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Why is your Instagram widget displaying “Access Token expired” on your hotel website?

Understanding and resolving this connection problem

Key points:

  • The message “Access Token expired” means that the connection between Instagram and your widget has expired.
  • Simply generate a new access token in your tool (Elfsight, LightWidget, etc.).
  • This process does not delete your posts or your design.
  • The problem can recur every 60 to 90 days if the connection is not automatically renewed.

This error message often appears at the bottom of your hotel's Instagram feed. It simply indicates that the access token used to display the photos is no longer valid. Don't panic: this is a common problem, easily fixed in a few steps.

1. Understand the origin of the message

Each Instagram integration (via LightWidget, Elfsight, Flockler, etc.) relies on a security token provided by Meta. This token authorizes the widget to access your posts and renews automatically or manually depending on the configuration. When it expires, the widget can no longer retrieve your images, and the error "Access Token expired" is displayed instead of the feed.

💡 This expiration usually occurs:

  • After 60 to 90 days, depending on the type of connection;
  • If you have changed your Instagram or Facebook password;
  • If you have modified the permissions in Meta Business Suite;
  • Or if the widget uses an old, outdated token.

2. Regenerate a new access token

The solution is to reconnect your Instagram account to your widget. Here's the procedure depending on your tool:

For LightWidget:

  1. Log in to your account at lightwidget.com.
  2. Select your Instagram widget.
  3. Click on Reconnect Instagram account.
  4. Connect the desired Instagram business account.
  5. Save and copy the new integration code.
  6. Replace the old code on your site, then publish the changes.

For Elfsight or similar services:

  1. Open your dashboard.
  2. Access your Instagram Feed widget.
  3. Click on Connect Instagram account.
  4. Grant the requested permissions.
  5. Save and refresh the widget.

💡 Once reconnected, the message disappears immediately and the feed reloads automatically.

3. Prevent the problem from recurring

To prevent the token from expiring regularly:

  • Enable the “Long-lived token” option if available in your tool.
  • Don't change your logged-in Instagram account password too often.
  • Check every 2–3 months that the feed is displaying correctly on your site.

4. Check the publication on your website

After reconnecting, open your hotel website in a private browser. If the feed displays correctly, publish the changes and test on mobile. 💡 If the message persists, clear your browser cache or verify that the integration script has been replaced.

Conclusion

The message “Access Token expired” simply indicates that the connection between Instagram and your widget has expired. By regenerating a token via your integration tool, you can instantly restore the image feed without any content loss or design changes.