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Fixing the ExactMetrics 'invalid_grant' 400 Error: A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

15 threads Sep 10, 2025 Plugin → Exactmetrics – google analytics dashboard for wordpress (website stats plugin)

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If you're seeing a 400 error with an invalid_grant message in your ExactMetrics (formerly Google Analytics Dashboard for WP) plugin, you're not alone. This is a common authentication issue reported by many users. This guide will explain why it happens and walk you through the most effective solutions to get your analytics dashboard back online.

Understanding the 'invalid_grant' 400 Error

The error typically appears in the plugin's Errors & Debug section and looks like this:

exception 'Google_Auth_Exception' with message 'Error refreshing the OAuth2 token, message: '{ "error" : "invalid_grant" }'

This error occurs when the plugin's connection to Google Analytics' API breaks. The OAuth2 token that allows the plugin to fetch your data expires or becomes invalid, and the attempt to automatically refresh it fails.

Why Does This Happen?

Based on community reports, the invalid_grant error can be triggered by several factors:

  • Expired or Revoked Authorization: The connection between your website and Google Analytics has expired or was manually revoked on Google's end.
  • Server Time Sync Issues: If your web server's clock is out of sync with network time, it can invalidate the security tokens used for authentication.
  • Reusing an Authorization Code: Each authorization process requires a unique, freshly generated access code from Google. Reusing an old code will fail.
  • Google Account Configuration: In some cases, the Google account used may not have a Google Analytics property properly set up.
  • Multisite Limitations: Using the plugin on a WordPress Multisite network can sometimes introduce complexities with API quotas and token management.

How to Fix the 'invalid_grant' 400 Error

Try these solutions in order, starting with the most common and effective fix.

Solution 1: Clear and Re-Authorize the Plugin

This is the most successful fix for the majority of users. It establishes a fresh connection with Google Analytics.

  1. Navigate to ExactMetrics > Settings in your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Click on the Verify Credentials button.
  3. You will likely see an error. Click the Delete Credentials or Clear Authorization button.
  4. Return to the main Settings tab and click Authenticate with your Google account.
  5. Crucial Step: You must generate a new access code. Do not copy and paste an old code you've used before. Click the Get Access Code link to generate a fresh one from Google each time you authenticate.
  6. Paste the new code and complete the authentication process.

Solution 2: Check Your Server's Time and Date

An out-of-sync server clock is a known cause of OAuth token failures.

  • Contact your hosting provider and ask them to verify that your server's time and date are correctly set and synchronized using NTP (Network Time Protocol). This is the most reliable way to address this potential issue.

Solution 3: Confirm Google Analytics Setup

Ensure the Google account you are using has actually set up a Google Analytics property.

  1. Log into your Google Analytics account directly.
  2. Confirm that there is a property (website) listed for the site you are trying to connect.
  3. If you just created the account, wait a few hours for data to start processing before authenticating the plugin.

Solution 4: Multisite and High-Volume Considerations

If you are running WordPress Multisite or authorizing many sites (e.g., 15-20+) with a single Google Analytics account, be aware that there might be API quota limitations that can cause intermittent errors. In these cases, periodic re-authentication (Solution 1) may be necessary.

Need More Help?

If you've tried all the steps above and are still encountering the error, you can find more detailed documentation and community discussions on the WordPress plugin support forums. When asking for help, be sure to post the full error message from the Errors & Debug screen.

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