The AWeber authorization code is the OAuth credential that connects the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension to your AWeber account. In other words, this code is what gives the plugin permission to access your subscriber lists and add new contacts on your behalf.
Additionally, AWeber uses OAuth-based authentication instead of simple API keys. This means you cannot just copy and paste a single key like you would with Mailchimp. Instead, you need to generate an AWeber authorization code through AWeber’s website and then enter it into the plugin settings alongside your AWeber API key.
Furthermore, this guide walks you through the entire process step by step, from logging into AWeber to pasting the authorization code into your WordPress admin.
What Is an AWeber Authorization Code?
An AWeber authorization code is a one-time credential generated through AWeber’s OAuth flow. Specifically, when you authorize the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension to access your account, AWeber generates a unique code that the plugin exchanges for an access token behind the scenes.
For example, think of the AWeber authorization code as a handshake between your WordPress site and AWeber’s servers. The code proves that you, the account owner, have explicitly granted permission for the plugin to read your subscriber lists and add new subscribers.
Moreover, this authentication model is more secure than a simple API key because the authorization code can only be used once. After the plugin exchanges it for an access token, the original code becomes invalid. Consequently, even if someone intercepts the authorization code, they cannot reuse it.
How to Generate Your AWeber Authorization Code
Follow these steps to generate a fresh AWeber authorization code for the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension:
Step 1: Open the AWeber Authorization Page
First, log in to your AWeber account. After that, navigate to the AWeber app authorization page. The Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension provides a direct link to this page from within the plugin settings in the WordPress admin.
Step 2: Approve the Connection
Next, AWeber displays a permission request showing what the plugin needs access to. Specifically, the plugin requests permission to read your subscriber lists and add new subscribers. Click the “Allow Access” button to approve the connection.
Step 3: Copy the AWeber Authorization Code
After you approve the connection, AWeber generates a unique authorization code and displays it on screen. In addition, this code is a long string of characters. Copy the entire string — do not add or remove any characters.
Step 4: Paste the Code into WordPress
Finally, go back to your WordPress admin, open the Contact Form 7 form editor, click the AWeber tab, and paste the AWeber authorization code into the Authorization Code field. Click Save. The plugin exchanges the code for an access token and loads your available subscriber lists.
As a result, you should see a dropdown populated with your AWeber lists. Select the list you want, map your form fields, and save again.
Common AWeber Authorization Code Issues
Authorization code expired
AWeber authorization codes expire after a short time window. If you generated the code but waited too long before entering it into WordPress, it may have expired. Specifically, generate a new authorization code and enter it immediately into the plugin settings.
Invalid authorization code error
This error usually means the code was modified during copy-paste. In fact, trailing spaces, line breaks, or partial selections are the most common causes. Copy the entire AWeber authorization code directly from AWeber’s page and paste it without modifications.
Authorization code already used
Each AWeber authorization code can only be used once. If you previously entered the code and it was accepted, you cannot reuse it. However, if the initial exchange failed for some reason, you need to generate a fresh code by repeating the authorization process from Step 1.
Connection works but stops after a few weeks
AWeber access tokens have a limited lifespan. The Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension handles token refresh automatically using the stored refresh token. Consequently, if submissions stop syncing, the most likely cause is a plugin update that cleared the stored tokens. Generate a new AWeber authorization code to re-establish the connection.
AWeber Authorization Code vs Mailchimp API Key
If you have used the Contact Form 7 Mailchimp Extension, you may notice that Mailchimp uses a simpler setup: one API key string pasted into one field. AWeber’s OAuth model requires an extra step — the authorization code generation.
However, AWeber’s approach is more secure. Specifically, the authorization code cannot be reused, the access token expires and refreshes automatically, and the entire flow follows industry-standard OAuth 2.0 practices. In short, the extra step adds meaningful security to your email marketing integration.
Keeping Your AWeber Connection Secure
- Generate authorization codes only from trusted devices — the AWeber authorization page should only be accessed from your own computer or phone.
- Do not share authorization codes — these are one-time credentials tied to your account. Sharing them serves no purpose since they expire after first use.
- Revoke access if needed — you can disconnect the plugin from your AWeber account at any time through AWeber’s integration settings.
Most importantly, the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension stores your OAuth tokens securely in the WordPress database and transmits them only to AWeber’s official API endpoint.
Next Steps
After entering your AWeber authorization code, you may also want to configure these features:
- Find your AWeber API key — complete the credential setup.
- Add an opt-in checkbox — let visitors choose whether to subscribe.
Additionally, if you need help with your AWeber authorization code or any other aspect of the plugin, contact us directly.