> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.laposta.org/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.laposta.org/_mcp/server.

# Why is your automation not working as expected?

> Causes and solutions if your automation does not start, gives an error or does not apply changes.

Is your automation not working as expected? First, check whether there is a [known service disruption](https://status.laposta.nl/).

#### What is an automation?

In [Automation explained](/wat-is-automation) you can read how it works, and in [Start your first automation](/hoe-maak-ik-een-automation) you can see how to create one yourself. Automations are available to every Laposta user, even if you have a free account.

#### Why is my automation not starting when I test it?

This is often because the email address you are testing with is already on the list. By default, the automation does not restart for a subscriber who has already completed it, so nothing happens when you run a second test with the same address. Use a new email address, or completely remove the old address from the list first. Simply unsubscribing is not enough.

#### Why does my if/then block directly after an email always return no?

If you place an [If/then](/als-dan) block with a condition such as 'has the newsletter been read?' directly after an email, Laposta checks this condition immediately after sending. The outcome will then always be no. Place a [Pause](/pauzeren) or [Wait until…](/wacht-tot) block in between, so the subscriber has time to open the email.

#### Can I still edit an email in an active automation?

Yes, by clicking ‘Edit again’. In [Emails in an automation](/hoe-maak-ik-een-e-mail-in-een-automation#editing-an-email) you can read what to keep in mind when doing this.

#### Do subscribers who have already completed the automation receive new emails?

No. Once a subscriber has gone through the entire automation, it ends for that subscriber. Emails added at a later stage are not sent retrospectively. If you still want to email this group, create a new automation with a different [starting point](/de-startmomenten-van-een-automation), such as when a field is edited.

#### Why are my changes not active?

Changes are only applied once you click ‘Activate changes’ in the overview. See: [Activating or pausing an automation](/het-activeren-of-pauzeren-van-een-automation#activating-changes-in-a-running-automation).

#### Why do I get an error message when I try to activate my automation?

Usually, one of the actions has not been completed in full. See: [Activating or pausing an automation](/het-activeren-of-pauzeren-van-een-automation#activating-an-automation).

#### How can I find out what is happening in my automation?

In the details of a subscriber, you can see exactly which steps of the automation have already been completed. If you want an overview for all your subscribers, view [the results of the automation](/overzicht-resultaten-enkele-automation): there you can see how often each starting point and each action has been completed.

#### Is it better to split up a complex automation?

If your automation is very extensive, or contains parts that are also used elsewhere, it is better to split it up. You can read how to do this in [Start another automation](/automation-bouwstuk-start-automation).

## Ask the helpdesk

If your question is not listed here, please email [helpdesk@laposta.nl](mailto:helpdesk@laposta.nl). If you have a free account, the helpdesk cannot always investigate in detail what has happened.

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