Lovable not working? Start here
When Lovable is not working, the fastest path is to identify whether the problem is in the generated app, the preview environment, authentication, Supabase, GitHub sync, deployment, or your custom domain. Do not start with a broad rewrite. Start with the smallest clear diagnosis.
Quick verdict
Most Lovable issues can be fixed by capturing the exact error, naming the expected behavior, isolating the page or workflow, and asking Lovable for a targeted repair instead of a broad rebuild.
Target topics covered
Quick triage checklist
Start by naming what is actually failing. A blank preview, failed build, login redirect, missing database row, broken form, and custom domain error all need different fixes.
- The page will not load or shows a blank screen
- The build fails after a prompt
- A button, form, or workflow does nothing
- Login or user accounts are failing
- Supabase data is missing or blocked
- GitHub sync or deployment stopped updating
- The custom domain is not live or shows the wrong site
Collect evidence before prompting
The best debugging prompt includes the page URL, the action you took, what you expected, what happened instead, and any visible error. Screenshots, browser console errors, network errors, and deployment messages all reduce guesswork.
Safe Lovable fix prompt
Use this structure: On [page], when I [action], I expected [result], but [actual result] happened. The visible error is [error]. Please inspect only this workflow, explain the likely cause, and make the smallest safe fix without changing unrelated pages.
When to revert
If several prompts made the app worse, go back to the last known working version, then re-prompt with a narrower request. This is especially important before and after database changes, authentication work, or major refactors.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lovable not working?
Common causes include build errors, missing environment variables, broken generated code, preview issues, Supabase configuration, authentication problems, GitHub sync issues, or custom domain DNS problems.
What is the first thing to try when Lovable breaks?
Identify the exact failing page or workflow, capture the error, then ask for a targeted fix. If Lovable shows a built-in repair option, try that before making broader changes.
Should I ask Lovable to rebuild the whole app?
Usually no. A full rebuild can introduce new problems. Start with the smallest fix that targets the broken workflow.
Build faster with a better Lovable prompt
Turn the strategy from this guide into a structured Lovable prompt with pages, user roles, data, states, and acceptance criteria.