Fix Meta Ad Account Permission Errors

Struggling with Meta ad account permission errors? Here's how to fix them quickly and prevent disruptions to your campaigns. These errors often happen because of expired tokens, missing permissions, or misconfigurations. They can block you from accessing, editing, or managing Facebook and Instagram ads.

Key Solutions:

• Check Roles: Ensure you're assigned the correct role (Admin, Advertiser, or Analyst) in Business Manager.

• Update Permissions: Verify both ad account and Page-level access. Missing permissions are a common issue.

• Refresh Tokens: Expired or corrupted tokens can block access. Re-authenticate and refresh them.

• Accept Agreements: Check for pending Meta agreements and accept them to restore access.

• Monitor Activity: Use Meta's tools to track changes and prevent unauthorized access.

Common Errors and Fixes:

• "Not authorized to perform action": Likely due to insufficient permissions - request the proper role.

• "Ad account access denied": Verify your Business Manager role and Page permissions.

• API issues: For developers, ensure correct API permissions like ads_management and ads_read.

Pro Tip: Regular permission audits and tools like AdAmigo.ai can simplify managing multiple accounts, ensuring smooth ad operations.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and prevent future issues, keeping your campaigns running without interruptions.

Common Permission Errors and Why They Happen

Types of Errors

Meta ad permission errors often come with vague messages, leaving you scratching your head. Here are some of the most frequent ones that can disrupt your campaigns:

• Not authorized to perform action: This pops up when you're trying to create, edit, or manage ads without the necessary permissions.

• Ad account access denied: Even if Meta recognizes your login, this error means you don’t have the rights to access or manage the specific ad account. It’s a common issue in Business Manager setups with multiple account managers.

• Invalid credentials: This usually happens when access tokens expire or become corrupted. It’s especially common if you’re using third-party tools or haven’t logged into Meta for a while.

• Error #1487194: This indicates that the object you’re trying to access isn’t visible to you or is restricted to certain account types. For instance, uploading a video directly into Ads Manager instead of posting it to your Facebook Page first can trigger this error.

Other specific errors include not seeing your Page's name in the dropdown menu while creating ads (error #1443121), ads being flagged as "no longer available" immediately after creation (error #2446289), or being unable to edit call-to-action buttons on ads made from existing posts (error #1815563).

Now, let’s dig into what typically causes these errors.

Root Causes

Permission errors usually arise from a mix of configuration issues, outdated settings, and security measures. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits:

• Expired OAuth tokens: Third-party tools rely on tokens that can expire. If they’re not refreshed, you’ll likely encounter credential-related errors.

• Incorrect Business Manager roles: Meta assigns roles like Admin, Advertiser, and Analyst. If you’re assigned a role that only allows data viewing (like Analyst) but try to create or edit ads, you'll run into issues.

• Unaccepted Meta agreements: Meta occasionally updates its advertising policies or terms. If you miss accepting these updates, your access can be blocked until you agree.

• Missing page permissions and file issues: Ad account access doesn’t automatically grant control over Facebook Pages. Without proper page-level permissions, errors are inevitable. Similarly, media files need to be stored via your Page, not uploaded directly into Ads Manager.

• Security restrictions: Facebook may restrict access if it detects unusual activity. Additionally, having multiple accounts with similar names can cause confusion, leading you to log into an account without the right permissions.

• Two-factor authentication mismatches: If your personal Facebook account and Business Manager account have mismatched security settings, you might experience inconsistent access.

To help you troubleshoot, here’s a quick reference table linking common problems to their likely causes:

Managing multiple assets can add layers of complexity. For example, if another admin changes your role - downgrading you from Admin to a lower level - you could lose critical management capabilities without even realizing it.

How to resolve permission-related errors in Facebook ads manager | English

How to Check and Update Permissions

To ensure smooth operations and resolve access issues, it's essential to verify your permissions across Meta's platforms. Permissions in Meta are structured across three levels: your Business Manager role, your ad account access, and your Page-level permissions. Each of these needs to be reviewed carefully.

Meta Business Manager Role Types

Meta categorizes permissions for ad accounts into three distinct roles. Understanding these roles is key to troubleshooting access problems.

Admin: This role grants full control over the ad account. Admins can view all campaigns and reports, create and edit ads, manage payment methods, and control user access. Because of the ability to make changes that impact billing and account security, Admin access should be limited to a few trusted team members.

Advertiser: This role is designed for day-to-day campaign management. Advertisers can create and edit ads, access performance reports, and view billing details. However, they cannot modify account settings or manage user permissions. This role is ideal for those actively managing ad campaigns.

