Facebook Marketplace is a feature within Facebook that allows users to buy and sell items locally. Marketplace has quickly become one of the most popular online classifieds services since its launch in 2016. However, some users run into issues when trying to search for listings on Marketplace. There are a few common reasons why you may not be able to search on Facebook Marketplace.
Your Location Services Are Turned Off
One of the key features of Marketplace is its location-based searching and listings. Sellers can choose to only make their listings visible to buyers within a certain distance. Meanwhile, buyers can filter searches by location to only see relevant listings nearby.
For this location-based functionality to work properly, Facebook requires your location services to be enabled. This allows the app to determine your current location and tailor the Marketplace experience accordingly. If you have disabled location access for Facebook in your device settings, you’ll encounter issues searching in Marketplace.
To fix this:
- Open your phone’s Settings app
- Go to the Privacy or Permissions section and find Location Services
- Make sure Location Access is enabled for Facebook
- Open Facebook and refresh Marketplace to search again
Your Facebook Account Lacks Key Information
Facebook requires users to have certain account information filled out to access various features, including Marketplace. At minimum, you need to provide your first and last name, date of birth, and gender to use Marketplace.
If any of these details are missing from your profile, you’ll get an error when trying to search listings. This is because Facebook needs this info to properly verify accounts and prevent spam or abuse.
To resolve this:
- Go to your Facebook profile
- Click Update Info in the About section
- Fill in any missing details like your full name, birthday, gender
- Save your updated info and try searching Marketplace again
Your Account is Too New
Facebook also places certain restrictions on brand new accounts accessing Marketplace. If your account is less than one month old, you may be blocked from searching listings as an anti-spam measure.
This is because malicious users often create new accounts to try and abuse platforms like Marketplace. Requiring accounts to be at least one month old helps limit bad actors.
If you’re running into this issue, the only solution is to wait until your Facebook account passes the one month age threshold. Afterwards, Marketplace searching should begin working normally for you.
You Violated Facebook’s Commerce Policies
Facebook Marketplace and all other commerce activities on Facebook are subject to the platform’s commerce policies. These rules prohibit certain kinds of items, transactions, and account behaviors when buying or selling.
If you’ve previously violated Facebook’s commerce policies, either on Marketplace or elsewhere on Facebook, your account can face restrictions. These may include being unable to search current Marketplace listings.
Policy violations that can trigger Marketplace restrictions include:
- Attempting to sell prohibited items
- Engaging in off-platform transactions
- Using an inauthentic or duplicate account
- Failure to deliver sold items
- Conducting off-platform communications
To restore your Marketplace access, you’ll need to resolve any active restrictions on your account. This may involve completing an education module on Facebook’s commerce policies. Repeated or severe violations can lead to indefinite loss of access.
You’re Temporarily Banned From Marketplace
If you engage in suspicious behavior that appears to violate Facebook’s Marketplace policies, your account can receive a temporary marketplace ban. This blocks you from accessing Marketplace entirely for a set period of time.
Activities that may attract a Marketplace ban include:
- Posting prohibited items for sale
- Misrepresenting your identity or location
- Engaging in spammy behavior, like repetitive posts
- Harassing buyers or sellers
Marketplace bans can last anywhere from 24 hours up to 30 days. You’ll need to wait out the full length of your ban before you can search listings again. Avoid further policy violations that could extend your ban.
Your Account Was Permanently Banned
In serious cases of Marketplace abuse or disregard for Facebook’s policies, your account may receive a permanent ban. This completely removes your ability to access Facebook Marketplace either as a buyer or seller.
Permanent bans are reserved for offenses like:
- Attempting to sell extremely prohibited or dangerous items
- Committing bank fraud or stealing money
- Creating fake or imposter accounts
- Cyberbullying, harassment, or threats
If your account has received a permanent Marketplace ban, you won’t be able to get back on Marketplace without opening a new account. But beware – any new accounts could also get banned if created to evade restrictions.
Your Account Is Restricted or Suspended
If your entire Facebook account becomes restricted or suspended due to violations of Facebook’s Terms of Service or Community Standards, you’ll lose access to Marketplace as well.
Reasons your whole Facebook account could get suspended include:
- Sharing hate speech, graphic violence, or adult content
- Engaging in harassment, threats, or bullying
- Spreading misinformation or spam
- Fake or inauthentic account activity
Until the restrictions on your overall Facebook account are resolved, you won’t have access to any Facebook features, Marketplace included. To restore access, you’ll need to submit an appeal to Facebook moderators.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace provides an easy way to buy and sell locally through the convenience of the Facebook platform. However, a number of issues can prevent users from being able to search and view Marketplace listings.
The most common problems involve location permissions, account details, temporary bans, permanent bans, new accounts, and policy violations. Fixing these underlying issues, waiting out restrictions, and avoiding further violations are the main ways to restore your Facebook Marketplace searching abilities.