OAuth and Connection Errors
This guide helps you resolve common issues when connecting social media accounts using OAuth authentication.
Understanding OAuth Errors
OAuth (Open Authorization) is the secure method used to connect your social accounts. When errors occur, they're usually due to:
- Missing or denied permissions
- Account eligibility issues
- Expired or invalid tokens
- Network or browser problems
Common OAuth Errors
"Connection Failed" or "Authorization Failed"
Symptoms:
- OAuth flow starts but doesn't complete
- Redirected back without connection
- Generic "connection failed" message
Causes:
- Browser blocked the OAuth redirect
- Pop-up blocker interfering
- Network timeout
- Cookies disabled
Solutions:
Allow Pop-ups:
Chrome: Click icon in address bar → Always allow pop-ups Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Pop-ups Safari: Preferences → Websites → Pop-up Windows → Allow
Enable Cookies:
- Ensure third-party cookies are enabled
- OAuth requires cookies for the flow
Try Different Browser:
- Test in Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
- Use incognito/private mode to rule out extensions
Check Internet Connection:
- Ensure stable connection
- Try again if connection was interrupted
Clear Cache and Cookies:
Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data Firefox: Settings → Privacy → Clear Data Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
"Missing Permissions" or "Insufficient Permissions"
Symptoms:
- Error says required permissions weren't granted
- Features don't work after connection
- "Permission denied" when trying to post
Causes:
- Skipped permission screen during OAuth
- Unchecked required permissions
- Previously denied permissions
Solutions:
Reconnect with All Permissions:
- Disconnect the account
- Reconnect through OAuth
- Grant ALL requested permissions
- Don't skip or uncheck any boxes
Review Required Permissions:
Meta/Facebook:
pages_show_list- View Pagespages_manage_posts- Create postsinstagram_basic- Instagram accessinstagram_content_publish- Post to Instagramread_insights- Analytics data
Google Business:
business.manage- Full Business Profile access
TikTok:
video.upload- Upload videosvideo.publish- Publish contentuser.info.basic- Profile infovideo.insights- Analytics
Check Platform Settings:
- Go to platform's app settings
- Verify permissions are granted
- Remove and re-authorize if needed
Meta/Facebook:
Settings → Business Integrations → [Our App] → View and Edit
Google:
Google Account → Security → Third-party apps → [Our App]
TikTok:
Settings → Privacy → Apps → [Our App]
"Account Not Eligible" or "Account Not Found"
Symptoms:
- Platform says account can't be connected
- No accounts appear in selection list
- "This account is not eligible" message
Causes & Solutions by Platform:
Facebook/Instagram
Page not appearing:
- ✅ Must have Admin or Editor role (not just Analyst)
- ✅ Page must be published (not drafted)
- ✅ Check Page hasn't violated policies
- ✅ Ensure you're logged into correct Facebook account
Instagram not available:
- ✅ Must be Business or Creator account (not Personal)
- ✅ Must be linked to a Facebook Page
- ✅ Link in: Facebook Page → Settings → Instagram
- ✅ Account must be in good standing
How to convert Instagram to Business:
- Open Instagram app
- Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account
- Choose Business or Creator
- Complete setup
Google Business Profile
No locations found:
- ✅ Must have Owner or Manager role (not just Editor)
- ✅ Business Profile must be verified
- ✅ Using correct Google account
- ✅ Profile not suspended
Location not verified:
- ✅ Complete verification in Google Business Profile
- ✅ Methods: Postcard (5-14 days), Phone, Email, Video
- ✅ Cannot connect until verified
Check verification:
- Visit Google Business Profile
- Select location
- Verify status shown on dashboard
TikTok
Account not eligible:
- ✅ Account must be in good standing (no bans)
- ✅ No active violations or restrictions
- ✅ May need to be 24+ hours old
- ✅ Consider converting to Business account
"Token Expired" or "Session Expired"
Symptoms:
- Was working, suddenly stopped
- "Please reconnect" message
- "Token has expired" error
Causes:
- Access tokens have limited lifespan
- Typical expiration: 60-90 days
- Normal part of OAuth security
Solutions:
Reconnect the Account:
- Click Reconnect button
- Go through OAuth flow again
- Your history and content are preserved
Automated Reminders:
- Platform will notify you before expiration
- Set calendar reminder to reconnect quarterly
Prevention:
- Don't change password on the platform (resets tokens)
- Don't revoke access from platform's settings
- Reconnect promptly when notified
📖 Detailed Guide: Token Expiration
"Redirect URI Mismatch" or "Invalid Redirect"
Symptoms:
- OAuth fails with redirect error
- Technical error about URLs
- Can't complete authorization
Causes:
- Development/production environment mismatch
- URL configuration issue
- Usually a platform configuration problem
Solutions:
Use Correct URL:
- Always connect from the main application URL
- Don't use localhost or dev URLs for production
Clear Browser Data:
- Clear cache and cookies
- Restart browser
- Try again
Contact Support:
- This usually indicates a platform configuration issue
- Provide screenshot of error
- Note which platform you're connecting
"Rate Limit Exceeded" or "Too Many Requests"
