Marketing data · 10 min · reviewed 2026-09-06
How do I get a Meta Ads system-user token for a CRM?
Create a system user in Meta Business Settings, give it access to the ad account, and generate a token with ads_read. System-user tokens do not expire, which is why they are used for reporting.
What you will need
- Admin on the Business Manager that owns the ad account.
- A Meta app (any app in https://developers.facebook.com works for a system user).
Steps
- 1
Step 1
Open https://business.facebook.com/settings → Users → System users → Add. Role Admin.
- 2
Step 2
Add assets: choose the ad account, grant View performance.
- 3
Step 3
Generate new token: pick the app, tick ads_read (and read_insights), choose Never expire. Copy it.
- 4
Step 4
Note the ad account id (act_1234567890).
- 5
Step 5
In SalesCrew: Settings → Other keys → Meta Ads → Set key. Paste {"access_token": "…", "ad_account_id": "act_1234567890"}. Save. Test.
Common errors
- (#200) permissions error
- the system user is not assigned to the ad account.
- Token invalid after a password change
- a personal token was used. Use a system-user token.
How you know it worked
Test connection returns yesterday's spend.
Where this goes in SalesCrew
Settings → Other keys → Meta Ads → Test connection. In your own workspace the same how-to opens beside the field, with your callback URLs filled in.