Facebook Marketplace is built into the Facebook app and website

Facebook Marketplace is a section inside Facebook where people buy and sell items locally. You do not need a separate app or account — if you use Facebook, you can reach Marketplace from the same place you check your feed.

On the Facebook website, look for the storefront icon in the left sidebar menu. On the Facebook mobile app for iPhone or Android, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then scroll down until you see "Marketplace" listed. Tap or click it, and you land on the main Marketplace page showing listings near you.

Marketplace shows items for sale within a distance you set — usually defaulting to your city or region. You can browse without posting anything yourself, and you can message sellers directly through Facebook Messenger to ask questions or arrange a purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook Marketplace is accessed through the Facebook app or website using your existing Facebook login — no separate account needed.
  • On the website, click the storefront icon in the left menu; on mobile, tap the menu icon and scroll to find Marketplace.
  • You can set your search distance and filter by category, price, and condition without creating a seller profile.
  • Messaging with sellers happens through Facebook Messenger, and payment methods vary by seller and item type.
  • Facebook Marketplace is free to browse and to list items, though some categories like vehicles have optional promoted listings you can pay for.

Finding Marketplace on your phone

On iPhone or Android, open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon — three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other — in the bottom right corner of the screen. Scroll down the menu that appears. You will see "Marketplace" listed among options like "Friends," "Groups," and "Watch." Tap "Marketplace" and the page loads showing listings in your area.

If you use Facebook Lite (a lighter version of the app for older phones or slower internet), the process is the same: menu icon, scroll, tap Marketplace. The listings and search tools work identically to the full app.

Finding Marketplace on your computer

On the Facebook website, log in and look at the left sidebar. Below your name and profile picture, you will see a menu of options. Scroll down this menu until you see a storefront icon next to the word "Marketplace." Click it. The Marketplace page opens in the main area of your screen.

If the left sidebar is collapsed or hidden, click the menu icon (three lines) at the top left of the page to expand it. Then scroll down to find Marketplace. On some browsers or screen sizes, you may need to scroll the sidebar itself to see all options.

Setting your location and search distance

When you first open Marketplace, it shows items for sale near your current location. At the top of the page, you will see your city or region name. Click or tap it to change your location or adjust how far away you want to search — options typically range from 5 miles to 100 miles or more.

You can also search by category. Marketplace organizes listings into sections like "Furniture," "Electronics," "Vehicles," "Clothing," and others. Tap or click a category to narrow your results, or use the search bar at the top to type in what you are looking for — for example, "bicycle" or "coffee table."

Filtering by price and condition

Once you are viewing listings, you can filter results to match what you want. Look for a "Filters" button or icon (usually a funnel shape) near the top of the listings. Tap or click it to open filter options.

Common filters include minimum and maximum price, condition (new, like new, good, fair), and item type. You can set a price range — for example, $50 to $200 — and Marketplace will show only listings within that range. Some categories also let you filter by brand, size, or other details specific to that type of item.

Messaging sellers and arranging purchases

When you find an item you are interested in, tap or click on the listing to see more photos, a full description, and the seller's name. Below the listing details, you will see a "Message" button. Tap or click it to open a conversation with the seller through Facebook Messenger.

You can ask the seller questions about the item, negotiate the price, or arrange a time and place to meet. Payment methods vary — some sellers accept cash in person, others use Marketplace's built-in payment system, and some use third-party payment apps. Always agree on payment and pickup details before you meet.

Facebook does not hold money or may provide transactions the way some other marketplaces do. You are responsible for inspecting the item before paying and for your own safety when meeting a stranger. Many people choose to meet in public places during daylight hours.

Listing items for sale yourself

If you want to sell something, open Marketplace and look for a "Create" or "Sell" button, usually at the top of the page. Tap or click it to start a new listing. You will be asked to add photos, a title, description, price, and category.

Facebook Marketplace is free to list items in most categories. You do not pay a fee to post. Some sellers choose to pay for promoted listings to make their items appear higher in search results, but this is optional. Once your listing is live, buyers can message you directly through Messenger to ask questions or make offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook account to use Marketplace?

Yes. Marketplace is part of Facebook, so you must have an active Facebook account and be logged in to browse or sell items. Creating a Facebook account is free and takes a few minutes.

Can I search Marketplace without posting anything for sale?

Yes. You can browse, search, filter, and message sellers without ever creating a listing yourself. Many people use Marketplace only to buy, never to sell.

Is it safe to buy from Marketplace?

Marketplace itself does not may provide transactions or protect buyers the way some other platforms do. Inspect items before paying, meet in safe public places, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, do not complete the purchase.

What payment methods does Marketplace accept?

Payment depends on the seller. Some accept cash in person, others use Marketplace Checkout (a built-in payment system), and some use PayPal, Venmo, or other apps. Agree on payment method before you meet.

Can I return something I bought on Marketplace?

Returns are between you and the seller — Marketplace does not enforce return policies. Discuss returns before you buy, and get any agreements in writing through Messenger so you have a record.