We take legal requirements and user safety seriously. Advertiser actions that put our users, Google or our partners at risk can lead to account suspensions.
Advertisers whose accounts are suspended will receive an in-account notification and an email notification.
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On this page
- Get started
- Why we suspend accounts
- Billing and Payment suspensions
- Google Ads policy suspensions
- Fix your suspended account
Get started
- Suspended accounts are in read-only mode, with a few exceptions. Advertisers will still be able to access their accounts but will be limited to the following actions:
- Account settings: Cancel account, claim refunds
- Billing options: Make a payment, download tax documents, add a payment method
- Appeals and verification: Appeal suspension, advertiser verification
- Security settings: Update security settings within the Google Ads account
- Navigate to any page on their Google Ads account
- Read information from their Google Account and download associated reports
- Accounts related to the suspended account (for example, accounts using the same email or payment method or accounts linked to the same manager account) may be suspended.
- Merchant Center accounts linked to suspended Google Ads accounts may be suspended.
- Any new accounts that the advertiser tries to create may be suspended.
Why we suspend accounts
Google Ads policies and Terms and Conditions help create a safe and positive experience for users and advertisers. Accounts may be suspended if we find violations of our policies or the Terms and Conditions.
There are also other reasons an account can be temporarily suspended. See below for more details.
1. Billing and payment requirements
Regarding payments and billing, your account may be suspended for one of the following reasons: Promotional code abuse, Requesting a chargeback, Suspicious payment activity, Unpaid balance.
Learn more about Billing and payment requirements.
2. Google Ads policy requirements
We take legal requirements and the safety of users seriously. Advertiser actions that put our users, Google or our partners at risk can lead to an account suspension from using Google Ads. Learn more about Google Ads policy account suspensions
3. Unauthorised account activity
An unauthorised user can steal credentials and access your Google Ads account without your permission. If we detect that an unauthorised user is trying to access your Google Ads account, we’ll temporarily suspend your account to protect against unauthorised charges.
If you suspect any unauthorised activity in your ads accounts or emails connected to the ads account, contact us by filling this form. We will secure your Google Ads account immediately and reach out with preventive steps.
Learn more about keeping your account secure.
4. Age requirements on Google Accounts
When creating a Google Account, you should provide your own age – not the age of your business. If we find that you are violating the Age requirements on Google Accounts, we will suspend your account.
Learn more about age requirements on Google Accounts.
5. Ads Grants policy requirements
Your Google Ad Grants account can be suspended for not complying with Google Ad Grants policy.
Learn more about Ads Grants policy requirements.
Fix your suspended account
If you believe that there’s been an error, and that you haven’t violated our policies, submit an appeal. You can do this by navigating to the 'Contact Us' link, which will direct you to the appeal form on the right side of your screen within your Google Ads account. While you complete the form, relevant policy information will appear to help you understand the reason for the suspension and the appeal process.
If you select 'Contact Us' again while your appeal is still being processed, your Ads account will have an 'Appeal pending' status. When your appeal is reviewed, you will receive an email with the outcome. If your appeal is rejected, you can re-appeal following the same process outlined above.
Certain selected advertisers must complete advertiser verification successfully in order to appeal their account suspension. If we are unable to verify their identity after three attempts, they will not be allowed to appeal their account suspension. Advertisers suspended for Billing and Payment suspensions may be asked to verify their payment method in order to process their appeals.
We only reinstate accounts in compelling circumstances, such as in the case of a mistake, so it's important that you take the time to be thorough, accurate and honest.
How will an advertiser be notified of a suspension?
Advertisers whose accounts are suspended will receive an in-account notification and an email notification. The email notification will identify all violations that the advertiser has been suspended for and a link to submit an appeal.
Can a suspended advertiser set up or use other accounts?
No. Accounts related to the suspended account (for example, accounts using the same email or payment method, accounts linked to the same manager account, accounts associated with the same verified identity and/or verified with the same identity documents) will be suspended. We take the safety of users seriously. Advertiser actions that put our users, Google or our partners at risk will be banned from using Google Ads. In addition any new accounts that the advertiser tries to create may be suspended. We strongly recommend that advertisers reinstate the suspended account before setting up new accounts.
Can an advertiser access their suspended accounts?
Suspended accounts cannot run any ads. However, advertisers can still view their suspended accounts and any associated reports.
What account actions are available to advertisers with suspended accounts?
Suspended accounts are in read-only mode, with a few exceptions. Advertisers will still be able to view their accounts but will be limited to the following actions:
- Account settings: Cancel account, claim refunds
- Billing options: Make a payment, download tax documents, add a payment method
- Appeals and verification: Appeal suspension, advertiser verification
- Security settings: Update security settings within the Google Ads account
- Navigate to any page on their Google Ads account
- Read information from their Google Account and download associated reports
How many times can advertisers appeal their account suspension status?
If you file too many appeals for the same account suspension, we may not process them to ensure the overall stability of our systems operations. Submitting one appeal at a time ensures timely response and review.
If we have indications that you are misusing our appeals function, we will suspend processing of certain appeals for seven days.