon looks like a small storefront.
If you see it, tap it—Marketplace is already enabled.
If you don’t see it, keep going.
Step 4: Customize Your Menu
Scroll down and tap:
Settings & Privacy → Settings
Then:
- Tap Shortcuts
- Select Shortcut Bar
Here, you can manually turn Marketplace on.
Step 5: Enable Marketplace
Find Marketplace in the list and set it to:
Pinned or Auto
This forces Facebook Marketplace to appear in your main navigation bar.
How to Turn On Facebook Marketplace on Desktop
If you’re using Facebook on a computer, the process is just as simple.
Step 1: Log Into Facebook
Go to Facebook and log in normally.
Step 2: Check the Left Sidebar
Look at the left-hand menu. You should see Marketplace listed.
If it’s there, click it—done.
If not, continue.
Step 3: Click “See More.”
Scroll down the left sidebar and click See More.
The marketplace may be hidden there.
Step 4: Add Marketplace to Favorites
Hover over Marketplace and click the pin icon (if available) to keep it visible.
How to Enable Facebook Marketplace Through Settings
If Marketplace is missing entirely, the settings menu is your best friend.
Step-by-Step Settings Method
- Open Facebook
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Tap Settings
- Navigate to Shortcuts
- Select Shortcut Bar
- Find Marketplace
- Set it to Pinned
Once pinned, close the app and reopen it.
What to Do If Facebook Marketplace Is Still Missing
Sometimes, Marketplace doesn’t show up even after checking settings. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
1. Check Your Age on Facebook
Facebook requires users to be at least 18.
To check:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Personal Details
- Confirm your birthdate
If your age is incorrect, update it (if allowed).
2. Update the Facebook App
An outdated app can hide features.
Go to:
- Google Play Store (Android)
- App Store (iPhone)
Update Facebook, then reopen it.
3. Log Out and Log Back In
It sounds simple, but this fixes many issues.
- Log out of Facebook
- Close the app completely.
- Log back in
Check the menu again.
4. Clear Cache (Android Users)
If you’re on Android:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Apps
- Select Facebook
- Tap Storage
- Clear cache
Then reopen Facebook.
5. Check Community Standards Violations
If your account has violated Facebook rules, Marketplace access may be restricted.
This can happen due to:
- Spam activity
- Suspicious behavior
- Repeated reports
If this applies, you may need to wait or contact Facebook support.
Is Facebook Marketplace Available in All Countries?
No, Facebook Marketplace is not available everywhere.
It’s available in most regions, including:
- North America
- Europe
- Parts of Africa
- Asia-Pacific
If Marketplace isn’t supported in your country, it won’t appear—even if everything else is correct.
How to Know If Marketplace Is Disabled on Your Account
Signs the Marketplace is disabled include:
- The icon never appears.
- You can’t access listings through links.
- Settings options don’t show Marketplace
If this happens, it’s usually due to:
- Account restrictions
- Age limitations
- Location issues
How Long Does It Take to Get Marketplace Access?
For new accounts, Marketplace may take:
- A few days
- A few weeks
Facebook does this to prevent spam and fake sellers.
During this time:
- Stay active
- Add friends
- Post normally
- Avoid suspicious activity
Eventually, Marketplace usually unlocks automatically.
What to Do Once Facebook Marketplace Is Turned On
Once Marketplace appears, you’re ready to use it.
You can:
- Browse local listings
- Search for items
- Save listings
- Message sellers
- Post items for sale
How to Post Your First Item on Facebook Marketplace
Here’s a quick walkthrough.
Step 1: Open Marketplace
Tap the Marketplace icon.
Step 2: Tap “Sell.”
Choose what you want to sell:
- Item
- Vehicle
- Property
Step 3: Add Details
Include:
- Clear photos
- Honest description
- Price
- Location
Step 4: Publish
Your listing will appear to local buyers.
Tips for Using Facebook Marketplace Successfully
Once Marketplace is enabled, these tips help you get better results.
Use Clear, Real Photos
Good photos attract more buyers.
Write Honest Descriptions
Mention condition, flaws, and pickup details.
Respond Quickly
Fast replies increase your chances of selling.
Meet in Safe Locations
Always prioritize safety when meeting buyers.
Can You Turn Facebook Marketplace Off Again?
Yes, you can hide Marketplace anytime.
To hide it:
- Go to Shortcut Bar
- Set Marketplace to Hidden
This removes it from your menu but doesn’t delete your listings.
Common Myths About Facebook Marketplace
Let’s clear up some confusion.
- Myth: Marketplace costs money
Truth: It’s free. - Myth: Friends can see your sales
Truth: They don’t unless they browse Marketplace. - Myth: You need a business account.
Truth: Personal accounts work fine.
Facebook Marketplace vs. Other Selling Platforms
Compared to other platforms, Marketplace stands out because:
- No listing fees
- Built-in messaging
- Local focus
- Easy setup
It’s ideal for casual sellers and everyday users.
How to Avoid Scams on Facebook Marketplace
Once Marketplace is enabled, stay alert.
Avoid:
- Requests for upfront payments
- Links to external websites
- Shipping scams
- Requests for personal info
Stick to in-app messaging and local meetups.
Why Facebook Marketplace Is Worth Turning On
Facebook Marketplace is one of the easiest ways to buy and sell locally without stress. Turning it on takes only a few minutes, but it opens the door to countless opportunities—whether you’re decluttering, bargain hunting, or starting a small side hustle.
Once enabled, Marketplace becomes a powerful tool right inside the app you already use every day.
Conclusion
Turning on Facebook Marketplace is simple once you know where to look. Whether it was hidden in your shortcuts, disabled due to account settings, or unavailable because of age or location, most issues can be fixed in just a few steps.
By checking your settings, updating your app, and meeting Facebook’s basic requirements, you can unlock Marketplace and start buying or selling locally in no time. It’s free, easy, and incredibly convenient.
So go ahead—open your settings, turn on Facebook Marketplace, and start exploring what your local community has to offer today.
