System Errors

Problem

You see error messages like:

Sorry, we encountered an error and were unable to complete your request.

Or:

Invalid/Missing dimensions, metrics, or filters.

Or other vague system errors when loading your report or creating a query.

Why This Happens

System errors in Looker Studio or Google Sheets typically indicate that your query contains an invalid combination of fields (dimensions and metrics). Not all dimensions and metrics can be combined together, especially when certain filters are applied.

Common Causes

Invalid Field Combinations

• Trying to combine incompatible metrics and dimensions from the same platform
• Using filters that exclude certain data combinations
• Requesting data that the platform doesn't allow to be grouped together

Platform-Specific Restrictions

• Facebook has different data hierarchies for pages vs. posts
• Facebook Ads restricts demographic breakdowns by device, gender, and age simultaneously
• Some platforms don't allow custom metrics with certain dimensions

Data Structure Issues

• The underlying data is malformed or incomplete
• The data source is not properly connected
• The platform made API changes that affected compatible field combinations

Solution: Identify and Remove Incompatible Fields

Step 1: Identify Which Field Is Causing the Error

The most efficient way to fix this is by testing each field individually:

1. Open the report in edit mode in Looker Studio or Google Sheets
2. Identify all dimensions and metrics currently in the broken chart
3. Remove all dimensions and metrics except one metric
4. Test each metric individually to find which one is causing issues
5. Once you find the problematic metric, remove it

Step 2: Test Field Combinations

After identifying the problematic field:

1. Add back one dimension or metric at a time
2. Test after each addition to see if the error returns
3. Keep the fields that work together and remove those that don't
4. Continue until you have a working combination

Example: Facebook Ads

Problem: You're trying to break down custom conversions by device, gender, AND age simultaneously.

Facebook Restriction: Facebook doesn't allow this specific combination for privacy reasons.

Solution: Choose a subset of these dimensions:

• Device only
• Gender only
• Age only
• Device + Gender (Facebook allows this)
• But NOT Device + Gender + Age together

Example: Facebook Pages

Problem: You're trying to combine page-level metrics (like page followers) with post-level metrics (like post reactions).

Data Hierarchy Issue: These are different data structures and can't be mixed.

Solution: Create separate queries:

• One query for page metrics (followers, page likes, etc.)
• One query for post metrics (post reactions, post shares, etc.)

Platform-Specific Guidance

Facebook Ads

• You cannot combine custom conversion data with device, gender, and age breakdowns simultaneously
• Allowed demographic combinations are limited by Facebook's API
• If a dimension causes an error, try removing it or selecting a different demographic

Facebook Pages/Insights

• Page-level data (followers, page likes) cannot be mixed with post-level data (post reactions, comments)
• Create separate data sources or queries for page vs. post metrics

Google Ads

• Custom metrics may have restrictions on certain dimensions
• Some date-level breakdowns may not be available for all metrics

Google Analytics

• Certain dimension and metric combinations may not be compatible
• Some dimensions require specific date ranges to work

Preventive Strategies

Start Simple, Build Up

1. Begin with just one metric and one dimension
2. Verify it works without errors
3. Add additional fields one at a time
4. Stop if you encounter an error and remove the last field added

Understand Your Data Source

• Read the documentation for the platform you're pulling from
• Understand the data hierarchy (page-level vs. post-level, campaign-level vs. ad-level, etc.)
• Know which dimensions and metrics the platform allows to be combined

Reference Documentation

Before building complex queries, check:

• Facebook Ads API documentation for available dimensions
• Google Analytics dimension/metric compatibility guides
• Platform-specific API documentation for restrictions

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Simplify your query: Remove all dimensions and metrics except one
2. Test individually: Add fields back one at a time
3. Check the order: Sometimes the order of dimensions matters
4. Remove filters: Try removing any filters to see if they're causing the issue
5. Try a different metric: If one metric always causes errors, use a different one
6. Use a different dimension: Swap incompatible dimensions for compatible alternatives

Quick Fixes by Error Type

"Sorry, we encountered an error..."

This is a general system error:

1. Try the field-by-field testing method above
2. If that doesn't work, try a completely different metric/dimension combination
3. The error likely indicates an invalid field combination for that platform

"Invalid/Missing dimensions, metrics, or filters"

This error is more specific:

1. Check that all dimensions exist in the current data source
2. Check that all metrics exist in the current data source
3. Verify you're not using a filter that excludes all data
4. Remove and re-add dimensions/metrics to ensure they're correctly configured

"Empty result" with Valid Fields

The field combination is valid, but no data matches:

1. Check your date range has data
2. Verify your filters aren't too restrictive
3. See No Data in Reports for more troubleshooting

Contact Support

If you've tried the above steps and still encounter system errors:

1. Take a screenshot of the full error message
2. Note the platform (Facebook, Google Ads, etc.)
3. Document the fields you're trying to use (specific dimensions and metrics)
4. Provide your query setup so we can replicate the issue
5. Email [email protected] with these details

Our support team can:

• Confirm if the field combination is valid for that platform
• Suggest compatible alternatives
• Escalate to platform-specific issues if needed