Troubleshooting Common Database and JavaScript Errors in the Smash Balloon Instagram Feed Plugin

Users of the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin occasionally encounter errors related to missing database tables, duplicate queries, or JavaScript conflicts. These issues can manifest as warnings in your error logs, critical site health notices, or broken feeds on the front end of your site. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the most common problems.

Common Error: Missing 'wp_sbi_instagram_feed_locator' Table

One of the most frequent errors is a missing database table, which results in log entries like: WordPress database error Table 'xxxx.wp_sbi_instagram_feed_locator' doesn't exist. This table is crucial for the plugin's operation, and its absence can prevent feeds from loading correctly and clutter error logs.

Why This Happens

This typically occurs if the database table was not created correctly during the plugin's installation or a subsequent update. A simple reinstall through the WordPress admin may not always fix the underlying database schema issue.

How to Fix It

A standard uninstall and reinstall may not be sufficient. To ensure a clean slate, follow these steps:

1. Deactivate and delete the Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin from your WordPress dashboard (Plugins > Installed Plugins).
2. Using your hosting control panel's file manager or an FTP client, navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
3. Verify that the instagram-feed folder has been completely removed. If it remains, delete it manually.
4. Reinstall the latest version of the plugin by going to Plugins > Add New and searching for "Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed".
5. Activate the plugin. This should trigger the proper creation of the required database tables.

Common Error: Duplicate Key/Column Database Warnings

You might see errors such as Duplicate key name 'post_id' or Duplicate column name 'hashtag'. These happen when the plugin's update routine attempts to modify a database table that already has the specified key or column.

Why This Happens

This is often due to a flaw in the plugin's update logic where it tries to apply database alterations multiple times. A missing or incorrect version number stored in your WordPress options can cause the update process to run repeatedly.

How to Fix It

This issue is generally patched in subsequent plugin updates. The first step is always to ensure you are running the latest version of the plugin. If the errors persist after updating, the clean reinstall process described above is the recommended solution to reset the database version flag and table structure.

Common Error: "sbi_init is not defined" JavaScript Error

If your Instagram feed fails to load and your browser's console shows an error like Uncaught ReferenceError: sbi_init is not defined, it means the plugin's necessary JavaScript file is not being loaded properly.

Why This Happens

The most common cause is a theme that does not call the wp_footer() function, which is required for the script to be output. In other cases, another plugin or the theme itself might be dequeuing the script.

How to Fix It

1. First, check that your theme includes the wp_footer() function just before the closing </body> tag.
2. Try temporarily switching to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. If the feed works, the issue is with your original theme.
3. You can also try enabling the plugin's compatibility settings. Navigate to Instagram Feed > Customize > Advanced and try enabling the options for "Enqueue JS file in head" or "Are you using an AJAX theme?".

Common Issue: PHP Session Warning in Site Health

After an update, you might see a critical issue in WordPress > Tools > Site Health stating "An active PHP session was detected."

Why This Happens

This warning appears when a plugin or theme starts a PHP session. While the Smash Balloon plugin team has stated this is not a common issue with their plugin, it can arise from conflicts with other software on your site.

How to Fix It

To identify the cause, perform a conflict test:

1. Use the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin to safely disable plugins and themes without affecting your live visitors.
2. Enable troubleshooting mode and activate only the Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin.
3. Check if the warning is still present. If it is not, reactivate your plugins and theme one by one, checking Site Health each time, until you find the culprit.

General Troubleshooting Tips

• Clear Cache: Always clear your plugin's cache after an update or reinstall. You can find this option under Instagram Feed > Customize > Advanced > Clear All Caches.
• Check for Conflicts: Many strange issues, from JS errors to session warnings, are caused by conflicts with other plugins or your theme. The conflict test described above is a powerful diagnostic tool.
• Keep Updated: Always ensure your WordPress core, theme, and all plugins are updated to their latest versions, as bugs are frequently patched in new releases.

By following these steps, you can resolve the majority of common errors associated with the Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin and restore your social feeds to proper working order.