Why is Google Ad Services Blocked?
If you're noticing warnings about Google Ad services being blocked, it typically means something is preventing your browser from connecting to Google's various advertising and analytics domains. This issue can do more than just hide banner ads, it can interfere with website functionality and skew your marketing data. This article will walk you through the common reasons why Google Ads services are blocked and provide a clear, step-by-step process to fix it.
What Exactly is Being Blocked and Why?
In most instances, the block is not an issue with Google itself, a virus, or an explicit action taken against you. Generally, the culprit is software running either on your machine or on your local network that's designed to protect you from things like pop-up ads. While they serve a valuable purpose, ad blocking and other protective strategies can create issues when websites have code or other assets hosted through Google that don't load due to the blockage. Let's look at the specific platforms where it often happens:
1. Ad Server Domains
The most frequently blocked domains belong to Google’s ad serving network, like googleads.g.doubleclick.net. DoubleClick, acquired by Google in 2007 for over $3B, is the foundational technology that serves millions of the display and video ads you see online every day.
Ad blockers automatically block your ad viewability requests. An ad blocker extension is typically not interested in whether your search comes from Google Chrome or Firefox, as your user settings are designed to automatically restrict any web result not allowing ads. These tools and services attempt to shield you from pop-ups everywhere, from search engine results pages to YouTube videos. While advertisement blockers have their value, their ad-blocking can be less precise than desired.
2. Digital Advertising Measurement with Cookies
Browsers like Chrome have supported users trying to improve their privacy within an advertising network for a long time. Nevertheless, ad settings related to pop-up banners and personalization can still be used for targeting purposes.
3. Google Marketing Platform Analytics Tools - like Analytics
Any browser settings related to blocking user data related to site visits can disrupt analytics. This means that website statistics on a number of key user activities will not be recorded in Google marketing tools such as Google Analytics. Adblockers or other third-party extensions block cookies and prevent data from passing through. As a result, Google Ads reporting or conversion tracking is affected since no data is being collected.
The Common Cause for Google Ads Blocking
There are a few typical causes when your online settings block Google services, affecting ad placements and measurement platforms:
Ad and Content Blockers
The number one reason for Google Ad Services being blocked is a dedicated plug-in to block ads from being loaded on a computer. Popular ad blocking apps include:
uBlock Origin
AdBlock Plus
Ghostery
Brave web browser
Privacy Badger
Users can forget these blockers are active, causing issues with Google services. These blockers maintain large blocklists, often blocking anything that requires data and tools served by the Google domain, impacting tools reporting. Without information being passed correctly, neither Chrome nor alternative browsers can function effectively, impacting Google tools' analytics and reporting capabilities.
Other Reasons to Consider
Some network factors might also cause Google advertising settings to be blocked:
Firewall or VPN: Firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can have settings for content blocking or pop-up filters, which might restrict Google ads.
Device Hosts File: The DNS file on your device might block Google Ads domains, preventing them from reaching the internet.
Browser Cache: Clearing your browser cache can eliminate cookies and allow Google ads to flow through, resolving some blocking issues.
Steps to Troubleshoot Ad Blocker Issues
1. Disable Extensions Individually
If pausing your ad blocker doesn't resolve the issue, consider that other extensions or settings might also block content. Ensure all browser extensions and settings that interact with Google services do not unnecessarily block functions.
2. Whitelist Google Ad Domains
Allow specific Google ad domains to be exempt from being blocked so ad services can function normally without exposing all your browsing activity to ads.
3. Check Third-Party Apps
Investigate third-party apps like Ghostery or Privacy Badger that may block trackers. Ensure settings in these apps allow necessary data sharing for Google Ad services to work.
Conclusion
Understanding why a website or any of your Google services aren't showing user traffic information during setting reviews with Ad services involves ruling out each potential cause. Ensure your browser settings and plugins aren't unnecessarily blocking Google services. At Graphed, we develop tools to help manage performance data effortlessly, providing marketers with the insights needed to improve business outcomes.