> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.notionapps.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/troubleshooting-automation.md).

# Troubleshooting Automation

## Troubleshooting Automation

Use this page when automation does not behave the way a user expects. Start from the visible symptom, then work backward.

![Exception Resolution screen.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5ZqDXcVVffWUqEIZVhmn%2Fuploads%2FuVO3uea3p2WBuK500YaM%2Fautomation-screen-exception-resolution-builder-20260705.png?alt=media\&token=9db7a8c3-f4a1-4d8b-8e30-f11b75f719ae)

*A good setup makes failures visible enough to fix without backend inspection.*

### Diagnosis order

1. Reproduce the problem with a fresh test record.
2. Confirm the test used the real user action.
3. Check When this happens.
4. Check the exact status value.
5. Run validation.
6. Check the destination screen as the affected role.
7. Check recipient resolution.
8. Check role and screen permissions.
9. Check messages.
10. Check Exception Resolution.

### Symptom table

| Symptom                                        | Likely cause                                       | First place to check                           |
| ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Submit does nothing                            | Trigger not connected to the button.               | When this happens.                             |
| Manual status change works but button does not | Button writes a different value.                   | Submitted status and button behavior.          |
| Reviewer cannot see item                       | Recipient or permission issue.                     | Recipient rule and Decision/Work Queue access. |
| Notification missing                           | Message route or recipient issue.                  | Notification setup and role preview.           |
| Conversation missing                           | Conversation not connected to the record or roles. | Conversation screen scope and permissions.     |
| Workflow status stale                          | Status update not mapped.                          | Outcome mapping.                               |
| External handoff failed                        | Webhook or linked app issue.                       | Linked App Exchange and Exception Resolution.  |
| Repair says complete but demo fails            | No fresh live test after repair.                   | Create a new test request.                     |

### What not to do

Do not manually edit backend records to make a demo pass. Do not test only as owner. Do not ignore a validation blocker. Do not publish because the workflow exists. Users need visible proof.

### Related pages

* Submit Button Troubleshooting
* Decision and Queue Troubleshooting
* Validation Error Catalog