How to Recover from a Disabled or Hacked Google Ads Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Recover from a Disabled or Hacked Google Ads Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Introduction

Google Ads powers visibility, traffic, and conversions—making it one of the most valuable tools for B2B and B2C growth. So when your account gets disabled or hacked, the impact can be immediate and costly.

Whether you're facing a policy violation or dealing with unauthorized access, this guide will walk you through a step-by-step recovery process—plus security best practices to prevent future disruptions.

💡 Need expert support now? Contact our PPC specialists for Google Ads recovery and account management.

2. Why Google Ads Accounts Get Disabled or Hacked

Common Reasons for Google Ads Suspension

• Policy violations: Ads that mislead users, link to inappropriate or restricted content, or lead to non-compliant landing pages

• Payment issues: Declined cards, overdue balances, or mismatched billing info

• Suspicious activity: Irregular behavior like sudden ad spend spikes or logins from unknown locations

For full details, refer to Google Ads Policies.

Why Google Ads Accounts Get Hacked

• Weak or reused passwords

• Lack of 2-step verification

• Shared access without proper role controlsOnce compromised, attackers may run harmful ads or hijack billing, often leading to immediate suspension.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Recover a Disabled Google Ads Account

1. Check Your Email from Google

Google typically sends a suspension notification to your admin email outlining:

• The reason for suspension

• A link to the violated policy

• Next steps or appeal instructions

Search for subject lines like "Google Ads Account Disabled" or "Suspicious Payment Activity Detected."

2. 🧹 Audit & Fix Policy Violations

Use this downtime to thoroughly review:

• Ad copy for misleading claims or disallowed keywords

• Landing pages for transparency, privacy policies, or restricted content

• Billing and business info to ensure it’s up-to-date and consistent

Refer to Google’s Disapproved Ads Troubleshooter for help identifying common issues.

3. Submit a Strong Appeal

Go to Google Ads Appeals Center and:

• Explain what went wrong

• Describe the corrective actions taken

• Attach proof if possible (screenshots of compliant pages, payment updates)

Tips for a Successful Appeal

• Be honest and direct—Google values clarity over fluff

• Don’t resubmit identical appeals—address feedback before retrying

• Avoid blame—own the mistake and focus on solutions

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Generic responses (“It must be a mistake”)

• Ignoring specific violations called out in the email

• Using vague language without showing actual changes made

4. Reactivate Your Account (If Eligible)

Not all suspensions are permanent. If your account was canceled—not suspended—you might see a "Reactivate" option:

• Navigate to Tools & Settings → Account Settings → Preferences

• If eligible, click Reactivate

Note: This only works if the account wasn't permanently suspended. Suspensions due to policy violations require an appeal.

5. 📞 Contact Google Ads Support

If your appeal is denied or you're unsure where the issue lies:

• Use Google Ads Help to chat or call

• Be prepared with your Customer ID, billing info, and screenshots of any fixes

Need a recovery partner to handle it end-to-end? Let our team take over.

4. How to Recover a Hacked Google Ads Account

If your account has been compromised, take action fast.

1. Verify Account Ownership

Google may require:

• Billing statement screenshots

• Account number (found in the upper-right of your Ads dashboard)

• Identity verification if suspicious logins are involved

2. Secure Your Credentials

• Change your Google Account password immediately

• Enable 2-Step Verification

• Encourage team members to do the same

3. Audit User Access

In Admin Settings → Account Access, remove any unfamiliar users and limit roles to only essential personnel.

4. Contact Google Support

Reach out through Google Ads Support with:

• Proof of ownership

• Security updates made

• Request to reinstate or secure the account

5. Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Suspensions or Hacks

• Use Strong Passwords – Avoid reuse across platforms

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Especially for all admin accounts

• Limit Admin Access – Assign granular roles with minimum privileges

• Monitor Your Account Weekly – Look for unfamiliar ads, logins, or spend anomalies

• Stay Updated on Policies – Bookmark Google Ads Policy Updates

🔧 Need help setting this up? Our PPC team can secure your ad account.

6. Conclusion: Get Back on Track, Strategically

Having your Google Ads account disabled or hacked is frustrating—but recovery is possible with the right steps, attention to detail, and swift action.

Whether you're handling a one-time suspension or securing long-term ad integrity, proactive management is key.

Ready to Recover or Rebuild?

Man Made Marketing combines data-driven strategy with hands-on technical expertise. We’re here to help you:

• Recover suspended accounts

• Secure ad assets against threats

• Improve compliance and performance

👉 Request a free consultation with our Google Ads specialists.

Don’t just fix problems—optimize your ad strategy for lasting results.