Sequence Troubleshooting
Diagnose why sequences are not running or certain steps are skipped
Use this checklist when a sequence does not run as expected.
Sequence Never Starts
Check first:
- Sequence status is Active
- Sequence has at least one step
- Correct trigger path is used (event-based or execute API)
If using API execution, verify request validation and scopes.
Event-Based Sequence Does Not Fire
Confirm:
- Trigger type is Event-Based (Automation)
- Trigger event matches the response outcome
- Sequence is active
- Response has a linked contact
Steps Are Skipped
Common causes:
- Contact unsubscribed
- Review request skipped due to Skip Reviews for Detractors
- Sequence paused during delayed execution
No SMS Delivered
Validate:
- Contact has valid phone format
- SMS quota is available for the organization
- Channel strategy and step type are correct
Webhooks Not Received
Validate:
- Webhook URL is set on that step
- External endpoint responds quickly
- Endpoint accepts JSON POST payloads
Remember: webhook failures are non-fatal and do not stop sequence execution.
Trigger Type Confusion
If Scheduled is selected, verify your runtime path before production use. For guaranteed execution today, use:
- Event-based triggers
- Execute APIs
Fast Recovery Pattern
- Pause sequence
- Fix configuration
- Run test enrollment with small sample
- Review outcomes
- Reactivate
For setup guidance, go back to Creating Your First Sequence.
// Related articles
Creating Your First Sequence
Build and activate an automated multi-step sequence for survey and follow-up workflows
Event-Based Automation
Automatically run sequences when specific response events occur
API-Triggered Sequences
Enroll contacts into sequences programmatically using the API
Sequence Webhooks
Send step-completion callbacks to external systems from your sequence workflow
Was this article helpful?
Let us know if you found this article helpful or if you need more information.
Join hundreds of businesses already using demeterrr to collect feedback, boost reviews, and grow faster.
Start Your Trial