The Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell items locally. To access the Marketplace, your Facebook account needs to meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are quick answers to common questions about making your Facebook account eligible for Marketplace access:
What are the requirements to use Facebook Marketplace?
To use Facebook Marketplace, your account must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a profile photo of your face (not a drawing or cartoon)
- Provide your real first and last name
- Have had your account for at least 1 month
Why do I need to be 18 or older?
Facebook requires users to be at least 18 years old to access Marketplace. This is likely because there are legal restrictions around minors entering into sales contracts. Requiring adult users helps ensure legitimate transactions.
Why can’t I use a cartoon avatar?
Facebook Marketplace aims to facilitate transactions between real people, so cartoon or fake profile photos are not allowed. Using a clear photo of your actual face helps build trust between buyers and sellers. It also helps prevent fake or spam accounts from accessing Marketplace.
Do I need to use my legal name?
Yes, you need to use your authentic first and last name that matches your government ID. Nicknames or pseudonyms are not allowed. This name verification helps prevent scams and fraudulent activities on Marketplace.
How long must I have had my Facebook account?
Your account needs to be at least 1 month old to access Marketplace. This requirement helps block scammers and spammers who create new accounts frequently. It allows genuine users to establish their presence on Facebook before selling items.
My account meets the requirements. Why can’t I see Marketplace?
If your account meets the eligibility criteria but you still cannot access Marketplace, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure you have updated to the latest version of the Facebook app
- Check that your account does not have any restrictions or blocks due to violations
- Verify that Marketplace is available in your country by searching online
- Clear your Facebook app cache and restart your device
- Make sure Marketplace hasn’t been disabled in your App Settings
I rarely use my Facebook account. Can I still use Marketplace?
Yes, you can still use Marketplace even if you don’t actively post on Facebook. As long as your account meets the eligibility criteria, you can access Marketplace to buy or sell items.
What if I don’t have an eligible Facebook account?
If you don’t have an eligible Facebook account, here are some options to consider:
- Create a new Facebook account using your real identity and wait at least 1 month
- See if a friend or family member with an eligible account can post on your behalf
- Use other sales platforms like Craigslist, OfferUp, or Letgo to buy and sell locally
Can I use a business account for Marketplace?
Facebook allows business accounts to access Marketplace. However, your business account must still meet all the eligibility criteria such as using your real identity, having a profile photo of you, etc. Users are not allowed to create business accounts just to sell on Marketplace.
I don’t have a profile photo of myself. What are my options?
If you don’t have a photo of your face on your profile, here are some options to make your account eligible for Marketplace:
- Add a clear selfie showing your full face
- Use a photo ID picture like a passport or driver’s license photo
- Blur out other people if you only have group photos
- Crop a clear headshot from a larger group photo
Avoid using drawings, avatars, filters, or obscured photos if you want Marketplace access.
Can I use Marketplace on my computer?
Facebook Marketplace is available only on mobile apps, not the desktop website. To access Marketplace:
- iPhone users can open the Facebook app and tap the Menu > Marketplace
- Android users can open the Facebook app and tap the Menu > Marketplace
If you are on a computer, Marketplace listings will not be visible. You need to use your mobile device to browse and purchase items.
Is Marketplace available in all countries?
No, Facebook Marketplace is not yet available globally. As of October 2022, Marketplace is available in the following 70 countries and territories:
| Argentina | Denmark | Japan |
| Australia | Dominican Republic | Kenya |
| Austria | Ecuador | Malaysia |
| Bahrain | El Salvador | Mexico |
| Belgium | France | Netherlands |
| Brazil | Germany | New Zealand |
| Canada | Ghana | Nigeria |
| Chile | Greece | Norway |
| Colombia | Guatemala | Pakistan |
| Costa Rica | Honduras | Panama |
| Cyprus | Hong Kong | Paraguay |
| Czech Republic | Hungary | Peru |
| Denmark | Iceland | Philippines |
| Ecuador | India | Poland |
| Egypt | Indonesia | Portugal |
| Finland | Ireland | Romania |
| France | Israel | Saudi Arabia |
| Germany | Italy | Singapore |
| Ghana | Jamaica | Slovakia |
| Greece | Japan | South Africa |
| Guatemala | Jordan | Spain |
| Hong Kong | Kenya | Sweden |
| Hungary | Korea | Switzerland |
| Iceland | Kuwait | Taiwan |
| India | Latvia | Thailand |
| Indonesia | Lebanon | Turkey |
| Ireland | Liechtenstein | UAE |
| Israel | Lithuania | UK |
| Italy | Luxembourg | Uruguay |
| Jamaica | Malaysia | USA |
| Japan | Malta | Venezuela |
| Jordan | Mexico | Vietnam |
So if you are in one of those countries with an eligible account, you should be able to access Facebook Marketplace.
North America
In North America, Marketplace is available in:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Central & South America
In Central & South America, Marketplace is available in:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Europe
In Europe, Marketplace is available in:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
Middle East & North Africa
In the Middle East & North Africa, Marketplace is available in:
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, Marketplace is available in:
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Africa
In Africa, Marketplace is available in:
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- South Africa
Conclusion
To summarize, the main requirements to access Facebook Marketplace are being at least 18 years old, using your real identity, having a profile photo of your actual face, and having your account for over 1 month. Marketplace is only available on mobile, not desktop. And it’s currently active in 70 countries, mostly across North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. With an eligible account in an active country, you can start buying and selling locally on Facebook Marketplace.