Facebook Marketplace is a handy feature for buying and selling items locally. However, like any online platform, it can have its quirks and issues. If you’re experiencing problems with Marketplace, don’t worry – there are usually some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to get it working properly again.
Why is Marketplace not working?
There are a few common reasons why Facebook Marketplace may not be working properly:
- Your account or listing is restricted
- The app needs to be updated
- You have connectivity issues
- There’s a technical problem on Facebook’s end
Let’s explore each of these issues in more detail:
Account or listing restrictions
Facebook has rules in place about what can be bought and sold on Marketplace. If you’ve violated one of their policies, your account or specific listings may be temporarily restricted. Some common reasons for restrictions include:
- Prohibited items – Marketplace doesn’t allow certain items like alcohol, animals, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, weapons, etc.
- Price gouging – Overcharging for essential items during an emergency is not allowed.
- Counterfeit goods – Replica or knockoff items are prohibited.
- Misrepresentation – Listings should accurately represent the product for sale.
If you receive a notification that your account or listing has been restricted, you’ll need to resolve the issue before regaining full Marketplace access. This may involve removing the problematic listing or appealing the restriction if you believe it was applied in error.
App requires update
Make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed on your device. The company releases frequent updates to fix bugs and optimize performance. If your app is outdated, marketplace features may not load or display properly.
On an iOS device, open the App Store and check for any available Facebook updates. On Android, go to the Google Play Store. Tap “Update” to download the newest app version. Once installed, try accessing Marketplace again.
Connectivity issues
As with any online platform, Facebook Marketplace requires an internet connection to load listings and member profiles. If you’re having trouble accessing Marketplace, make sure you have a stable WiFi or cellular data connection.
Some troubleshooting steps include:
- Restarting your device
- Disabling WiFi and using mobile data instead (or vice versa)
- Moving closer to your router if on WiFi
- Running a speed test to confirm your connection is performing properly
If your device shows a strong connection, the issue may lie with your network or internet service provider. Contact them for assistance if the problems persist.
Technical issues on Facebook’s side
Like any website or app, Facebook services can occasionally experience outages or glitches. Server problems and other technical issues can cause Marketplace to be temporarily unavailable.
Check the Facebook Business Status page to see if they’ve reported any known problems with Marketplace or other services. If so, the only option is to wait for their engineers to resolve the issue.
You may also want to check DownDetector to see if other Marketplace users are experiencing problems:
If Facebook surfaces widespread technical problems, your Marketplace trouble is likely temporary. Keep checking back until the issues are fixed on their end.
Marketplace troubleshooting steps
Once you’ve identified a likely cause, here are some specific troubleshooting steps to try:
Update Facebook and reset app
As mentioned above, make sure you have the latest Facebook app installed. Updating provides bug fixes and performance improvements.
You can also try resetting the Facebook app on your device. This clears stored data that could be causing problems:
On iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Facebook
- Tap “Delete App”
- Confirm deletion
- Re-download the Facebook app from the App Store
On Android:
- Open phone Settings
- Apps > Facebook > Storage
- Tap “Clear Data” then “OK”
Resetting deletes your saved login so you’ll need to enter your credentials again when relaunching Facebook.
Log out and back in
If you can access Facebook but Marketplace isn’t loading properly, try logging out and back into your account. This refreshes your access tokens and data.
To log out on mobile:
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines)
- Scroll down and choose “Log Out”
- Confirm logout
- Enter your username and password to log back in
On the desktop Facebook site, click the down arrow at the top right and choose “Log Out”.
Clear browser data
If accessing Marketplace via Facebook on a web browser, try clearing your stored cookies and cache. Large amounts of data can sometimes interfere with page loading.
In Chrome:
- Click the three dots at top right
- Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
- Choose a timeframe and select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”
- Click “Clear data”
Similar options are available in Firefox and other popular browsers.
Use Facebook beta
You can opt into the Facebook beta program to get early access to new app features and fixes. The beta version may resolve Marketplace glitches before the updates roll out to the general public.
To get the beta:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Search for “Facebook”
- Scroll down and tap “Become a tester”
- Follow prompts to install Facebook Beta
If the beta version doesn’t help, you can always switch back to the regular Facebook app.
Contact Facebook support
If you still can’t get Marketplace working after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to Facebook directly for assistance. Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the More tab > Help & Support
- Choose a support option:
- Request support to submit a report
- Search for help articles
- Find more contact options like live chat
Explain your Marketplace issue and what steps you’ve already taken. Include any relevant error messages.
Facebook may be able to resolve restrictions or reset things on their end to restore full Marketplace functionality.
Preventing future Marketplace issues
To help avoid problems going forward, here are some tips:
- Familiarize yourself fully with Facebook Commerce Policies to avoid policy violations
- List items honestly and accurately
- Ship orders promptly with valid tracking
- Respond to buyer messages in a timely manner
- Disclose any defects or damage up front
- Avoid prohibited or controversial items
- Keep contact info and listings up to date
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Beware of scammers and unfair buyers
- Proactively report suspicious accounts or activity
Following Facebook rules and marketplace best practices will help maintain your account in good standing.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting Facebook Marketplace comes down to identifying the underlying issue, and methodically trying potential solutions. Update the app, check your internet connection, clear stored data, try logging out and back in, and contact Facebook support if needed. With some diligent detective work, you should be able to get Marketplace working properly again.