Trying to connect Instagram to Zorcha, but getting this message?
Instagram Business API: Your Instagram account is ineligible for using Instagram Business Messaging API.
Instagram is refusing messaging API access for this connection attempt. The message alone doesn't tell us why, and it isn't proof that your account is permanently banned. Start with the checks below before changing your automations.
1. Check the account you're connecting
Make sure the Instagram account shown during sign-in is the one you want to connect. It needs to be a professional account: Business or Creator, not Personal. Despite the word "Business" in the error, Meta's Instagram API supports both professional account types.
If you're unsure which type you have, check the account-type settings in Instagram. Don't switch an existing Creator account to Business just because this error appeared.
2. Review Instagram's Account Status
Open Instagram's settings and find Account Status. Look for removed content or features you can't use. If Instagram shows a restriction, follow its instructions and request a review where that option is available.
Use Instagram's Account Status guide for the steps on your device. If nothing is listed, continue with the connection checks; a clear status screen doesn't explain this error on its own.
3. Check access to messages
In the Instagram app, open your profile menu, then look under Messages and story replies and Message requests. Under Connected tools, check Allow access to messages. If it is off and you want Zorcha to manage your messages, turn it on.
This setting controls message access for connected tools, not just Zorcha. Menu names and availability can vary; use Instagram's message-access instructions if your screen differs. Treat this as a permission check, not a guaranteed fix for an eligibility restriction.
Meta says these connection settings are available for accounts connected to its business tools or third-party apps. If the setting isn't there, tell support rather than assuming that proves your account is restricted.
4. Try the connection again
Return to Zorcha and retry connecting the same account. If it was already connected, follow our Refresh Permissions guide. Review the permissions requested and allow the access needed for the features you use.
If sign-in keeps selecting the wrong account, try a private browser window and sign in to the intended account there. This helps isolate the saved login session; it cannot remove a restriction imposed by Meta. Don't delete your workspace or automations to retry.
5. Try linking your Instagram account to a Facebook Page
If the checks above haven't resolved the error and your Instagram account isn't linked to a Facebook Page, try connecting it to the Page you manage for the same business or creator profile. Then return to Zorcha and retry the connection.
Follow Meta's guide to connecting Instagram and a Facebook Page. If a Page is already linked, check that it's the correct one and that your Facebook account has access to manage it. Don't disconnect the Page or change business ownership just to troubleshoot this error.
A Facebook Page isn't required for every way of connecting Instagram. Try this as an extra connection check, not a guaranteed fix for an account restriction. If you're unsure whether it applies to your account, ask Zorcha support.
Still seeing the error?
Contact us through Zorcha's support chat or email [email protected]. Include:
Your Instagram username and Zorcha workspace name.
Whether the account is Business or Creator, and whether this is a first connection or a reconnect.
The exact error, when it happened, and which checks you've tried.
A screenshot of any Account Status restriction, with unrelated personal information removed.
Don't share passwords, login codes, access tokens, or the full login callback URL. We can investigate the Zorcha connection, but only Meta can review restrictions it places on an Instagram account. There is no confirmed recovery time for this error.