TL;DR: If Stripe CLI webhooks are not hitting your app, confirm the local server is running and the listener points at the exact route. Per Stripe webhook docs, Sept 2026, the local pattern is `stripe login`, then `stripe listen --forward-to localhost:4242/webhook`, then use the `whsec_` secret printed by that listener.
Operator Problem Guide
Stripe Cli Webhook Not Working
Quick answer: the Stripe CLI does not automatically know your local route. Forward events to the exact port and path your server exposes, verify the handler accepts POST, and use the CLI signing secret instead of a Dashboard endpoint secret.
Why This Happens
- The `stripe listen` command is pointing at the wrong localhost port or path.
- The local server is not running when the CLI forwards the event.
- The code verifies with the Dashboard signing secret instead of the CLI `whsec_` secret.
What To Check First
- Run `stripe login` and confirm `stripe listen` starts without auth errors.
- Match `--forward-to localhost:PORT/path` to the actual local route.
- Copy the listener's printed webhook signing secret into the local env var.
When To Escalate
- The problem is costing you money or customers per week
- You've spent more than 2 hours on it without progress
- A vendor quoted you more than $500 and you're not sure if it's necessary
FAQ
- What command fixes Stripe CLI webhook forwarding? Per Stripe webhook docs, Sept 2026, run `stripe listen --forward-to localhost:4242/webhook`, changing the port and path to match your local POST endpoint.
- Why does the Stripe CLI print a webhook secret? Per Stripe docs, Sept 2026, `stripe listen` outputs a webhook signing secret for locally forwarded events. Use that CLI secret for local signature verification.
- Does `stripe listen` work from the Workbench shell? No for `--forward-to`. Per Stripe docs, Sept 2026, `--forward-to` must be run with the Stripe CLI in a terminal, not from the Workbench Shell.
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