Step-by-step solutions to the five most commonly seen errors when setting up a new meta ad account that frustrate Meta Ads users most.
Every Meta Ads advertiser has been there: you're setting up what should be a straightforward ad account, and suddenly you're hit with a cryptic error code that brings everything to a halt. Whether you're launching your first Facebook ad or you're a seasoned marketer, these setup roadblocks are incredibly common—and incredibly frustrating.
The reality is that 5 specific errors account for the majority of Meta Ads setup problems. Once you know what these errors mean and how to fix them, you can get past these obstacles quickly and get back to what matters: running profitable campaigns.
The 5 Most Common Meta Ads Setup Errors
#1Error #1870034: Custom Audience Terms Not Accepted
What It Means:
You haven't agreed to Meta's Custom Audience terms, which are required before you can create or use custom audiences in your campaigns.
Why It Happens:
Meta requires explicit agreement to their Custom Audience terms before you can access these targeting features, especially when using customer data or website visitor information.
How to Fix:
Navigate to Ads Manager → Audiences → Custom Audience Terms (or visit the link provided in the API error message) and click "Accept". You can also find this at developers.facebook.com.
Error #1860014: "Go to your Page to edit this"
What It Means:
The ad or ad set was created via a boosted Page post, not directly in Ads Manager, so it has different editing restrictions.
Why It Happens:
When you boost a post directly from your Facebook Page, it creates a different type of campaign structure that can only be edited through specific channels.
How to Fix:
You have three options: duplicate the campaign/ad to create an editable version, rename it directly from the original location, or make edits via your Facebook Page or Business Suite where the boost was originally created.
Error #1815010: Payments Not Available for Your Role
What It Means:
Meta things your user role within the ad account doesn't have the necessary permissions to manage payments or billing information. I say “think” because even if you do have the proper permissions, this error will come up most of the time.
Why It Happens:
This commonly occurs in new ad accounts or shared accounts where user permissions haven't been properly configured for financial transactions.
How to Fix:
Have a second Admin create and publish a dummy campaign to initialize billing. This has worked every single time.
Error #1815199: No Access to Linked Instagram Account
What It Means:
Your ad account isn't properly linked or authorized with the Instagram account you're trying to use for your campaigns.
Why It Happens:
Instagram account connections can break due to password changes, account switches, or incomplete linking processes during initial setup.
How to Fix:
Re-link the correct Instagram account in Business Settings, or have an admin assign proper access permissions to your user account for the Instagram profile.
Error #1815694: User Lacks Necessary Permissions
What It Means:
You're attempting to perform actions that your current user role doesn't permit within the ad account or Business Manager.
Why It Happens:
User permissions in Meta Business accounts are granular and specific. You might have access to view campaigns but not edit them, or access to some features but not others.
How to Fix:
Contact an Admin to grant the necessary permissions in Business Settings. Ensure your user role includes all required access levels for the specific actions you need to perform.
Prevention Tips for Future Setup
Pro Tips to Avoid These Errors
- Always review Business Settings first - Check permissions, linked accounts, and payment methods before creating campaigns
- Use Ads Manager for campaign creation - Avoid boosting posts directly from Pages to maintain full editing control
- Accept all required terms upfront - Review and accept Custom Audience terms, payment terms, and platform policies
- Test with small campaigns first - Run test campaigns to identify permission issues before launching major initiatives
Get Back to Growing Your Business
Meta Ads errors don't have to derail your marketing efforts. With these solutions in your toolkit, you can quickly diagnose and resolve the most common setup issues, getting your campaigns live and driving results.
Remember that most Meta Ads errors stem from permission issues, account linking problems, or incomplete setup processes. By taking a systematic approach and following the specific solutions above, you'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time optimizing your campaigns for maximum ROI.
