Paste the rejection or disapproval message from Meta or Google Ads. The decoder explains what it means in plain English, how to fix it, and how to appeal, with a ready-to-send appeal draft. It covers 50 Google policy reasons, 40 Meta reasons, 16 Reddit reasons and 11 account bans.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you paste is sent or stored.
A guide, not legal advice. Rules change often and some sources are law-firm or news summaries. Check the linked source before you launch. Data last checked 5 October 2026.
The final URL returns an error, times out, or fails on common browsers or devices when Google checks it.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Policy manager > Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy (or edit ad and Save to resubmit)
The display URL domain does not match the final URL domain, or a redirect sends users to a different domain.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix URL, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
Google AdsBot cannot crawl the landing page, often because of robots.txt, login walls, or bot blocking.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The landing page cannot be reached from one or more targeted locations.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The site is hard to navigate, uses abusive elements like intrusive pop-ups, or breaks Better Ads Standards.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The page exists mainly to show ads, copies content from elsewhere without value, or shows an under-construction or no-service message.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
A phone number in a call ad or call asset has not been verified by Google.
Fix it:
Appeal: Verify the number, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
Words are in all caps or capitalized for emphasis rather than correct usage.
Fix it:
Appeal: Edit and Save. Dispute decision only for official brand styling
The ad uses gimmicky, repeated, or non-standard punctuation, symbols, or emoji.
Fix it:
Appeal: Edit and Save
Words or phrases are repeated in a gimmicky way within an asset or across assets.
Fix it:
Appeal: Edit and Save
The ad has spelling or grammar errors or is hard to understand.
Fix it:
Appeal: Edit and Save. Dispute decision for intentional brand spellings
Spaces are missing, doubled, or used as a gimmick such as F R E E.
Fix it:
Appeal: Edit and Save
The ad or landing page does not clearly name the product, service, or business being promoted.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The image is blurry, unrecognisable, sideways, strobing, or does not fill the frame correctly.
Fix it:
Appeal: Replace image and Save
A phone number is typed into the ad copy instead of a call asset.
Fix it:
Appeal: Edit and Save
The ad or site makes inaccurate or improbable claims about results, such as guaranteed weight loss or income.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
Price, billing model, or recurring charges are not clearly disclosed before purchase.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The ad uses sensational, fear-based, or teaser language to pressure clicks.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal. If on strike hold, acknowledge or appeal the strike
The ad imitates system warnings, buttons, or content so users do not realise it is an ad.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal or acknowledge the strike
The ad makes false statements about identity, affiliation, or qualifications.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
Google believes the business hides or misrepresents who it is or its offer in a way that may scam users.
Fix it:
Appeal: Account suspended without warning. Submit suspension appeal from the account notification
The ad promotes something unrelated to the keywords, landing page, or business.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
The site or app distributes software that may harm devices or gain unauthorised access.
Fix it:
Appeal: Suspension appeal after cleanup
The landing page appears hacked or hijacked.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
Behaviour that evades or interferes with Google review, such as cloaking, new accounts after suspension, or hiding content from reviewers.
Fix it:
Appeal: Suspension appeal. Reinstated only if a clear mistake
Running ads from several accounts or domains to show more than one ad for the same business on a query.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
The ad promotes prescription drugs, pharmacies, or regulated health services without the required certification or in a country where it is not allowed.
Fix it:
Appeal: Get certified via the healthcare troubleshooter, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The ad or site promotes substances Google bans, such as certain supplements, research chemicals, or unapproved drugs.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal or acknowledge the strike
Offering prescription drugs without a prescription.
Fix it:
Appeal: Suspension appeal
Health-related ads cannot use advertiser-curated audiences such as Customer Match, data segments, or lookalikes.
Fix it:
Appeal: Appeal policy decision > Dispute decision or Made changes to comply with policy
Gambling content is shown without Google gambling certification, in a disallowed country, or without required landing page elements.
Fix it:
Appeal: Get certified, then Appeal > Made changes to comply with policy
The advertiser has not completed financial services verification required in the targeted country.
Fix it:
Appeal: Complete verification, then Appeal
Loan ads lack required disclosures or offer short repayment or high APR terms Google bans.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal or acknowledge the strike
Ads promoting credit repair services are not allowed.
