> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting to Facebook

The **Facebook provider** in **PADS4** allows you to **connect to a Facebook Business Page** and retrieve content using the **Facebook Graph API (v15.0)**.

### **Requirements**

* A **Facebook/Meta Business Page**.
* A valid **Facebook account** with access to the page.
* **Internet access** for authentication and data retrieval.

***

## **Steps to Add/Modify a Facebook Connection in PADS4**

### **1. Start the Data Provider Wizard**

* Open the **Data Provider Wizard** by following the instructions in **Adding a Data Provider** or **Editing a Data Provider**.
* Select **Facebook** as the **provider type**.

### **2. Authenticate Your Facebook Account**

* Click **Authenticate** to open the **Facebook login page**.
* Enter your **credentials** and click **OK**.
* PADS4 will generate a **token** and automatically close the window.
* The **expiration date** of the token will be displayed.

**Important Notes on Authentication:**

* Each time you edit the **Facebook Data Provider**, you must **re-authenticate**.
* If the **credentials are saved** in the browser, the process will be **automatic**.
* The **token is valid for 60 days** and is **automatically extended** as long as it is used within that time.
* If the **token expires**, Facebook will **no longer return data**, and you must **re-authenticate manually**.

### **3. Select the Facebook Account and Page**

* **Choose the account type**:
  * **My account** (retrieves data from your own Facebook account).
  * **Page** (retrieves data from a **Facebook Business Page**).
* If selecting a **Page**, enter the **Page ID** (recommended) or select it from the list.

**Important:**

* The **Page ID number** is found under the **Page Name** in **Facebook settings**.
* **Album names in Facebook are not unique**—PADS4 will select the **first matching album name**.

### **4. Load Page Details and Specify Content Source**

* Click **Load** to retrieve **page-specific details**.
* Choose the type of **content to retrieve**:
  * **Photos** (you can specify an album).
  * **Other Facebook content** (such as posts or events).
* **Limit the number of rows returned** for **better performance**.

### **5. Finalize the Connection**

* Click **Next** to proceed.
* Complete the wizard as described in **Adding a Data Provider**.

***

## **Best Practices**

* **Use the Page ID** instead of the **Page Name** to ensure the correct page is selected.
* **Keep the authentication active** by ensuring the **data provider is used at least once every 60 days**.
* **Limit the number of rows** for **faster data retrieval** and **better performance**.

***

## **Important Considerations**

* **Token Expiration:**
  * Facebook authentication tokens **expire after 60 days**.
  * If a **presentation** is **not used for more than 60 days**, **re-authentication** is required.

* **Data Server Access:**
  * If using a **PADS4 Data Server**, ensure that **Facebook is accessible** from the **server's point of view**.
  * If **not using a Data Server**, verify that each **PADS4 Designer and Viewer** has an **active internet connection**.

By following these steps, you can successfully **connect PADS4 to Facebook** and **display dynamic social media content** in your **digital signage presentations**.