Fixing "App Not Active" Facebook Login Error

Problem Statement

When implementing Facebook Login in a Laravel application using Laravel Socialite, developers often encounter the error message:

"App not active: This app is not currently accessible and the app developer is aware of the issue. You will be able to log in when the app is reactivated."

This error typically occurs during development or testing when your Facebook app is in Development Mode and the user attempting to log in isn't properly authorized.

Root Cause

Facebook apps in Development Mode have restricted access. Only specific users (developers, testers, and administrators) can interact with the app. The error appears when:

• Your app is in Development Mode
• The Facebook account attempting to login isn't authorized as a test user
• Your app configuration lacks required privacy policy or data deletion URLs

Solutions

Method 1: Use Developer Account for Testing

Quick Fix

The simplest solution is to use the same Facebook account for testing that you used to create the app in the Facebook Developer Console.

Your developer account is automatically authorized, making it the easiest way to test during development.

Method 2: Add Test Users to Your App

If you need to test with multiple accounts:

1. Go to the Meta Developer Console
2. Select your app
3. Navigate to App Roles → Roles
4. Add the Facebook accounts you want to authorize as testers

WARNING

Ensure test users have active Facebook developer accounts. Otherwise, the login window may close without displaying any error message.

Method 3: Configure Basic App Settings

For apps that will go live, complete these required settings:

1. In your app settings, navigate to Settings → Basic
2. Add a valid Privacy Policy URL
3. Add a User Data Deletion URL
4. Save changes

INFO

You can use template privacy policies as a starting point, but ensure they're customized for your specific app.

Method 4: Set Appropriate API Permissions

For testing basic login functionality:

1. Go to developers.facebook.com/apps/your-app-id/app-review/permissions
2. Ensure public_profile has Advanced Access

Development Mode vs. Live Mode

Understanding App Modes

• Development Mode: Restricted to authorized testers only (causes the "App not active" error for unauthorized users)
• Live Mode: Accessible to the general public (requires complete app configuration and Facebook review for certain permissions)

If you're ready to make your app publicly available, you can switch from Development to Live mode in your app settings.

Best Practices

• Always test with authorized accounts during development
• Keep your app in Development Mode until it's ready for production
• Complete all required app settings before submitting for review
• Use distinct test accounts rather than personal developer accounts for comprehensive testing

Troubleshooting Tips

If you continue experiencing issues:

1. Verify the Facebook account you're testing with is added to your app's roles
2. Check that your app is either in Development Mode (with testers added) or Live Mode
3. Ensure all required URLs (privacy policy, data deletion) are properly configured
4. Clear your browser cache and cookies if login attempts seem cached

Implementing these solutions should resolve the "App not active" error and allow you to continue developing and testing your Facebook Login integration.