Fix it:
Appeal: Dispute decision only if not credit repair
CFDs, forex, or similar products need certification. Binary options are banned and in the strike system.
Fix it:
Appeal: Get certified, then Appeal
Alcohol ads break local law or target minors or disallowed countries.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
Ad or site has sexual content. Ads may be restricted in serving or disapproved if explicit.
Fix it:
Appeal: Dispute decision if content is not sexual
Election ads require election advertiser verification and disclosures in many countries.
Fix it:
Appeal: Verify, then Appeal
The ad references or profits from a tragedy, conflict, or crisis.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
A trademark owner filed a complaint and the ad uses the term without authorisation.
Fix it:
Appeal: Owner authorisation, or Dispute decision if you qualify as reseller or informational site
Promoting copyrighted content without authorisation.
Fix it:
Appeal: Copyright certification form, then Appeal
Selling goods that mimic a brand's trademark to pass as genuine.
Fix it:
Appeal: Suspension appeal
Promoting products that cause harm, such as weapons, explosives, recreational drugs, or tobacco.
Fix it:
Appeal: Dispute decision if misclassified, otherwise acknowledge the strike
Promoting products that help people deceive, such as fake documents, hacking tools, or essay writing for submission.
Fix it:
Appeal: Dispute decision or acknowledge the strike
Shocking, hateful, violent, or offensive content in the ad or destination.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
The ad breaks law in a targeted location.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
Google limits impressions for advertisers it has not yet qualified, often on brand-related or generic ads.
Fix it:
Appeal: Limited Ad Serving Appeals Form
Collecting sensitive user data insecurely or without disclosure.
Fix it:
Appeal: Fix, then Appeal
The ad uses deceptive tactics to mislead users for money or data, such as fake offers or misleading pricing.
Fix it:
Request review: Business Support Home > select ad > Request review > Submit. Aim 48h. One re-review per ad
Repeated violations can restrict the ad account, Page, user or Business Account
Using a public figure or brand's name or likeness without permission to bait clicks.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review only if you have written rights
High risk of account restriction
Promising guaranteed, risk-free, or quick investment returns, or using past performance to set expectations.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Promising large financial reward or results for minimal effort.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Loans needing an upfront fee or guaranteeing approval.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
The ad asserts or implies a personal attribute of the viewer, such as health, age, finances, or religion (for example 'Are you diabetic?').
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Targeting or content discriminates by protected attributes, including in housing, jobs, or credit.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Housing, employment, or financial products ads ran without declaring the Special Ad Category.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review if the ad is not in a special category
Counts toward ad violations
Weight loss, cosmetic, or supplement ads target under 18s, shame appearance, or claim to cure listed diseases.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Promoting sexual pleasure products or adult services, or sexual health without 18+ targeting.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Promoting illicit drugs or unsafe supplements, or prescription drugs without permission.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
US addiction treatment ads need LegitScript certification and Meta permission.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review after approval
Counts toward ad violations
Ad contains nudity or sexually suggestive poses or activity.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Ad facilitates sexual encounters or uses sexually explicit wording.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Alcohol ad targets under 18 or legal drinking age, or runs in a banned country.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Real-money gambling ads need prior written permission from Meta and 18+ targeting.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review after permission is granted
Account restriction risk
Gambling ads guarantee wins or hide gambling behind unrelated content.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Dating services need prior written permission and dating targeting rules.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review after permission
Counts toward ad violations
Finance ads target under 18s, request financial info directly, or the advertiser lacks required regulator authorisation.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Crypto trading, swapping, or staking ads need prior written permission.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review after permission
Account restriction risk
The ad was classified as social issue or political and ran without authorisation and a Paid for by disclaimer.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Unauthorised political ads can restrict the account
Ad contains claims debunked by fact checkers or banned misinformation.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review (fact-check disputes go to the fact checker)
Repeat offenders face advertising restrictions
The ad discourages vaccination.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
The ad contains profanity, including censored swear words.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
The ad has shocking, sensational, or excessively violent content.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Profiting from a crisis or controversial event.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
The ad uses another party's copyright, trademark, or sells counterfeits.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review, or resolve with the rights holder
Repeated IP reports can disable accounts
The ad does not clearly represent the brand, components are irrelevant, or the landing page does not match or does not work.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Video uses overly disruptive tactics such as flashing screens.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Ad or account behaviour matches Meta's spam standard, such as misleading links or mass posting.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review in Business Support Home
Business assets can be restricted
Ad uses phishing or links to malicious code.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review after cleanup
Business assets can be restricted
Behaviour that evades review, such as cloaking, using new accounts to bypass restrictions, or fake identities.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review of the restricted asset
Usually leads to restriction of the business assets
Promoting the sale or use of weapons, ammunition, explosives, or modification accessories.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Promoting the sale of hazardous goods.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
A lead form asks for restricted data such as financial, health, ID, or criminal history without permission.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Branded content ad does not tag the business partner using the branded content tool.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
Ad attacks or degrades people or protected groups.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Account restriction risk
Offering fake documents, stolen data, cheating tools, or money muling.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
High risk of disabled account
Peer-to-peer live animal sales or endangered species products.
