Find answers to frequently asked questions about Mars Market. Can't find what you're looking for? Check our detailed wiki guides.
Mars Market is a decentralized anonymous marketplace operating on the Tor network. It provides a platform for privacy-focused transactions using cryptocurrency. Key features include mandatory escrow protection, PGP encryption support, two-factor authentication, and a vendor verification system. The platform emphasizes user security and an intuitive interface.
Mars Market has been operating with an established user base and vendor community. The platform implements standard darknet marketplace security features including escrow, PGP, and dispute resolution. However, like all anonymous marketplaces, users should exercise caution, verify mirrors, and follow proper security practices. Our wiki provides comprehensive guidance.
You need Tor Browser to access Mars Market. Download it from torproject.org, then use a verified .onion mirror link from our mirrors page. Always verify you're on the correct site before entering credentials. Read our Security Guide for detailed instructions.
Access Mars Market through Tor Browser using a verified mirror. Click "Create Account" on the login page. Choose a unique username (not used elsewhere), create a strong password (16+ characters), complete the captcha, and submit. Immediately after creation, enable 2FA and add your PGP public key. See our Registration Guide for details.
No, usernames on Mars Market are permanent and cannot be changed after registration. Choose your username carefully. If you need a different username, you would need to create a new account.
Without email-based recovery, password recovery options are limited. Some marketplaces offer recovery through PGP verification. Your best protection is to store your credentials securely (encrypted password manager or secure physical location) to prevent this situation.
Navigate to Account Settings or Security settings after logging in. Enable PGP-based 2FA and add your PGP public key. When logging in, you'll need to decrypt a message with your private key. This prevents account access even if your password is compromised. See our PGP Guide.
Mars Market accepts both Bitcoin (BTC) and Monero (XMR). Monero is recommended for enhanced privacy due to its built-in anonymity features that make transaction tracing extremely difficult. The platform displays real-time exchange rates for multiple fiat currencies.
Navigate to your Wallet section in Mars Market and copy your deposit address. Send cryptocurrency from your personal wallet (never directly from an exchange) to this address. Wait for confirmations - typically 10 for Monero, 3-6 for Bitcoin. See our Monero Guide for detailed instructions.
Monero provides built-in privacy that Bitcoin lacks. Monero hides sender, receiver, and amount information by default using ring signatures, stealth addresses, and RingCT. Bitcoin transactions are publicly visible on the blockchain. With Monero, even if someone knows your address, they cannot see your balance or transaction history.
Monero deposits typically require 10 confirmations (about 20-30 minutes). Bitcoin deposits usually require 3-6 confirmations (about 30-60 minutes). Times can vary based on network congestion. Your deposit status is visible in your wallet section.
When you place an order, funds are held in escrow until you confirm receipt. The vendor cannot access funds until you finalize. If issues arise, you can open a dispute and a moderator will review. This protects both buyers and sellers. Never finalize until you've received and verified your order. See our Escrow Guide.
No. Never finalize early. FE removes all buyer protection - once finalized, you cannot recover funds if the vendor doesn't deliver. Legitimate vendors don't require FE. Requests for early finalization are a major red flag for potential scams.
Navigate to your order and click "Open Dispute" or "Report Issue." Select the reason, provide detailed explanation and evidence (photos, communications). A moderator will review both sides and make a decision. Be factual, provide evidence, and respond promptly to moderator requests.
If you don't finalize or dispute within a set period after delivery (typically 14 days after marked shipped), the order will auto-finalize and funds release to the vendor. This protects vendors from buyers who receive orders but never finalize. Don't wait too long to act on received orders.
Follow these essentials: 1) Only use Tor Browser, 2) Verify mirror links carefully, 3) Enable 2FA immediately, 4) Use PGP for all sensitive communications, 5) Use Monero for payments, 6) Never finalize early, 7) Research vendors before ordering, 8) Never keep large balances in marketplace wallets. Read our Security Guide for comprehensive practices.
Only use mirrors from trusted sources like this wiki. Verify .onion addresses character by character. Never click links in messages - type addresses manually or use bookmarks. Look for correct site design and features. If anything seems off, don't enter credentials. See our Safety Guide.
PGP encrypts your communications so only the intended recipient can read them. This is essential for sending sensitive information like shipping addresses. Even if messages are intercepted or the platform is compromised, encrypted data remains secure. It also enables secure 2FA. See our PGP Guide.
Generally no - using a VPN with Tor can actually reduce anonymity by creating a permanent entry point. Tor alone provides strong anonymity. If you choose to use a VPN, connect to VPN first then open Tor (Tor over VPN), never VPN over Tor. Most security experts recommend Tor alone for marketplace access.
Check feedback history (read recent reviews, not just ratings), time on platform, number of sales, verification status, and response time. Look for clear terms and policies. Avoid new accounts, unusually low prices, and vendors requesting FE. See our vendor verification tips.
Create a regular account first, then find the vendor application section. You'll need to pay a vendor bond (refundable based on performance) and complete verification. Requirements include having PGP set up and understanding marketplace rules. See our detailed Vendor Guide.
Verified vendors have passed platform verification requirements, demonstrating some level of legitimacy or established track record. However, verification alone doesn't guarantee reliability - always check recent feedback and exercise due diligence regardless of verification status.
Explore our comprehensive wiki guides for detailed information on all aspects of Mars Market.