Facebook Marketplace is a feature within Facebook that allows users to buy and sell items locally. Since Marketplace is integrated into Facebook, it requires an active Facebook account to use. So what happens if you decide to deactivate your Facebook account? Can you still access Marketplace?
What Happens When You Deactivate Facebook
When you deactivate your Facebook account, it is disabled but not deleted. Your profile, photos, posts, videos, and information will be hidden until you reactivate your account.
Here’s what happens when you deactivate:
- Your profile and cover photo will be hidden
- Your posts and photos will be hidden
- You will not show up in searches on Facebook
- You will not be suggested as a friend to others
However, some information will remain visible:
- Your messages remain in your inbox and can still be read if you reactivate
- Friends can still tag you in posts and photos
- Pages and groups you created or administer will remain active
So in summary, deactivating your Facebook account hides most of your info and activity from public view, but does not delete anything.
Can You Access Facebook Marketplace if Deactivated?
Unfortunately, you cannot access or use Facebook Marketplace if your account is deactivated. Since Marketplace relies on your Facebook profile and information, it will be inaccessible until you reactivate your account.
Some key points about Marketplace with a deactivated account:
- You cannot view, create, edit, or delete Marketplace listings
- You cannot message potential buyers or sellers
- You cannot complete any purchases or sales
- Your existing listings will no longer be visible to others
So Marketplace is essentially disabled along with the rest of your Facebook presence when deactivated. Any open orders or conversations will be canceled or paused.
What Happens to Your Marketplace Data if Deactivated?
Your Marketplace activity, history, listings, photos, and conversations remain saved and intact after deactivating. Here is what happens to your Marketplace data:
- Listings, photos, posts, and info are all saved
- Messages remain in your inbox
- Transaction history is preserved
- Reviews, ratings, and reputation are retained
Nothing is erased. So when you choose to reactivate your Facebook account, you can seamlessly pick up right where you left off with Marketplace.
However, keep in mind that your existing listings will need to be reposted or renewed, as they will no longer be searchable or viewable by other users while deactivated.
How Long Can You Stay Deactivated and Keep Marketplace Data?
Facebook allows you to reactivate your account at any time in order to restore access to Marketplace and your other data. However, there are some time limitations:
- Up to 14 days: You can quickly reactivate your account with one click.
- 14-30 days: You may need to confirm your identity to reactivate.
- Over 30 days: Your listings and data could be deleted, requiring you to start over.
So for the best chance of retaining your full Marketplace presence, you’ll want to reactivate your Facebook account within 30 days of deactivating.
The longer your account is deactivated, the greater the risk of losing your Marketplace listings, history, and conversations.
Should You Delete Facebook Instead of Deactivating?
Deactivating your Facebook account temporarily disables it while retaining all data. Deleting your account erases all of your info and cannot be reversed.
Here are some key differences between deactivating and deleting:
| Deactivating | Deleting |
|---|---|
| Temporarily disables account | Permanently erases account |
| Reversible – can reactivate at any time | Irreversible – cannot retrieve data |
| Retains all data, contacts, history | Erases all data, contacts, history |
So if you think you may eventually want to use Facebook again, deactivating is safer than deleting. With deleting, your Marketplace activity and data would be permanently gone.
Tips for Keeping Your Marketplace Active
If you need to temporarily disable your Facebook account but don’t want to lose touch with your Marketplace transactions, here are some tips:
- Inform buyers and sellers you will be offline for a period of time.
- Provide an alternate contact method like email or phone number.
- Ask followers to contact you if they need to reach you.
- Set auto-reply messages on your listings to explain the situation.
- Reactivate within 14 days to keep your account in good standing.
This will help minimize disruption to your Marketplace activities during the time your account is deactivated.
Other Facebook Alternatives
If you decide to delete or permanently deactivate your Facebook account, you will lose access to Marketplace. However, there are other platforms you can use instead:
- Craigslist – Popular classified ads site to buy and sell locally.
- OfferUp – Mobile app to find deals nearby.
- Nextdoor – Hyperlocal app to connect with neighbors.
- eBay – Online auction and shopping site.
- Etsy – Marketplace for unique handmade goods.
While these alternatives lack some of Facebook Marketplace’s specific features, they can serve as substitutes for buying and selling without Facebook.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, deactivating your Facebook account disables access to Marketplace. Your profile, listings, conversations, and data will all be inaccessible until you reactivate your account.
To avoid losing your Marketplace presence, reactivate your Facebook within 14-30 days. Or consider deleting Facebook only if you are ready to permanently close your account and lose your Marketplace activity. Alternatives like Craigslist allow you to buy and sell without Facebook, but lack key features.
Overall, proceed with caution if you need to deactivate or delete Facebook, as your Marketplace participation will be disrupted. But with the right preparation, you can retain your data and picks things back up where you left off if you choose to reactivate your account.