Troubleshooting: 'Ad serving is limited' error on AdMob

Encountering the 'Ad serving is limited' error on AdMob can be a frustrating issue for app publishers. This error arises when Google places ad limits on an AdMob account due to invalid traffic, as part of their efforts to protect the integrity of the digital advertising ecosystem.

Google is dedicated to safeguarding advertisers from fraud and ensuring a positive ad experience. In cases of suspected invalid traffic or policy violations, Google may impose temporary restrictions on the number of ads served through AdMob.

 

AdMob ad limits can be imposed if you engage in any of the following activities:

1. New Publisher with Freshly Created App: As a new publisher with a recently created app, you may be subject to ad limits until Google can assess the quality of your traffic and compliance with AdMob policies.

2. Low-Quality Traffic Sources: If your app receives traffic from low-quality sources, it increases the likelihood of ad limits being imposed. It is important to ensure that your traffic sources are legitimate and reliable.

3. Clicking on Your Own Ads: Clicking on ads within your app violates Google's policies and can lead to ad limits. It is crucial to refrain from clicking on your own ads to maintain a healthy ad serving environment.

4. Apps with Minimal Content: Placing ads within apps that have minimal content can trigger ad limits. Ensure that your app provides sufficient content and engages users effectively.

5. Encouraging Ad Clicks: Encouraging or incentivizing users to click on ads violates policies and can result in ad limits. It is essential to promote organic and genuine user interactions with ads.

6. Unauthorized Traffic Sources: Driving traffic to your app through unauthorized third-party sources can lead to ad limits. Stick to legitimate methods of promoting your app and acquiring users.

 

To avoid encountering ad limits on your AdMob account and protect your advertising efforts, consider implementing the following measures:

1. Avoid Clicking on Your Own Ads: Refrain from clicking on ads within your app. Clicking on ads artificially inflates engagement metrics and violates Google's policies.

2. Only Use Authorized Traffic Sources: Ensure that the traffic to your app comes from legitimate sources such as Google Ads and trusted ad providers. Avoid purchasing traffic from unauthorized or dubious sources.

3. Set Frequency Capping for Ads: Utilize the "set frequency capping app & ad unit" feature to manage the frequency at which ads are shown to users. This helps maintain a balanced ad experience.

4. Limit Sharing of Your App: Avoid sharing your app extensively with friends or individuals in close proximity. Excessive clicks or interactions from closely associated users can raise flags and potentially trigger ad limits.

5. Optimize App Store Listing: Optimize your app's listing on the Google Play Store to increase organic traffic. Apps with a steady flow of 500-1000 daily users typically resolve ad limits within a week.

6. Allow Time for AdMob Algorithm Review: In some cases, you may need to wait up to 30 days for AdMob's algorithm to review your traffic and lift any ad limits automatically.

Please note that resolving ad limit issues may require further investigation and collaboration with the AdMob support team if the problem persists despite adhering to the suggested practices.

Remember to keep your Google Play publication up-to-date and stay updated with Google's policies and guidelines.
Learn more: Why do you need to update your publication on Google Play.