Analyst: The most restricted role, Analyst access allows users to view campaign performance and generate reports. They cannot make changes to ads, budgets, or account settings. This role is suitable for stakeholders who need to monitor results without altering campaigns.

If you encounter errors like "not authorized to perform action", it's likely because your role doesn't permit the action you're attempting - for example, trying to pause a campaign as an Analyst.

To check your current role, navigate to Business Settings > People. Here, you'll find your account and the associated permission levels for each business asset. If your permissions are incorrect, an Admin can update them for you.

Once you've confirmed your Business Manager role, review your connected Page permissions to ensure you have the necessary access for ad management.

Checking Page-Level Access

Ad account permissions are only part of the equation. You also need the right access to the Facebook Pages linked to your campaigns. Many errors stem from having ad account access but insufficient Page-level permissions.

To check your Page-level access, go to Business Settings > Pages, select the relevant Page, and review your permissions. To create and manage ads, you’ll need either Full control or Partial access:

• Full control: Grants complete management rights over the Page, including posts, settings, and advertising.

• Partial access: Typically allows ad creation and insights viewing but may restrict other management functions.

If your permissions are insufficient, ask a colleague with the necessary access to update your role. For Instagram ads, ensure your professional Instagram account is linked to the corresponding Facebook Page to avoid errors.

You can also verify Page permissions through Meta Business Suite. Log in, select All tools from the sidebar, then go to Page settings and Page roles. This section lists everyone managing the Page and their permission levels. If adjustments are needed, a Page admin can update your role by selecting Manage next to your name and changing your access level as required.

Step-by-Step Permission Error Fixes

If you're still running into permission errors despite having the correct roles, it's time to dig deeper. These targeted troubleshooting steps can help you pinpoint and resolve the most common causes that block access to your Meta ad accounts.

Re-authentication and Token Refresh

Access tokens act as digital keys, letting apps and tools connect to your Meta ad account. When these tokens expire or become corrupted, permission errors can pop up - even if your account access appears to be correct.

Understanding Token Expiration:
Meta uses two types of access tokens: short-lived tokens (lasting 1–2 hours) and long-lived tokens (lasting up to 60 days). When these tokens expire, they often cause access issues.

"The only way to tell if a cookie is valid is to use it and catch the error if it is expired."

• Nate Totten [2]

To refresh your authentication, start by clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Head to your browser's privacy or security settings, clear the cache and cookies specifically for Facebook and Meta domains, and re-authenticate by logging out of all Meta platforms. Once you've done that, log back in through the service you're trying to access.

"To get a new token, simply redirect the user to the authentication page again. Because they have already authorized your app they will instantly be redirected back to your app and you will have a new token. They won't be prompted to allow since they have already done that."

• Nate Totten [2]

For developers using Meta's Marketing API, you’ll need to set up token refresh mechanisms within your applications. Since Facebook no longer supports the "behalf of" mode for token refresh, users must be redirected to the Facebook login page for re-authorization when their tokens expire.

If refreshing your authentication and tokens doesn’t solve the issue, it's time to take a closer look at user roles.

Adjusting User Roles

Once authentication is squared away, verify and update user roles to ensure the right permissions are in place. Incorrect roles are a frequent culprit behind permission errors. Even if a user appears to have access, their role might not allow them to perform certain tasks.

To check and adjust roles, open Business Manager, Meta Business Suite, or Ads Manager. Under People, locate the user in question and review their permissions. You can make changes by clicking Options next to their name and selecting Edit business portfolio permissions for broader changes, or Manage under Assigned assets to adjust permissions for individual assets. In some cases, you may need to remove the user entirely by selecting Remove user and then re-adding them with the correct permissions.

Keep in mind that business portfolio permissions override individual asset settings. Even if a user has the correct role for a specific asset, limited portfolio access can block them from completing tasks that require higher-level permissions.

Adding New Team Members:
To bring new team members on board, go to Business Settings > People and click + Invite people. Enter the person’s email address, assign the appropriate access type, choose the assets they need access to, and set task-based permissions. The recipient will receive an email invitation to join.

Accepting Meta Agreements

Outdated agreements can also cause permission errors. Here’s how to confirm compliance and avoid interruptions.

Log into Meta Business Manager and head to Business Settings > Legal. Check for any pending agreements. Look for notification banners or alerts at the top of your dashboard or in the notifications section that indicate agreements requiring action.

Agreements like the Custom Audience Terms may need to be accepted periodically to maintain full access to Meta's advertising features. Any agreements marked as "Pending" or "Action Required" should be reviewed and accepted immediately.