Symptoms:
- Connection fails with rate limit error
- "Try again later" message
- Temporary connection block
Causes:
- Too many connection attempts in short time
- Platform API rate limiting
- Multiple failed authorization attempts
Solutions:
Wait and Retry:
- Wait 15-30 minutes
- Then try reconnecting
- Don't retry immediately multiple times
Check for Multiple Attempts:
- Ensure you're not clicking Connect multiple times
- One attempt at a time
- Wait for OAuth flow to complete
Platform-Specific Limits:
- Facebook: Usually 200 API calls per hour
- Google: 10 authorization attempts per minute
- TikTok: Varies by endpoint
"Invalid State Parameter" or "CSRF Error"
Symptoms:
- OAuth fails with security error
- "State parameter mismatch"
- CSRF or security warning
Causes:
- Browser cookies disabled
- Security extension interfering
- OAuth state validation failed
Solutions:
Enable Cookies:
- Ensure cookies are enabled
- Allow third-party cookies for OAuth
Disable Security Extensions:
- Temporarily disable ad blockers
- Disable privacy extensions
- Try in incognito/private mode
Use Standard Browser:
- Avoid heavily modified browsers
- Test in Chrome or Firefox
- Ensure JavaScript is enabled
Browser-Specific Issues
Chrome
Common Issues:
- Ad blockers blocking OAuth
- Privacy extensions interfering
- Third-party cookies disabled
Solutions:
1. Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies 2. Select "Allow all cookies" (temporarily) 3. Settings → Extensions → Disable ad blockers 4. Try OAuth flow again 5. Re-enable extensions after connecting
Firefox
Common Issues:
- Enhanced Tracking Protection blocking OAuth
- Container tabs interfering
Solutions:
1. Click shield icon in address bar 2. Turn off Enhanced Tracking Protection (for this site) 3. Settings → Privacy → Cookies → Allow all 4. Try OAuth flow again
Safari
Common Issues:
- Prevent Cross-Site Tracking enabled
- Pop-up blocking
Solutions:
1. Preferences → Privacy 2. Uncheck "Prevent cross-site tracking" (temporarily) 3. Preferences → Websites → Pop-up Windows → Allow 4. Try OAuth flow again 5. Re-enable after connecting
Platform-Specific OAuth Issues
Meta (Facebook + Instagram)
Error: "This app is not available in your region" Solution: VPN may be blocking. Disable VPN and try again.
Error: "You need to log in to continue" Solution: You were logged out. Log into Facebook first, then connect.
Error: "This Page cannot be connected" Solution: Check Page role and compliance. Page may have policy violations.
📖 Full Guide: Meta Connection Guide
Google Business Profile
Error: "Access blocked: This app's request is invalid" Solution: Contact support. Usually a configuration issue on our end.
Error: "You don't have permission to access this feature" Solution: Need Owner or Manager role. Editor is insufficient.
Error: "This Business Profile cannot be accessed" Solution: Profile may be suspended. Check Google Business Profile.
📖 Full Guide: Google Business Connection Guide
TikTok
Error: "This account has been banned" Solution: Cannot connect banned accounts. Appeal ban through TikTok.
Error: "OAuth not available for this account type" Solution: Some Personal accounts can't use OAuth. Convert to Business.
Error: "Invalid client credentials" Solution: Contact support. Technical configuration issue.
📖 Full Guide: TikTok Connection Guide
Advanced Troubleshooting
Check OAuth Token
For technical users, verify token in browser console:
// Open console (F12)
// Check if token exists in localStorage
console.log(localStorage.getItem('oauth_token'));
// If null or expired, need to reconnect
Network Issues
Test connectivity:
# Ping OAuth endpoints ping graph.facebook.com ping www.googleapis.com ping open-api.tiktok.com
Check firewall:
- Ensure OAuth URLs aren't blocked
- Check corporate firewall settings
- VPN may interfere with OAuth
Clear OAuth State
If stuck in OAuth loop:
// Open browser console (F12)
// Clear OAuth-related storage
localStorage.removeItem('oauth_state');
localStorage.removeItem('oauth_token');
sessionStorage.clear();
// Refresh page and try again
Prevention Best Practices
Avoid OAuth issues:
✅ Grant All Permissions: Don't skip or deny any ✅ Use Supported Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari ✅ Allow Cookies: Required for OAuth flow ✅ Disable Ad Blockers: Temporarily during connection ✅ Stable Internet: Don't connect on unstable networks ✅ One Attempt at a Time: Don't click Connect multiple times ✅ Read Error Messages: They often tell you exactly what's wrong
Still Having Issues?
If these solutions don't work:
1. Document the Error
- Take screenshot of error message
- Note exact error text
- Record steps that led to error
2. Try Alternative Method
- Different browser
- Different device
- Different network (e.g., mobile hotspot)
3. Check Platform Status
- Facebook Status
- Google Workspace Status
- Platform itself may be experiencing issues
4. Contact Support
Provide:
- Platform you're connecting (Facebook, Google, TikTok)
- Complete error message
- Screenshot
- Browser and operating system
- Steps you've already tried
Related Resources
- Platform Connections Overview - How OAuth works
- Meta Connection Guide - Facebook & Instagram
- Google Business Guide - Google Business Profile
- TikTok Connection Guide - TikTok
- Token Expiration - Handling expired tokens
Last updated: January 14, 2025