When Instagram plugins or theme widgets give you this error Instagram did not return a 200 this means that the connection to the Instagram API has failed.
This error happens often in themes and plugins, a lot of users need help to fix this. So let's debug what can cause the missing 200 Instagram response codes.
If you have a Wir theme installed and you get the “Instagram did not return a 200” means that the theme widget API doesn't get the 200 code.
The HTTP 200 code means that the request Instagram API makes returns with success.
There are three main reasons:
- Your plugin or theme use an old version of the API
- Check your Instagram Credentials
- Instagram Page isn't public
- Instagram has blocked your server IP
Your plugin or theme use an old version of the Instagram API
When you have a WordPress Theme that is not updated recently you can get this error: “Instagram did not return a 200”. Instagram has updated its API in October 2018.
So if you have any theme or plugin not updated after this date probably your Instagram API will not return the magical 200 response.
In 2019 Instagram has updated again his API so all the WordPress Themes and Plugins need to be updated with the new Instagram API.
Debugging this issue can be easy by installing some third-party free plugin from the WordPress Repository and checking if after the installation everything will be ok. Keep in mind that the plugin has to be updated constantly like Instagram Feed
You can check this plugin page on WordPress Repository too: Instagram Plugins
In case you will see that everything is ok with the new plugin, you have to check for the theme update or contact directly the theme developers.
Check your Instagram Credentials
Most of the WordPress plugins and themes give instructions on how to get Instagram Credentials like Token and Secret Key anyway I will give you the direct link: Instagram Get Access Token
Sometimes we can have the wrong access token and our Instagram plugin or widget doesn't work.
Instagram Page isn't public
This seems very dummy but lot of people try to show the posts of an Instagram page and they fail because the page is private.
You have only to change the Instagram page status from Private to Public.
Instagram has blocked your server IP
This is one of the most difficult problems in dealing with missing the Instagram 200 response. When your hosting provider or server IP is blocked, means that you or in the case of shared hosting someone else has violated some Instagram rules.
Sometimes can be that Instagram has blocked the Client's IP address so in that case, you have only to open the website within a VPN and check if the Instagram widget works. In that case, the problem is only on your client's pc IP address.
When the issue has to do with your hosting IP address you have to contact Instagram support and ask them about this issue.
If the IP is blacklisted I suggest you change the server IP address or your shared hosting provider.
There is also a great Slack channel for Instagram Developers: Slack Instagram Developer Community
Instagram Developer Support Page
Check also our other post: What is the best Instagram profile picture size?
Ludjon, who co-founded Codeless, possesses a deep passion for technology and the web. With over a decade of experience in constructing websites and developing widely-used WordPress themes, Ludjon has established himself as an accomplished expert in the field.
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