How to fix when you can’t create a poll on Facebook

Facebook polls are a fantastic way to engage your audience, gather opinions, and create interactive discussions. However, it can be frustrating when you encounter issues and are unable to create a poll on Facebook. I have encountered this problem several times and have found a couple of ways to solve it that I want to share with you.

Why can’t you create Facebook polls?

You may encounter this problem when creating surveys in groups and on your personal page. Let’s delve into the details of some common causes:

• Account type restrictions: Facebook’s poll feature is available only for personal profiles, not business pages or groups. You cannot access this feature if attempting to create a poll from a business page or group. Ensure you are using a personal profile to create polls on Facebook.
• Device or browser compatibility: Certain devices or browsers may have compatibility issues with Facebook’s features, including polls. Ensure you are using a supported browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari, and ensure that your browser is up to date. Outdated browsers may not support the necessary functionalities for poll creation.
• App permissions: Reviewing the app’s permissions is essential if you use the Facebook mobile app. Ensure that the app has access to necessary features like the camera and microphone. Without these permissions, you may encounter difficulties creating polls.
• Temporary glitches: Facebook’s platform can experience temporary glitches that may impact specific features, including poll creation. These issues are usually resolved quickly, but it’s worth checking the Facebook Help Center or community forums to see if other users encounter similar problems. If it’s a widespread issue, waiting for Facebook to fix it is the best action.
• Account restrictions or violations: In some cases, Facebook may restrict or disable certain features, such as poll creation, for accounts that have violated community guidelines or engaged in suspicious activities. If you suspect your account has been affected, it’s advisable to contact Facebook’s support team or go through the appeal process to rectify any issues and regain access to poll creation.
• Location-based limitations: Certain countries or regions may have restrictions or limitations on specific Facebook features, including polls. These limitations can be imposed due to legal or cultural considerations. If you are in a region where polls are unavailable, you may be unable to create them.
• Testing phases and A/B testing: Facebook regularly tests new features and functionalities on a limited scale before rolling them out to all users. During these testing phases, some users may have access to polls while others may not. This can lead to inconsistencies in poll creation availability.

Remember, Facebook’s features and policies can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to stay updated with the latest information and check Facebook’s official resources for any specific guidelines or changes regarding poll creation.

What to do if you can’t make a poll in a Facebook post

If you are unable to create a poll in a Facebook post, here are some detailed steps you can take to address the issue:

Check device and browser compatibility

Ensure you are using a supported browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari, with the latest version installed. Outdated or incompatible browsers may not support the poll creation feature. Try accessing Facebook from a different device or browser to see if the issue persists.

Verify account type and eligibility

Confirm that you use a personal profile, not a business page or group. Facebook’s poll feature is currently available only for personal profiles. It will not be possible if you are trying to create a poll from a different type of account. Consider switching to a personal profile or using alternative methods to gather opinions, such as creating a post with multiple options and asking users to comment on their choice.

Clear Cache and Cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help eliminate temporary data conflicts that might be causing the issue. Go to your browser settings, locate the option to clear browsing data, and select the cache and cookies to clear. For example, in Google Chrome, you will need to do this:

• Click on the three vertical dots at the browser window’s top-right corner. This will open a drop-down menu.
• From the drop-down menu, hover over the “More tools” option and select “Clear browsing data” from the expanded side menu. A pop-up window titled “Clear browsing data” will appear.

• In the pop-up window, you’ll see several options. “Browsing history” and “Cookies and other site data” will be selected by default. You can choose additional options like “Cached images and files” if you want to clear them. Ensure that the checkboxes for “Browsing history” and “Cookies and other site data” are selected, and if desired, select the checkbox for “Cached images and files.”
• Next, you need to select the time range for which you want to clear the data. You can choose from “Last hour,” “Last 24 hours,” “Last 7 days,” “Last 4 weeks,” and “All time.” If you want to clear all cached data, select “All time.”
• Once you have selected it, click the “Clear data” button at the bottom-right corner of the pop-up window.

Chrome will start clearing the selected data. The time it takes depends on the amount of data and the selected time range. After clearing the cache and cookies, restart your browser and try creating a poll again. If nothing changes, go to the next step.

Update the Facebook app or access via the Web

If you use the Facebook mobile app, ensure it is updated to the latest version available. App updates often include bug fixes and feature improvements that can resolve issues.

If you cannot create a poll using the app, try accessing Facebook through a mobile web browser. Sometimes, the web version can provide a workaround for certain app-related issues.

Contact Facebook support

If you have tried all the above steps and cannot create a poll, it’s recommended to reach out to Facebook’s support team for further assistance. Visit the Help Center and locate the appropriate support channels to report the issue. Provide them with detailed information about the problem, including the steps you have taken, the device and browser you are using, and any error messages you have encountered.

By following these steps and seeking assistance from Facebook’s support team, you should be able to address the issue and regain the ability to create polls in your Facebook posts.

What third-party services can you use to create a poll on Facebook?

If the polls feature is blocked on your account or not supported in your region, you can always use third-party services to create a poll. In this case, you’ll publish a link to that poll, and users can go to the page of that service to view your poll and vote. Some of the most popular services of this kind:

• Polls for Pages: Polls for Pages is a third-party app that allows you to create polls on your Facebook business page. It provides customizable poll options, multiple-question formats, and detailed analytics to track engagement. To use this service, search for “Polls for Pages” on Facebook or visit their website to set up the app on your page.
• Poll Everywhere: Poll Everywhere is a versatile polling platform that integrates with various social media platforms, including Facebook. It offers real-time polling, audience response, and interactive presentation features. You can create engaging polls with options for multiple choice, open-ended responses, word clouds, and more. To use Poll Everywhere with Facebook, you can embed the poll in a Facebook post or share a link to the poll.
• Crowdsignal: Crowdsignal, formerly Polldaddy, is a comprehensive polling and survey platform integrated with Facebook. It provides various poll types, customizable designs, and advanced reporting features. With Crowdsignal, you can create polls and surveys directly from their website and easily share them on Facebook.
• Straw Poll: Straw Poll is a simple and straightforward polling service that allows you to create quick polls and gather opinions. While it doesn’t have as many advanced features as other tools, it is easy to use and can be a good option for basic polling needs. Once you create a poll on Straw Poll, you can share the generated link on Facebook for others to participate.
• SurveyMonkey: Although SurveyMonkey is primarily known as a survey platform, it also offers poll creation features. It allows you to design and distribute polls with various question types, skip logic, and advanced reporting capabilities. Once you create a poll on SurveyMonkey, you can share it on Facebook through a direct link or by embedding it in a post or page.

When using third-party services, reviewing their terms of service, privacy policies, and any associated costs is essential. Additionally, be mindful of the data you collect and ensure compliance with Facebook’s policies and guidelines. Choose a tool that aligns with your polling requirements and offers seamless integration with Facebook for the best user experience.