Google Ads “Destination Not Working” Disapproval: How to Fix It

Quick answer: Google couldn’t load your landing page. Open the disapproval to see the exact error, test the URL on mobile and desktop, check it isn’t blocking Google’s AdsBot (firewall, security plugin, geo-blocking), fix redirects, then request a review from Policy manager.

Destination disapprovals stop ads instantly, but they are usually technical and quick to fix once you know the error.

What it means

Google requires ad destinations to work on common browsers and devices. If Google’s crawler gets an error (4xx, 5xx, DNS, timeout) or a broken redirect, the ad is disapproved until the destination works and is reviewed again.

Common causes

• Typo in the final URL
• Page deleted or moved without a redirect
• Security firewall, bot protection or CDN blocking Google AdsBot
• Geo-blocking that stops Google’s crawlers in other countries
• Server errors or timeouts under load
• Tracking templates or redirects that break

How to fix it, step by step

1. Open the disapproved ad and read the specific destination error.
2. Load the final URL on mobile and desktop, logged out.
3. Check the URL with Chrome DevTools using the Google AdsBot user agent, as Google suggests.
4. Whitelist Google’s crawlers in your firewall or security plugin.
5. Fix or remove redirects in the final URL and tracking template.
6. Once fixed, go to Policy manager and request a review (choose that you made changes).

How to stop it happening again

• Monitor uptime
• Don’t change or delete ad landing pages without updating ads
• Test after installing security plugins or changing hosting

Related: Page speed for ads · Landing page checklist

Frequently asked questions

My page works for me. Why does Google say it doesn’t?

Google’s crawler may be blocked by a firewall, bot protection or geo-blocking that doesn’t affect you.

How long until the ad is re-approved?

After a review request, often within a day, though it can take longer.

Can I appeal old decisions?

Google states that from July 21, 2026, decisions older than 6 months can’t be appealed in-account; contact support instead.

Sources

• Google Ads policy: Destination not working
• Google Ads Help: Fix a disapproved ad or appeal a policy decision

Stuck on this one? Get a free ad review and you will get a short written diagnosis of what is going wrong and what to fix first.