---
title: Instagram Messenger
slug: instagram-messenger
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-12-19T13:10:46.870Z
---

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to integrate the Instagram Direct API with Sanoflow, along with a detailed breakdown of Meta’s requirements for using the Instagram API.

# Steps to Connect Instagram to Sanoflow

1. **Log in to Sanoflow and:**
   - From the left-hand menu, go to **Settings > Integrations.**
   - Go to the **Add Channel** tab.
   - Click on **+ Add** next to the Instagram integration.
2. **Authenticate with Facebook:**
   - You’ll be redirected to a Facebook login page. Log in with your Facebook credentials.
3. **Grant Permissions:**
   - Choose the Instagram accounts you want Sanoflow to access. You can opt for:
     - **All current and future Instagram accounts** or
     - **Current Instagram accounts only.**
   - Click **Continue.**
4. **Review Access Requests:**
   - Review the permissions Sanoflow is requesting, which may include:
     - Accessing profile and posts from the Instagram account connected to your Page.
     - Managing and accessing messages for the Instagram account.
     - Managing settings and webhooks for the Page.
   - Click **Save.**
5. **Complete the Setup:**
   - Once redirected back to Sanoflow, a small window will pop up prompting you to choose the name and the Instagram account of choice.
   - Ensure your team has access to the account from the Users > Teams settings page.

# Meta’s Requirements for Instagram Integration

Meta imposes the following requirements to ensure compliance and optimal usage of the Instagram Direct API:

- The Instagram account must be a Business account.
- It must be linked to a Facebook Page.
- You must have admin access to both accounts.

# Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. **Error During Integration**
   - **Issue:** Unable to connect the Instagram account to Sanoflow.
   - **Solution:** Ensure the Instagram account is a business account and linked to a Facebook page in your Business Manager.
2. **Messages Not Sending or Receiving**
   - **Issue:** Conversations fail to load, or messages do not deliver.
   - **Solution:  **First, ensure you have Admin access to the Meta Account. Then update the access token following these steps:
     - Go to Settings in Sanoflow
     - Click on Integrations 
     - Click on the button "Manage" on the far right of the Instageam channel
     - Click on "Troubleshoot" 
     - Click on the "Fix" button; it should take you to a Facebook login page.
     - Follow the steps by clicking on Reconnect, then Submit.
     - Your integration should be back to normal now.
   - ***Tip: ****It is advised to refresh the token twice a month to ensure no disruption is caused.*
3. **Missing Instagram Account**
   - **Issue:** The Instagram account doesn’t appear during setup.
   - **Solution:** Ensure the account is connected to a Facebook page in the same Business Manager account used for the integration.

# FAQs

1. **What is the Instagram Direct API?** 
   - The Instagram Direct API allows businesses to integrate their Instagram messaging features with tools like Sanoflow to manage customer interactions and streamline communication.
2. **Do I need a Facebook account to use the integration?** 
   - Yes, you must have your Instagram Business account connected to a Facebook Page to use the Instagram Direct API.
3. **Can I integrate multiple Instagram accounts with Sanoflow?** 
   - Yes, you can integrate multiple Instagram Business accounts. You need to repeat the integration steps for each account.
4. **Is there a fee to use the Instagram Direct API with Sanoflow?** 
   - There are no fees for sending and receiving Instagram messages.
5. **Can I use the Instagram Direct API for personal accounts?** 
   - No, the API is only available for Instagram Business accounts linked to a Facebook Page.
6. **How do I troubleshoot if the integration fails?** 
   - Ensure that:
     - Your Instagram account is a Business or Creator account.
     - The account is connected to a Facebook Page.
     - You granted all necessary permissions during the setup. If issues persist, check your Facebook Business Manager settings or contact Sanoflow support for assistance.