Fix it:
Request review: Request review
Counts toward ad violations
The copy breaks Reddit's style rules: more than 50% capital letters, excessive punctuation, emojis or symbols used to grab attention, a URL or phone number in the headline, or poor grammar.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
The ad makes claims Reddit can't verify, exaggerates, withholds pricing or terms, misuses the word 'free', or uses clickbait and sensational tactics.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
The landing page doesn't match the ad or the display URL, is broken, blocks users, hides the product, lacks HTTPS, or misses links to terms, privacy and contact pages.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Financial and crypto ads need a licence, a Reddit sales rep and sometimes pre-approval. Single tokens, ICOs, token sales, liquidity pools, trading bots, leverage claims, guaranteed returns, payday loans and celebrity endorsements are prohibited.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Alcohol ads need a sales rep, an age-gated landing page and the words 'Drink Responsibly'. No binge drinking, minors, celebrity endorsements or claims of success, stress relief or health.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Drugs must be FDA-approved, pharmacies NABP-accredited and telehealth providers certified, with a sales rep. Supplements can't claim to cure or prevent disease, and before-and-after photos are banned.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Sexual products, sexual or suggestive content and implied nudity are prohibited, even when blurred. Condom ads are allowed only if they focus on clinical aspects.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Tobacco, vapes, e-cigarettes and related products are prohibited. Only cessation products and services, and public health messages, are allowed.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Cannabis and paraphernalia are prohibited. CBD is allowed only in the US for topical hemp products (21+, some states excluded), and cannabis only in Canada with a Health Canada licence.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Dating ads need a sales rep. Infidelity, casual sex, escorts, mail-order brides, fetish focus and discriminatory dating services are prohibited.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Political ads run only for US federal campaigns, need certification, a sales rep, a prior AMA and a 'Paid for by' disclosure. AI content must be disclosed.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
The campaign targets sensitive categories (health, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, minors and more), excluded communities like Medical & Mental Health, or uses targeting that discriminates.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Get-rich-quick schemes, MLM, pyramid schemes, fake engagement services, fake documents, cheating services and similar products are prohibited.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
Fakes, replicas and unauthorised use of trademarks, copyrighted material or Reddit's own IP are prohibited.
Fix it:
Next step: Edit the ad and resubmit, which triggers a new human review (usually within 1 day). Reddit has no appeal button, so contact your Reddit Ads rep, an ads expert or support if you think it was a mistake.
CauseEgregious. Evading review via cloaking, replacement accounts, or links to suspended accounts. Suspended without warning.
FixRemove all evasive setups and links to other suspended accounts. Do not open new accounts.
AppealAppeal from the suspension notice in the account. Advertiser verification may be required first. Reinstated only in compelling circumstances such as a mistake
CauseEgregious. Google thinks the business hides identity or misleads users.
FixAdd full business details, policies, real contact info, remove misleading claims, verify.
AppealSuspension appeal with explanation for each cited violation. Submit once
CauseWarning on first violation of a strike policy. Strike 1 is a 3-day hold. Strike 2 within 90 days is a 7-day hold. Strike 3 within 90 days is suspension.
FixRemove all violating ads and assets, then submit the acknowledgement form.
