How to Recover a Suspended Google Ads Account

Here are the first steps you should take in order to recover a suspended Google Ads account. By following this process,  you can address the underlying issues, prevent future suspensions, and reinstate your ads. 

Step 1: Identify the Suspension Reason

The first thing you need to do  is understand why your account was suspended. Google provides information about suspensions, typically accessible through notifications in your account and email alerts. This information is important, as each type of suspension requires a unique response.

• Check In-Account Notifications: Log in to your Google Ads account and look for banners or notifications at the top of the screen. These messages usually contain a high-level reason for the suspension, like “circumventing systems policy” or “suspicious payment activity.”
• Review Google’s Email Notification: Google also sends an email detailing the suspension reason. Look for an email with the subject line “Your Google Ads account has been suspended” and open it to get specific details. This email often contains a link to the relevant policy page and sometimes provides instructions for rectifying the issue.
• Types of Suspensions:
  • Billing and Payment Issues: Suspensions often arise from payment-related issues, such as unpaid balances, credit card declines, or suspicious payment activity.
  • Google Ads Policy Violations: Common policy issues include prohibited content, misleading advertising, and circumventing systems.
  • Unauthorized Activity: If Google suspects that someone else has accessed your account, it may suspend it temporarily to prevent unauthorized charges.

Check out this article about how to resolve a Google Ads circumventing system policy suspension. 

Keep advertising with Media Blast, no matter what. An app that allows businesses to bypass a suspended ad account, and continue running advertisements.

Step 2: Verify and Update Account Information

Once you’ve identified the reason for your suspension, the next step is to verify and update essential account information. Ensuring your account details are accurate and up-to-date can increase Google’s trust in your account and prevent similar issues in the future. Here’s how you should start.

• Complete Advertiser Verification
  Google requires advertiser verification to validate your identity and business information. This process confirms that you’re a legitimate advertiser and aren’t violating any policies. 
  • Navigate to the “Advertiser Verification” section in your account settings.
  • Provide requested details such as business registration documents, address, and contact information.
  • Submit this information promptly, as unverified accounts can be flagged as suspicious.
• Update Billing and Payment Details
  Google scrutinizes payment methods closely to prevent fraud and unauthorized activity. Ensure your payment information is accurate, and ideally, use a bank account rather than a prepaid debit card or virtual card:
  • Use a Verified Bank Account or Major Credit Card: Google prefers bank accounts or credit cards from recognized institutions, as they are more reliable than virtual or prepaid cards.
  • Avoid Frequent Payment Failures: Multiple failed payment attempts can trigger a suspension due to “suspicious payment activity.” Double-check your card details and available balance, and ensure the currency matches your account settings.
  • Check for Billing Conflicts: If the payment method on your account is linked to another suspended Google Ads account, this may cause issues.
• Ensure Consistency in Business Information Across Google Services
  For advertisers managing multiple Google Ads accounts, inconsistent information can raise red flags. Ensure your business name, contact details, and payment methods are uniform across all Google services linked to your account.

Step 3: Conduct an Account and Website Audit

After verifying your account details, the next crucial step is auditing both your Google Ads account and website. Google places a high priority on policy compliance, which includes the content of your ads, the keywords you use, and the landing pages to which they direct users.

• Audit Your Google Ads for Policy Compliance
  Each component of your Google Ads campaigns must comply with Google’s advertising policies.
  • Review Ad Content: Check that your ad copy doesn’t contain prohibited content or make misleading claims. Google’s policies are strict about claims that could mislead users, such as exaggerated promises or hidden terms.
  • Examine Keywords and Targeting: Ensure that your keywords accurately represent your products or services. Misleading keywords can lead users to expect something different from what you offer, which may trigger a suspension.
  • Check Ad Extensions and Additional Settings: Some ad extensions or targeting options may violate Google’s policies. Confirm that all extensions and settings align with Google’s rules to avoid issues.