Staying Compliant:
Set up a regular routine - monthly works well - to check for agreement updates. Designate an administrator to monitor Meta notifications and emails, so any new terms can be reviewed and accepted promptly, avoiding potential account restrictions.

Advanced Solutions for Stubborn Errors

When basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to turn to more advanced technical methods. These solutions focus on deeper, system-level issues that often cause persistent permission errors in Meta ad accounts.

Adjusting API Permissions

Sometimes, permission errors stem from problems at the API level, which affect how your tools interact with Meta’s systems. These require intervention via Meta’s developer tools and API settings.

Breaking Down API Permissions

Meta uses specific permissions to control what apps can access. For ad management, the two key permissions are ads_management and ads_read. According to Meta:

The ads_management permission allows your app to both read and manage the Ads account it owns, or has been granted access to, by the Ad account owner [3].

Similarly:

The ads_read permission allows your app to access the Ads Insights API to pull Ads report information for Ad accounts you own or have been granted access to by the owner or owners of other ad accounts through this permission [3].

Identifying API Permission Issues

Use Meta’s Access Token Debugger to diagnose permission-related problems [4]. Head to the Facebook for Developers site, paste your access token into the debugger, and review the permissions list. Missing permissions? You’ll need to generate a new token with the correct scope.

Resolving Permission Gaps

If permissions are missing, generate a fresh access token that includes the necessary scopes. Follow Meta’s instructions for token refresh. For instance, SmarterQueue shared a guide in December 2024 detailing how to reauthorize permissions by removing the app from Facebook’s Business Integrations and reconnecting it with all relevant toggles enabled. This can help avoid future publishing errors.

Once permissions are updated, check for rate limits or policy violations before proceeding.

Dealing with Rate Limits and Policy Violations

If you encounter "API Too Many Calls" errors, slow down your request frequency. For policy-related blocks, review Meta’s Policy Enforcement guidelines [4][5]. Meta advises:

If you are sending marketing messages, and Meta chose not to deliver, do not retry immediately. Instead, retry in increasing larger time increments [4].

If API adjustments don’t resolve the issue, the problem might be tied to your account’s status, requiring further recovery steps.

Recovering Locked Ad Accounts

If authentication and API settings don’t resolve the issue, the next step is to check your account’s status. Locked accounts often present some of the toughest challenges, requiring direct action with Meta support.

Account Status: Closed vs. Disabled

Before recovery, determine if your account is closed or disabled. Closed accounts often result from inactivity or funding issues, while disabled accounts typically stem from policy violations. Meta clarifies:

A closed ad account is not the same as a disabled ad account. An ad account may be disabled if you're facing advertising restrictions for not following the Advertising Standards or other policies and terms [6].

Reactivating Closed Accounts

For closed accounts, recovery is usually straightforward if you have full access to the ad account or business portfolio [6]. In Meta Ads Manager, look for the "Reactivate account" banner, follow the prompts, and add a valid funding source. You may also need to update your business information.

Recovering Disabled Accounts

Disabled accounts require a more detailed process. Start by visiting Meta Business Support Home and selecting the restricted account. You’ll be guided through steps like identity confirmation, verification, enabling two-factor authentication, or submitting a review.

Identity Verification

Have all necessary documents ready, such as government-issued ID, email, phone number, and payment details. In Business Support Home, navigate to "Account status overview", select the restricted account, and follow the verification steps.

Submitting an Appeal

For policy-related issues, submit a review request. Address the specific policy concerns outlined in the restriction notice. Keep in mind:

Accounts that have been disabled for more than 180 days cannot be reinstated [7].

Getting Help from Meta Support

Heath Media Agency, which manages over 100 client ad accounts, recommends working directly with Meta support:

Connecting with a live support rep is the most effective way to get action on your disabled Facebook ad account fast [8].

Visit the Facebook Business Help Center to find current contact options. If you have a dedicated Meta representative, reach out to them for faster assistance.

Alternative Options

If all else fails, consider creating new ad and business accounts. This may involve setting up new Business Manager profiles or even new business entities, depending on the restrictions involved.

How to Prevent Future Permission Problems

Staying ahead of Meta ad account permission issues is the smartest way to avoid disruptions. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, savvy advertisers put systems in place to catch potential issues before they escalate. Here’s how you can do the same.

Regular Permission Audits

Conducting monthly permission reviews is a proactive way to minimize disruptions. Start by keeping a record of every user's access details, including their role and the date access was granted. A simple spreadsheet can do the trick - list user names, email addresses, assigned roles, and the date permissions were provided. This document becomes your go-to reference for future audits.