AppealAppeal the strike if wrong, or acknowledge it. Hold lifts after the hold period
CauseOutstanding balance or declined payments.
FixPay the balance in Admin > Policy > Account (path per Google) and update payment method.
AppealAccount restores after payment or via appeal
CausePayment looks unauthorised, such as stolen cards, multiple declines, chargebacks, or unclear card ownership.
FixUse only payment methods you own. Complete payment and advertiser verification.
AppealAppeal explaining card ownership and any declines or chargebacks
CauseReversing legitimate charges with your bank or using more than one promo code.
FixSettle the charge and stop multiple promo code use.
AppealAppeal with explanation
CauseAccount selected for verification and info not provided or not verifiable. Google can pause the account.
FixComplete verification with documents matching the payment profile name and business.
AppealThree failed verification attempts can block appeals. Contact support
CauseGoogle has not yet qualified the advertiser and limits impressions.
FixVerify, keep clear branding, build clean history.
AppealLimited Ad Serving Appeals Form
CauseSevere or repeated ad violations, or signals of suspicious or inauthentic activity.
FixRemove violating ads, secure the account, complete identity or business verification.
AppealBusiness Support Home > Account Overview > restricted account > What you can do > Request a review. Must be admin. After 6 months disabled the account cannot be reinstated
CausePolicy violations or integrity signals tied to the business asset or person.
FixConfirm identity, complete verification, secure the account.
AppealRequest review in Business Support Home for each restricted asset
CauseInauthentic behaviour, account sharing or sales, or helping others evade enforcement.
FixStop renting or buying accounts. Use one ad account per client. Do not create replacement accounts.
AppealRequest review. Reinstatement is not guaranteed
Hello Meta Review Team, Our ad [Ad name / Ad ID] in ad account [Ad account ID] was rejected under [Policy name]. We believe this was a mistake. The ad promotes [product or service] for [business name]. It does not [restate what the policy prohibits, for example assert personal attributes]. The landing page [URL] matches the ad and shows our business name, contact details and terms. [Optional: We hold licence or permission number [number] issued by [authority].] Please review the ad again. Thank you. [Name] [Business name]
Hello Google Ads Policy Team, We are disputing the [Policy name] decision on ad [Ad ID] in account [Customer ID]. We believe the ad complies because [clear reason, for example the term is our registered brand name or the page loads in all targeted countries]. Supporting details: [licence, certification, trademark registration, or screenshot description]. Landing page: [URL] Please review the decision again. Thank you. [Name], [Business name]
Hello Google Ads Policy Team, We have updated ad [Ad ID] in account [Customer ID] to comply with the [Policy name] policy. Changes made: 1. [Change one, for example removed guarantee claim from headline 2] 2. [Change two, for example added full pricing and renewal terms on the landing page] 3. [Change three] The updated landing page is [URL]. Please review the ad again. Thank you. [Name], [Business name]
Hello Google Ads Team, Our account [Customer ID] for [Business name] was suspended for [Policy name] on [date]. We take this seriously and have reviewed the account in full. About our business: [legal name, registration number, address, website, years operating]. What we found and fixed: 1. [Issue and fix] 2. [Issue and fix] We have completed advertiser verification [or: verification ID]. We pay with [payment method owner and type] that we own. We operate only this account [or list related accounts and their purpose]. We believe the suspension was [a mistake because reason] [or: caused by the issues above, which are now resolved]. We ask you to reinstate the account. Thank you. [Name], [Role], [Business name] [Email]
Meta rejects ads that break its Advertising Standards. The notice names the policy, such as Privacy Violations and Personal Attributes or Health and Wellness. Paste the notice into the decoder to see the likely cause, the fix and how to request a review.
Open Policy manager, select the ad and choose Appeal. Pick 'Made changes to comply with policy' if you fixed the ad, or 'Dispute decision' if you think Google made a mistake. Google allows up to three appeals per ad before you contact support.
Most ads are reviewed within 24 hours. A re-review after you request one aims to finish within 48 hours, and each rejected ad gets one re-review.
No. Opening new accounts to get around a restriction counts as circumventing systems on both Meta and Google, which can lead to permanent bans across all linked accounts.
Fixed the ad? Run it through the policy checker before you resubmit.