About Google Ads account pausing

Google provides translated versions of our Help Centre, though they are not meant to change the content of our policies. The English version is the official language that we use to enforce our policies. To view this article in a different language, use the language drop-down at the bottom of the page.

We take user safety very seriously, so advertiser actions that put our users, Google or our partners at risk, or failing to complete required verification programmes can lead to account pausing.

Advertisers whose accounts are paused will receive an in-account notification. Bear in mind:

  • Paused accounts can't run any ads. Advertisers can, however, still access their paused accounts 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 the advertiser tries 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 if they don't complete verification programmes required by our Google Ads policies, or if investigation is required to ensure that there are no violations of these policies or the Terms & Conditions. See below for more details.  


Expand all   Collapse all Pausing due to advertiser identity verification not completed

Advertisers required to complete the advertiser identity verification programme will be notified by an in-account notification and email notification. Your account may be paused if you fail to complete the verification programme 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 have already submitted documentation or completed the advertiser identity verification programme, your account will be unpaused once Google has completed a review of your application and successfully verified your account.

If you haven't submitted documentation, start the verification programme again via the link in the email notification. Requirements for completing the advertiser identity verification programme can be found in our policy. Once successfully completed, you'll be able to serve ads.

Multiple failed attempts to complete verification

If you try to complete the verification programme unsuccessfully through excessive attempts, your account will be paused. Requirements for completing the advertiser identity verification programme can be found in our policy.

If you believe that this is an error or need further assistance, contact us to appeal the decision. Most appeals are reviewed within 5-7 working days, though some can take longer if they need a more complex review.

Pausing due to business operations verification

Advertisers who are required to complete the business operations verification programme will be notified by an in-account notification and email notification. Your account may be paused if the advertiser's business model is unclear and we suspect that their advertising or business practices may cause physical or monetary harm to users. Once the verification form is completed, reviewed by Google, and deemed to meet the requirements of the verification programme, the advertiser will 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 the Google Ads accounts to allow us to conduct an investigation if we identify advertiser behaviour that may potentially pose a risk to our users, Google or our partners. Once we determine that the account is safe, the advertiser will be able to serve ads.

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.

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