Advertiser actions that put our users, Google, or our partners at risk can lead to account pausing. This can also happen if you fail to complete required verification programs.
If your accounts are paused you'll receive an in-account notification. You can check your verification status by going to Advertiser Verification. Keep in mind:
- Paused accounts can't run any ads. If your account has been paused, you can still access your paused account and any associated reports.
- Accounts related to the paused account (for example, accounts using the same payment method) may be paused.
- Merchant Center accounts linked to paused Google Ads accounts may be paused.
- Any new accounts that you try to create may be paused.
Why we pause accounts
Google Ads policies and Terms & Conditions are designed to help create a safe and positive experience for users and advertisers. Accounts may be paused or have spending limits imposed if they don't complete required verification programs, if an investigation is needed to check for policy violations, or due to other security signals. This can also happen if an account is linked to a Manager account (MCC) that violates our third-party policy. Review the sections below to learn more.
Pausing due to advertiser verification not completed
Advertisers required to complete the advertiser verification program will be notified by an in-account notification and email notification. Your account may be paused if you fail to complete the verification program for one of the below reasons.
Failure to complete verification within specified time frame
Your account will be paused if you don't submit documentation within the 30-day notice period, or complete the verification within 30 days.
If you haven't submitted the required documentation, restart the verification program using the link in the email notification. Learn more about Tasks required for advertiser verification.
If you submit the required documentation or complete the advertiser verification program within the 30-day timeframe, your account will be unpaused after Google completes the review of your application and successfully verifies your account.
Multiple failed attempts to complete verification
If you try to complete the verification program unsuccessfully through excessive failed attempts, your account will be paused. Common reasons for failure include:
- Missing vertical-specific licenses: Certain business types require specific local licenses.
- Undisclosed business relationships: You must disclose any third parties mentioned on your website.
- Incorrect business type declaration: Ensure your declared business type matches your legal documents.
Requirements for completing the advertiser verification program can be found in our policy.
If you believe this is an error or need further assistance, contact us to appeal the decision. Most appeals are reviewed within 5-7 business days, though some may take longer depending on the complexity of the review. To prevent delays in processing your review, make sure to include as much detail as possible.
Pausing due to business operations verification
If you're required to complete the business operations verification program, you'll be notified by an in-account notification and email notification. Your account may be paused if the business model is unclear and we suspect that your advertising or business practices may cause physical or monetary harm to users. When the verification form is completed, reviewed by Google, and deemed to meet the requirements of the verification program, you'll be able to resume serving ads as long as they comply with our Google Ads policies.
Temporary pausing for account investigation
We may briefly pause and restrict ad spend on your Google Ads accounts to allow us to conduct an investigation if we identify behavior that may potentially pose a risk to our users, Google or our partners. Once we determine that the account is safe, your account will be able to serve ads.
Pausing due to link with Manager account in violation of third-party policy
Your individual account could be at risk of being paused if it's linked to a Manager account that is currently in violation of the third-party policy. To be able to serve ads again, you'll need to unlink your individual account from the Manager account. If this action is required, you'll be notified by an in-account notification and email notification with instructions on how to unlink your individual account.
How to request a refund
If your account was paused, and you qualify for a refund, you can always cancel your account and request a refund.