If your API query runs successfully but returns no data, it can be confusing—especially if you believe the data exists. This guide explains why this happens and how to fix it.
Common Symptoms
You may be experiencing this issue if:
- Your query completes without errors
- The response returns an empty array, empty object, or null
- Fields you expect to appear are simply not there
- Testing the same action in the Meetup app does show data, but the API does not
This usually points to an authentication or permissions issue, incorrect query filters, or limitations in the third-party API schema.
Why does this happen?
Here are the most common reasons why a query returns no data:
- Authentication problems (most commonly). If the API isn’t correctly authenticated, your query may run but return no data at all. This can happen when:
- Your client ID or secret is incorrect
- Your JWT token is expired
- Your OAuth flow is misconfigured
-
You’re unknowingly authenticating as the wrong user
Running the self query in the GraphQL Playground can help confirm who you’re authenticated as.
-
The data doesn’t exist or you can’t access it. The API will return empty results if:
- The group, event, or network ID is incorrect
- Your account doesn’t have permission to view the data
- You’re querying data outside your own network (for JWT tokens)
-
The targeted item was deleted or archived
Double-check the resource IDs and make sure the authenticated account should have access.
-
Incorrect filters or parameters. Even small filter issues can cause your query to return zero results. For example:
- Date filters that don’t match any events
- Searching for groups using mismatched names or IDs
- Using status filters that don’t apply
-
Pagination arguments that skip all data
Try removing or simplifying filters to confirm whether they’re causing the problem.
-
Schema limitations. Meetup’s third-party API uses a restricted schema, which means some fields or relationships available internally are not exposed publicly.
If your query expects data from a field that doesn’t exist in the third-party schema, the API will return empty or incomplete results. Open the Schema tab in the GraphQL Playground to confirm whether the field is available.
How to fix empty result issues
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Confirm your authentication using the self query.
- Verify that the account you authenticated with should have access.
- Double-check IDs, names, or parameters used in your query.
- Remove filters and re-add them gradually.
- Compare your query against the fields available in the Playground schema.
Need more help?
If you’re still seeing empty results, contact our Support team and include:
- The full query you’re running
- The response you’re receiving
- Your authentication method (OAuth or JWT)
- The result of your self query
We’ll help diagnose the issue and get your integration working correctly.