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I can't connect Google Ads

The Google Ads connection flow fails or finishes without showing the account you expected. A few common causes.

I get an error on the Google authorization screen​

If Google itself shows an error during the OAuth flow:

  • "Access blocked: This app's request is invalid". The app is misconfigured on our side. Contact support. Include a screenshot of the exact error.
  • "This account doesn't have access to Google Ads". The Google identity you signed in with isn't a user on any Google Ads account. Either create a Google Ads account at ads.google.com or sign in with a different identity that has access.
  • "Access denied". You declined the permissions screen. Try again and approve the requested scopes. Hero Marketer needs the Google Ads scope to read accounts and create campaigns.

I authenticated but the account list is empty​

You signed in successfully but Hero Marketer shows no accounts to pick from. Two main causes:

Your Google identity isn't a user on any Google Ads account​

Google Ads accounts are managed through user permissions, not through the Google identity itself. Even with a Google account, you need to be added to a Google Ads account to see it.

Fix:

  • If you own a Google Ads account, you should already be a user on it.
  • If a coworker owns it, ask them to add your Google identity through Google Ads' user management (Tools and Settings, then Access and Security).
  • If neither, create your own Google Ads account at ads.google.com.

You signed in with the wrong Google identity​

If you have multiple Google accounts (work, personal, multiple work), you may have signed in with one that isn't on the Google Ads account you wanted.

Fix: disconnect and try again with the correct identity. See Disconnect Google Ads.

I see other accounts but not the one I want​

Some accounts you have access to show up; the specific one you want doesn't. Causes:

  • Google Ads suspended or disabled the account. Check status at ads.google.com. Suspended accounts don't show up.
  • Read only or limited access. If your role on the account is restricted (some custom permissions), you may not have the level Hero Marketer needs. Check with the owner.
  • The account is in a different MCC structure. If a manager account has been moved or restructured, your visibility may have changed. Re check user permissions.

The connection seems to work but features fail later​

You connected, picked an account, but later actions (creating a campaign, fetching keyword data) fail with auth errors.

  • Token expired. Hero Marketer refreshes tokens automatically, but expired refresh tokens require reconnection. Disconnect and reconnect.
  • Permissions changed on the Google side. Someone may have removed your access mid session. Re check user permissions on the Google Ads account.
  • API quota. In rare cases, the Google Ads API can throttle. This is rare for normal usage. If you hit it, try again in a few minutes.

Still stuck?​

Contact support. Include:

  • The Google identity you tried (just the email is fine).
  • The Google Ads customer ID you're trying to connect (if you know it).
  • Screenshots of any error messages.
  • What step in the flow it fails at.