Summary
Webhook test payloads from the Meta Developer Dashboard arrive correctly at my server, but real messages from tester accounts are never delivered as webhook events.
What works
- Flask server exposed with ngrok.
- Webhook verified successfully with challenge.
- Sending test payload from Meta Dashboard → webhook handler logs the event.
What fails
- Added an Instagram Tester account via App Roles.
- Tester accepted invitation.
- Tester DMs the connected Instagram Business account.
- No webhook event is triggered (nothing in server logs)
Setup Details
- Instagram Business Account connected to my app.
- Access token generated via Instagram Login.
- Flask + ngrok used for webhook exposure.
- Subscribed to
messages field under Instagram Webhooks.
Observations
- Docs say:
In development mode, webhooks are delivered only for the IG Business account and testers.
- However, even after tester acceptance, no events are fired.
Example Logs
Test payload (works):
{"field":"messages","value":{"sender":{"id":"1234"},"recipient":{"id":"5678"},"message":{"text":"random_text"}}}
Real tester DM (fails): No event received.
Question:
Are there any hidden requirements not listed in docs
to receive tester messages in development mode?
Summary
Webhook test payloads from the Meta Developer Dashboard arrive correctly at my server, but real messages from tester accounts are never delivered as webhook events.
What works
What fails
Setup Details
messagesfield under Instagram Webhooks.Observations
Example Logs
Test payload (works):
{"field":"messages","value":{"sender":{"id":"1234"},"recipient":{"id":"5678"},"message":{"text":"random_text"}}}Real tester DM (fails): No event received.
Question:
Are there any hidden requirements not listed in docs
to receive tester messages in development mode?