If you’re an iPhone user and wondering why you don’t have access to Facebook Marketplace, there are a few potential reasons for this.
Facebook Marketplace Availability
The first thing to check is whether Facebook Marketplace is available in your region. Facebook has rolled out Marketplace gradually over the past few years and it’s still not universally supported. Here are some key points about Marketplace availability:
- Marketplace launched in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand in 2016
- It expanded to select countries in Europe and Asia in 2017-2018
- Marketplace became available in Canada in 2018
- It’s still not available in some countries, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia
So if you don’t see Marketplace in your Facebook app, it may simply not have launched in your country yet. You can check the Facebook Help Center to see if Marketplace is supported in your region.
Device Compatibility
Assuming Marketplace is available in your country, the next thing to check is whether your iPhone model and iOS version are compatible with Marketplace:
- Marketplace requires iOS 11 or higher
- It’s supported on iPhone 5S or newer models
- Optimized for iPhone 6 and up
- Not available on iPad
So if you’re using an older iPhone model or outdated iOS version, you won’t be able to access Marketplace. You’ll need to update your iOS software or upgrade your iPhone hardware.
Facebook App Requirements
In order to use Marketplace, you need to have the latest version of the Facebook app installed. Here are the app requirements:
- Must be using the official Facebook app
- Won’t work in browser or Facebook Lite app
- Requires Facebook app version 60 or higher
- Update to the newest version of the app if available
Check that you have the official Facebook app from the App Store installed, not an outdated version or third-party app. Make sure the app is fully up-to-date by checking for updates in the App Store.
Account Restrictions
In some cases, there may be restrictions on your Facebook account that prevent you from accessing Marketplace:
- Business and corporate accounts can’t use Marketplace
- Accounts flagged for suspicious activity may have restrictions
- Users under 18 can’t access Marketplace
- Marketplace requires an authenticated Facebook account
Check that you’re logged into a personal Facebook account and don’t have any restrictions enabled. Switch to another personal account if needed to test if you can access Marketplace.
How to Get Facebook Marketplace on iPhone
If Marketplace is available in your country and your iPhone meets the requirements, here are some troubleshooting steps to get Marketplace working:
- Update to the latest version of iOS
- Update the Facebook app to the newest version
- Force quit and relaunch the Facebook app
- Switch to a different personal Facebook account
- Log out of Facebook entirely and log back in
- Delete and reinstall the Facebook app
- Reset iPhone network settings
- Contact Facebook support if still unavailable
In most cases, updating your software, app, and account settings should enable Marketplace. But if you still can’t access it, you’ll need to reach out to Facebook for help.
Accessing Facebook Marketplace on Desktop
If your iPhone isn’t compatible with Marketplace, remember you can still access it through the Facebook website on your desktop computer. Here’s how:
- Go to www.facebook.com in any web browser
- Log into your Facebook account
- Click on the Marketplace shortcut in the left menu
- Browse, search and buy/sell items
Marketplace functions the same on desktop as mobile, just without push notifications. So if your iPhone won’t cooperate, use the desktop website as a workaround.
Marketplace Unavailable Troubleshooting Tips
If Marketplace is confirmed to be available in your region but you still can’t access it, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| iOS version too old | Update to iOS 11 or newer |
| iPhone model too old | Upgrade to iPhone 5S or newer |
| Using iPad or iPod Touch | Marketplace not supported on these devices |
| App outdated | Update Facebook app to latest version |
| Logged into Page or business account | Switch to a personal account |
Checking each requirement and troubleshooting methodically should help resolve most Marketplace access issues. Be sure to also check the Facebook Help Center for the latest troubleshooting advice.
Using Facebook Marketplace
Once you’ve gained access to Facebook Marketplace, here are some tips for using it effectively on iPhone:
- Tap the Marketplace shortcut at the bottom of the Facebook app
- Browse recommended listings based on your interests
- Search for specific items using the search bar
- Filter searches by category, price, location
- Save searches for quick access later
- Tap a listing to view more details and seller info
- Contact sellers through Marketplace messaging
- Use Apple Pay for quick checkout
- Rate sellers and purchases to build reputation
- Report suspicious posts or users
Marketplace makes it easy to find deals, interact with sellers, and purchase items safely. Take advantage of seller ratings and user profiles to buy and sell trustingly.
Selling on Facebook Marketplace
To start selling your own items on Marketplace:
- Tap the “Sell” button at the top
- Select a category and describe your item
- Add photos to attract buyers
- Set a price and shipping options
- Publish your listing to make it public
- Manage your listings from your seller dashboard
- Communicate with interested buyers
- Collect payment and ship sold items
Use clear photos, accurate descriptions, and reasonable prices to market your listings effectively. Respond promptly to buyer inquiries to maximize your chances of selling successfully on Marketplace.
Pros of Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace provides some great benefits for buyers and sellers, such as:
- Huge existing user base on Facebook
- Listings shown to targeted local users
- Integrated messaging for easy communication
- User profiles provide trust and accountability
- Seamless payments through Facebook Pay
- Cheap and convenient pickup for local sales
- Easy listing creation from mobile app
By leveraging the Facebook platform, Marketplace makes local peer-to-peer commerce incredibly convenient. Its advantages have fueled rapid growth since launching in 2016.
Cons of Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace does have some downsides to consider as well:
- Listings can get lost in the busy News Feed
- Scams are common due to loose screening
- Lack of buyer/seller protections
- No shipping integration or tracking
- Minimal search filtering options
- Facebook seller fees (5% of sales)
- Difficult to manage lots of listings
While convenient and user-friendly, Marketplace still lacks some key ecommerce features and protections you would get on dedicated platforms. Users need to be vigilant against scams.
Top Alternatives to Facebook Marketplace
If Facebook Marketplace isn’t your style, here are some top alternative mobile marketplaces:
| App | Highlights |
|---|---|
| eBay | Huge selection, buyer protection, shipping integration |
| Craigslist | Simple listings, local focus, high traffic |
| Letgo | Modern mobile-first interface, local sellers |
| OfferUp | Popular for local, mobile bargaining |
| Wallapop | General marketplace, delivery tracking |
| OLX | Leader in emerging markets globally |
Each peer-to-peer marketplace platform has strengths for different use cases. Consider factors like audience, protections, categories, and features when choosing an alternative to Facebook.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace brings peer-to-peer commerce to one of the world’s largest social platforms. But availability issues, device restrictions, and other barriers can prevent some users from accessing it.
Checking your region, iOS version, iPhone model, and Facebook app can help troubleshoot problems. Update software, switch accounts, reinstall apps, and contact Facebook support to resolve access issues.
When available, Marketplace provides an easy and convenient way to buy and sell locally on iPhone. But beware of scams, and leverage alternative apps like eBay and Craigslist if Marketplace isn’t a fit.
With the right troubleshooting and safety precautions, Facebook Marketplace can become a valuable tool for any iOS user looking to turn clutter into cash and save money on local deals.