When reviewing permissions, make sure user roles align with their current responsibilities. For instance, if a marketing intern was granted Admin access for a project six months ago, they probably don’t need that level of access anymore. Keeping roles properly aligned ensures smoother operations and clearer accountability within your team.

Pay extra attention to high-risk roles like Admin and Finance Editor, as these carry the most potential for harm if compromised. In most cases, roles like Advertiser or Analyst provide enough access for day-to-day tasks without exposing your account to unnecessary risks.

It’s also a good idea to establish a formal workflow for permission changes. This should include an approval process and documentation of who requested the change, when it was implemented, and who approved it. This prevents temporary elevated permissions from becoming permanent by accident.

As your business grows or restructures, make sure your account structures reflect these changes. Misaligned hierarchies can lead to confusing permission issues that are harder to untangle later. Regular audits, combined with automated alerts, help you maintain a clear and secure permissions system.

Setting Up Alerts and Logs

While manual audits are essential, automated monitoring adds an extra layer of protection for your ad accounts. Meta offers built-in tools to track every change made to your campaigns, ad sets, and ads. These tools are invaluable for spotting issues early.

Meta Ads Manager tracks all changes made to ad campaigns, ad sets, and ads, allowing users to view activity history [9].

To access this feature, go to Ads Manager, click the account dropdown, and select "Account Overview." Here, you’ll find detailed logs that show who made changes, what was modified, and when it happened.

Make it a habit to review activity logs weekly. Keep an eye out for red flags like multiple failed login attempts, permission changes made outside of business hours, or unauthorized modifications by users who shouldn’t have that level of access.

The importance of log analysis was highlighted in the 2009 Verizon Data Breach Report:

"The apparent ineffectiveness of event monitoring and log analysis continues to be somewhat of an enigma. The opportunity for detection is there; investigators noted that 66 percent of victims had sufficient evidence available within their logs to discover the breach had they been more diligent in analyzing such resources" [10].

Set up email notifications for critical account changes. While Meta’s notification options may not be highly customizable, you can configure Business Manager to alert you when new users are added, roles are updated, or payment methods are changed.

Maintain centralized logs of all permission-related activities. This includes user additions, role changes, account access updates, and any permission errors. Centralized logs make it easier to identify patterns or recurring issues.

Enable auditing for all service accounts and check logs routinely [11].

If you use third-party tools or APIs that connect to your Meta accounts, this step becomes even more critical.

Finally, establish clear escalation procedures for suspicious activity. Define who should be notified, how quickly they need to respond, and the immediate steps required to secure the account.

Effective prevention isn’t a one-time effort - it requires constant attention. As the digital advertising landscape evolves, so should your permission management practices. By combining regular audits with automated monitoring, you’ll build a strong defense against the errors that could otherwise disrupt your campaigns.

How AdAmigo.ai Simplifies Meta Ad Management

Managing Meta ad accounts can be a headache, especially when juggling permissions, troubleshooting errors, or trying to keep campaigns running smoothly. That’s where AdAmigo.ai steps in. By leveraging AI to handle error detection and streamline role management, this platform takes the complexity out of Meta ad management. Here’s how it works.

AI-Powered Optimization and Troubleshooting

AdAmigo.ai acts like your personal assistant for Meta ad accounts, keeping a constant eye out for permission issues like expired tokens or missing roles. As a Meta Business Technology Partner, it integrates directly with Meta, analyzing account structures, user permissions, and campaign performance. When something’s off, it doesn’t just identify the problem - it offers straightforward, actionable steps to fix it.

The platform’s centralized dashboard is a lifesaver for agencies or businesses with multiple accounts. Instead of jumping between accounts, you get a single view of access control status across your entire portfolio. This is particularly useful for agencies managing numerous clients or brands with multiple business units.

AdAmigo.ai’s AI-driven monitoring works around the clock, flagging unusual access patterns or permission changes in real time. This proactive approach means you’re not stuck combing through logs to catch potential issues.

The automated recommendations feature goes beyond just pointing out problems. Whether it’s refreshing tokens, updating roles, or accepting new Meta agreements, the platform gives you step-by-step guidance to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

Bulk Ad Management and Access Control

Managing dozens - or even hundreds - of Meta ad accounts manually is a time sink. AdAmigo.ai tackles this with its bulk ad launching tool, allowing you to launch hundreds of ads with a single click. At the same time, it ensures access controls remain intact, so you’re not sacrificing security for speed.

