Instagram connections disconnecting from your ShopWired account
Some ShopWired users have reported that their Instagram integration disconnects unexpectedly. This occurs when the access token, used to maintain the connection between your Instagram account and ShopWired, is revoked or expires.
This is a common issue affecting all platforms that integrate with Instagram, including Hootsuite, Buffer and Eclincher. It is caused by Instagram and Facebook's security systems, which regularly revoke tokens in response to specific patterns of activity that they deem suspicious.
- Hootsuite: Safeguard against social account disconnections
- Buffer: How to reconnect an Instagram Business account
- Eclincher: Facebook tokens keep expiring / Instagram Business tokens keep expiring
Token expiry and automatic renewal
When you connect Instagram to ShopWired, an access token is issued by Instagram (via Facebook). This token has a maximum lifespan of 60 days. ShopWired refreshes this token automatically to maintain the connection. However, in many cases, the token may expire or be revoked before the 60-day period has passed.
This behaviour is by design. Instagram and Facebook prioritise account security and may invalidate tokens at any time based on how the account is being used.
Unfortunately ShopWired doesn't have any control over this.
Common reasons Instagram tokens become invalid
Multiple logins from different locations or devices
Instagram and Facebook may invalidate tokens when login activity is detected from multiple devices or geographic locations. This includes switching between a phone, tablet, and desktop computer, especially if using different networks or IP addresses.
According to Hootsuite, “social networks can disconnect accounts when they detect users signing in to the same account from different devices, web browsers, or geographic locations.”
Frequent logins and logouts
Signing in and out of your Instagram account frequently, or switching between multiple Instagram accounts on the same device, can trigger token revocation. Instagram treats this as a potential security risk.
Sharing login credentials
Using a single Instagram login across multiple people or team members increases the likelihood of token expiration. Instagram recommends using Facebook’s Business Manager to assign roles and grant access, instead of sharing passwords between users.
Changing your Instagram or Facebook password
When the password for your Instagram or linked Facebook account is changed, all existing tokens are immediately invalidated. This forces a disconnection from ShopWired or any other connected service.
Removing ShopWired from authorised apps
If the ShopWired app is manually removed from your authorised apps list on Facebook or Instagram, the token is revoked and the integration is disconnected.
Role or permission changes
Access tokens are tied to the permissions granted at the time of connection. If your role on the linked Facebook Page or Instagram Business account is changed or removed, the token may no longer have the permissions it needs to function.
Facebook or Instagram account checkpoints
Accounts flagged by Meta’s security systems for suspicious behaviour may be placed in a “checkpoint” state. This can include forced logout, two-factor authentication prompts, or temporary verification checks. In these cases, tokens are commonly revoked as a precaution.
Recommendations to reduce disconnections
- Avoid logging in and out of your Instagram account frequently
- Avoid switching between accounts on the same device
- Do not share login credentials between multiple people
- Assign other users access using Facebook Business Manager roles instead of sharing your password
- Do not remove the ShopWired app from your authorised apps list on Facebook or Instagram
- Do not change your Instagram or Facebook password unless absolutely necessary
- Ensure your Instagram Business account is correctly linked to a Facebook Page that you manage
- Avoid accessing your Instagram account from multiple networks or locations in a short timeframe
If the connection between your Instagram account and ShopWired becomes disconnected, reconnect it through the Instagram app settings in your ShopWired account.
Disconnections are a result of Instagram’s security policies and affect all platforms using their API. While ShopWired attempts to maintain the connection automatically, these measures are controlled by Meta and cannot be overridden. Understanding what causes disconnections can help reduce their frequency.
