The Meta Conversions API (often called CAPI) sends your sales to Meta straight from your store's server, instead of only from the buyer's browser. It catches sales the pixel misses: when an ad blocker or browser setting blocks the pixel, or when a buyer pays with mobile money and never comes back to the page. On Paylead you switch it on by pasting one access token.
Pixel vs Conversions API
| Meta pixel | Conversions API | |
|---|---|---|
| Sends events from | The buyer's browser | Your store's server |
| Blocked by ad blockers | Sometimes | No |
| Counts a sale if the buyer closes the page | No | Yes |
| Set-up on Paylead | Paste the pixel ID | Paste an access token |
You want both. The pixel sees what happens on the page; the Conversions API makes sure every confirmed sale is reported. Meta matches the two with an event ID, so a sale isn't counted twice.
Why it matters with mobile money
Mobile money payments often finish on the buyer's phone: they get a prompt, approve it, and that's it. Many never return to your receipt page. The pixel only reports a purchase if the receipt page loads, so those sales would be invisible to Meta. Paylead sends the purchase from the server as soon as the payment is confirmed, so Meta still counts it, and keeps learning who buys.
What better data gets you
- More accurate cost per purchase in Ads Manager, so you keep the right ads running
- Better optimisation. Meta finds buyers faster when it sees more of the sales
- Fuller retargeting audiences built from purchases and checkouts
How to switch it on in Paylead
- In Meta Events Manager, open your dataset (pixel) and go to Settings.
- Under Conversions API, choose Generate access token and copy it.
- In Paylead, open Store Settings → Integrations and paste the token under your Meta pixel ID.
- Save, then check Events Manager → Test events while you place a small test order.
Full steps in the help guide.
Is my buyers' data safe?
Paylead sends what Meta needs to match a sale to an ad click, such as the buyer's email and phone number, and these are scrambled (hashed) before they're sent. Meta uses them only to match, not to show your buyers' details to anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need the pixel if I use the Conversions API?
Yes. Use both; they work together.
Does TikTok have the same thing?
Yes, TikTok's Events API. Paste your TikTok access token in the same Integrations tab.
Will my numbers jump after switching it on?
You may see more purchases reported than before, because sales that used to be missed are now counted.