This bulk capability isn’t limited to ads. AdAmigo.ai also simplifies permission management. Need to update user roles across multiple accounts? Instead of painstakingly adjusting each Business Manager account, you can make changes across your entire portfolio in one go. This feature is a game-changer for agencies, ensuring that access levels are consistent and up-to-date. Plus, it helps you spot and revoke permissions for former employees or temporary roles that are no longer needed.

Setting up AdAmigo.ai is quick and easy. Just connect your accounts, complete a short onboarding process, and you’ll get instant recommendations to optimize performance. Pricing starts at $99 per month per Meta ad account[12], making it a practical choice for businesses of all sizes looking to simplify Meta ad management without compromising on security.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Let’s recap the key points and outline what to do next to keep your Meta ad account secure and running smoothly.

Permission errors in Meta ad accounts don’t have to throw your campaigns off track. The best strategy is a mix of quick troubleshooting and proactive planning. When an issue arises, start with the basics: re-authenticate your integration, double-check that user roles match their responsibilities, and confirm that all Meta agreements are accepted. For step-by-step instructions, refer back to the troubleshooting tips shared earlier.

Prevention is equally critical. Businesses that follow Meta’s structured permission hierarchy report 40% fewer workflow disruptions[1]. To stay ahead of potential issues, conduct regular permission audits, enable two-factor authentication (using tools like Google Authenticator), and restrict admin access to only those who absolutely need it. As HeartCore Growth highlighted in 2024:

"The structured approach allowed teams to clearly define responsibilities while maintaining security protocols."[1]

For companies managing multiple accounts or dealing with complex permissions, manual oversight can become overwhelming. That’s where AI-powered tools like AdAmigo.ai come into play. This platform provides real-time monitoring to catch permission issues before they affect your campaigns. Its centralized dashboard offers a clear view of all accounts, making management easier and more efficient. Starting at $98 per month, it’s a smart investment to prevent downtime and improve ad operations.

Here’s what to do next: apply the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide, set up routine permission audits, and explore automation tools to simplify your Meta ad management. By combining strong protocols with advanced tools, you’ll protect your campaigns from unnecessary disruptions and maximize their performance. Regular audits and role reviews, as discussed earlier, will ensure your campaigns stay on track without interruptions.

FAQs

How can I keep my Meta ad account permissions updated and avoid errors in the future?

To keep your Meta ad account running smoothly and avoid unnecessary errors, make it a habit to review and adjust user access in Ads Manager. Assign roles thoughtfully, following the principle of least privilege - this means giving team members only the access they need to perform their specific tasks. For added security, make sure everyone with access enables two-factor authentication (2FA).

Regularly auditing permissions is another smart move. This helps you spot and remove outdated or unnecessary access, keeping your account organized and secure. Staying informed about Meta’s latest policies and guidelines will also help you avoid compliance issues and permission-related problems. These simple steps can make ad management more efficient and minimize potential disruptions.

How do I troubleshoot and fix permission issues in my Meta ad account?

If you're having trouble with permissions on your Meta ad account, here are a few steps to help you sort things out:

• Double-check your permissions: Make sure the ad account owner has assigned you the right permissions, like ads_management or ads_read.

• Look for pending invitations: Sometimes, Meta invitations can be hidden. Check for any outstanding invites and accept them if necessary.

• Reconnect your account: Re-authenticate your Meta Ads integration and adjust permissions if required.

• Use the correct profile: Ensure you're logged into the Facebook account that's linked to the ad account in question.

• Turn off ad blockers: Browser extensions, especially ad blockers, can interfere with Meta’s tools. Disable them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.

These steps should help you tackle most permission-related hiccups and get back to managing your campaigns without a hitch.

How can I manage multiple Meta ad accounts effectively to avoid permission errors and ensure security?

To keep your Meta ad accounts running smoothly and avoid permission-related issues, here are some practical tips:

• Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.

• Set User Roles Wisely: Use Meta Business Manager to assign roles like Admin, Advertiser, or Analyst based on what each team member actually needs. This reduces the chances of mistakes or unauthorized changes.

• Audit Permissions Regularly: Go through account permissions periodically to spot and remove outdated or unnecessary access. This helps keep your accounts secure and compliant.

On top of that, keep an eye on account activity for anything unusual, like unexpected logins or sudden changes. These steps go a long way in safeguarding your ad accounts and keeping everything running smoothly.

Related posts

• Fix Bulk Ad Launch Errors in Meta Ads Manager

• How to Appeal a Disabled Meta Ad Account

• Meta Ad Account Roles and Permissions Explained