How to Fix Ads.txt Not Found in Google AdSense

[zaasmi]

If you’re managing a website and using Google AdSense to monetize it, you may have come across an “Ads.txt not found” warning in your AdSense dashboard. This message indicates that your website is missing an important file that helps protect your ad revenue. Fortunately, fixing this issue is straightforward. Here’s how you can resolve the “Ads.txt not found” error and ensure your ads continue to run smoothly.

What is Ads.txt?

Ads.txt (Authorized Digital Sellers) is an initiative by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) to increase transparency in programmatic advertising. It allows website owners to declare who is authorized to sell their ad inventory, helping to prevent counterfeit ad space from being sold.

Why is Ads.txt Important?

Implementing an Ads.txt file on your site is crucial because it:

• Protects your revenue by ensuring that only authorized sellers can sell your ad inventory.
• Increases transparency and trust among advertisers.
• Helps you avoid potential earnings loss due to unauthorized or counterfeit ad sales.

How to Fix “Ads.txt Not Found” Error

To fix the “Ads.txt not found” error in Google AdSense, follow these steps:

Step 1: Generate Your Ads.txt File

1. Log into Your Google AdSense Account:
   Start by logging into your Google AdSense account and navigating to the “Sites” section.

2. Check the Ads.txt Warning:
   If you see the “Ads.txt not found” warning, click on the message to find the specific Ads.txt content that Google recommends you to add. It typically looks something like this:

   google.com, pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
   

   Replace the placeholder (pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) with your own publisher ID.

Step 2: Create the Ads.txt File

1. Open a Text Editor:
   Open any text editor (like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac).

2. Paste the Content:
   Copy the Ads.txt content provided by Google AdSense and paste it into your text editor.

3. Save the File:
   Save the file as ads.txt. Make sure it’s saved as a plain text file with the correct .txt extension.

Step 3: Upload the Ads.txt File to Your Website

1. Access Your Website’s Root Directory:
   Use an FTP client like FileZilla or access your website’s control panel (e.g., cPanel) to upload files. You need to place the Ads.txt file in the root directory of your website (e.g., www.yoursite.com/ads.txt).

2. Upload the File:
   Upload the ads.txt file to your website’s root directory. This location is important as it allows ad exchanges and networks to easily locate and verify the file.

Step 4: Verify the Fix

1. Check the File Online:
   After uploading, check if the file is accessible by visiting www.yoursite.com/ads.txt in your browser. If the file loads correctly, your setup is complete.

2. Wait for Google to Detect the File:
   Google AdSense may take some time to detect the Ads.txt file on your website. The warning should disappear within 24-48 hours if the file is correctly implemented.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• File Placement: Ensure that the Ads.txt file is placed in the root directory of your website. It should not be placed in a subfolder or have any incorrect file extensions.

• Content Errors: Double-check that the content within the Ads.txt file is accurate and matches the format provided by Google.

• Caching Issues: If you’re using a caching plugin, clear your cache to ensure the Ads.txt file is served correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing the “Ads.txt not found” error is essential for maintaining your Google AdSense revenue and protecting your ad inventory from unauthorized sellers. By following these simple steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and ensure that your website complies with industry standards. Don’t overlook this important file—secure your ads and keep your earnings intact!

---

This article provides a comprehensive guide that can be shared across various platforms to help users resolve the “Ads.txt not found” error effectively.

[zaasmi]

@zaasmi said in How to Fix Ads.txt Not Found in Google AdSense:

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

I would like to redirect all traffic on my site to HTTPS except for the ads.txt file. Note it’s to a file e.g. domain.com/ads.txt and not a sub-folder such as domain.com/all-files-in-here/

Working Just add

RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} !^/ads\.txt
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]