If your Instagram DM automation isn't firing the way you expect, work through the checks below to find out why.
Check your automation's schedule
Under Settings → Schedule, the Run anytime (24/7) toggle controls when your automation is allowed to run.
- If this toggle is off, the automation only runs during its configured hours. A trigger outside those hours will not fire it.
- If you want the automation to respond at any time, make sure this toggle is turned on.
Check the "once per user" setting
Under Settings, the Once per user toggle prevents an automation from firing for the same user more than once.
- If this is turned on and a user has already completed the automation, it will not re-trigger for that same user, even with a new matching message.
- To test the same automation repeatedly with one account, turn this toggle off, or use a different test user each time.
Test with a different Instagram profile
- If you test using the same profile the automation is set up for, it will not fire as expected.
- Use a separate Instagram account to send your test message. The automation is designed to respond to messages from other users, not from the profile it runs on.
Watch for message requests
- If there has not been prior interaction with the account, the DM may land in message requests instead of the main inbox.
- The person needs to accept the opening DM before the rest of the automation actions can run.
- Once accepted, the automation continues normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why didn't my automation fire when I sent a test DM?
A: Check whether you tested from the same profile the automation is set up for, whether the message landed in message requests, whether the automation's schedule covers the current time, or whether once per user is blocking a repeat trigger.
Q: What does "once per user" do?
A: It prevents the automation from firing more than once for the same user. Once a user completes the sequence, they will not trigger it again, even if the automation stays active.
Q: Does a message in message requests count as received by the automation?
A: The DM needs to be accepted first. Once the person accepts the opening DM, the automation's remaining actions can run.
Need help?
Reach out to our support team, and we are happy to help.
Related Reading:
Getting Started with Inbox & Review Automations
Inbox Automation Triggers & Actions by Network
Data Collection with DM Automations
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