Since this morning, Facebook App Developers have been pulling their hair because of a serious bug preventing them to add their apps on Facebook pages. Facebook is looking into the matter but meanwhile, I’ve found a workaround.
How to add a Facebook App on a Facebook Page ?
Previously (before the bug), we were able to add an application on a Facebook page using the following link : https://www.facebook.com/dialog/pagetab?app_id=311322128882333&redirect_uri=http://facebook.com/metz.students?sk=app_311322128882333 where the parameters :
- app_id : the id of your application
- redirect_uri : the Facebook page where you would like to be redirected after the application has been installed. The sk parameter of the redirect_uri allows the user to be redirected in the application on the redirected page. To illustrate this, imagine we are installing a Facebook App called A on a Facebook Page called B. This parameter allows the user to be redirected to the Facebook App A on the page Facebook page B.
Error Message
Due to the bug, using this method shows an error message when trying to add an application to a Facebook page :
Sorry, something went wrong.
We’re working on getting this fixed as soon as we can.
Workaround
Use a different link : https://www.facebook.com/add.php?api_key=311322128882333&pages=1 where the api_key parameter takes your application id. You will get a dropdown list from which you may choose the page on which you want the Facebook App to be added.
If you want to avoid having to choose the page from the dropdown list, you may add an extra parameter page to which you give the page id on which you want the app to be added. The page will automatically be chosen from the dropdown list and you will be able to click on “Add FACEBOOK_APP_NAME”.
Example : https://www.facebook.com/add.php?api_key=311322128882333&pages=1&page=8477178193
This workaround adds the application to one page at a time while the other way allowed multiple page adds at once. Besides, it only redirects to the destination page and not inside the app on the destination page. Nevertheless, it allows Facebook App Developers to continue working.
Bookmarklet
Ochoa Joseadrian has developed a bookmarklet which makes it easier for developers to use – a simple click on the bookmark from the browser when on the configuration page of a Facebook App redirects to the Facebook App Page Tab Add interface.
Aswin Lutchanah
June 7, 2012 at 10:23 am
Facebook announces a fix for the bug :
“We have a fix for this issue and it will be pushed on Thursday, June 7. Stay tuned.”
Margaux
June 7, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Merci beaucoup, ça nous a bien rendu service :)
Aswin Lutchanah
June 7, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Magnifique :)
Michel
June 7, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Thanks a million, it works great
Aswin Lutchanah
June 9, 2012 at 10:19 am
My pleasure Michel :)
Aswin Lutchanah
June 8, 2012 at 1:08 am
The bug has been fixed by Facebook.
Now, both methods work !
Joseadrian
June 8, 2012 at 3:12 am
How did you get that link? Haha… You saved a lot of lifes. Haha. I don’t know if I should close the bug or Facebook Team will do it.
Also, thanks for sharing the bookmarklet. I’m going to improve (maybe someone else) it so everyone can add apps easier doing it the normal way because the other methods take a little bit more time: you have to give permissions and you should wait to a response so, I think that’s not the best way.
Thanks again for sharing the bookmarklet and the link you provided!
Regards
Aswin Lutchanah
June 9, 2012 at 10:19 am
Hello Jose !
I knew about the other link but did not use it cause as explained above it has less features. I’m quite surprised about the number of persons who thanked me and messaged me from around the world. I didn’t think I’d “save so many loves” ;)
It was a nice thing your bookmarklet and I believe that it may always interest some people. If you improve it, don’t hesitate to leave a comment here and I’ll integrate it in the article ;)
Take Care
Clever Dodo
June 9, 2012 at 9:13 am
Yep, problem is fixed and they rolled out a pretty cool update recently – the ability to designate other users as content marketers for Facebook Pages. This is the best update so far as you now have 5 different access levels for your fan page and you no longer need to give admin access to someone else as they might take over your page.
Aswin Lutchanah
June 9, 2012 at 9:46 am
Yes I announced it on my Twitter a few days back (http://twitter.com/aswinlutchanah/status/208156449342361600) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/aswin.lutchanah/posts/10150959405623322) along with the possibility to schedule future posts.
Stats under each page post are interesting too :)
Shane
June 13, 2012 at 3:59 am
Million Thanks…You really save my day……:)
Aswin Lutchanah
December 5, 2012 at 3:54 pm
My pleasure Shane :)
Ryan
June 13, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Thanks, this was so annoying!!
Aswin Lutchanah
December 5, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I’m glad that it helped you Ryan !