Your Account Violated the Circumventing Systems Policy

If your account violated the circumventing systems policy, Google found behavior that it says tries to get around its advertising systems. This guide explains the notice in plain words and lists the behaviors Google names. It also shows what to check before you appeal. Google treats this policy as serious, so move carefully.

What does it mean when your account violated the circumventing systems policy?

Google says advertisers may not engage in practices that circumvent or interfere with its advertising systems, or try to. The notice usually says “Your account violated the circumventing systems policy”. Google calls violations of this policy egregious, which means they are serious enough to be treated differently from a normal disapproval.

As a result, Google says it suspends upon detection and without prior warning. It also says suspended advertisers are not allowed to advertise with Google Ads again. At the same time, Google says you can use the “Contact Us” link to appeal if you believe the suspension is an error.

Which behaviors does Google list as circumventing systems?

Google’s list is not complete, but it names these examples:

Google also lists promoting products without the required Google Ads certification. Some changes, such as a new address or payment method, do not cause a suspension by themselves.

What counts as cloaking?

Cloaking means showing Google one set of content and showing users something different to hide a policy violation. Google’s examples include a compliant page shown to Google while a banned product is sold, pop-ups that block crawlers, bait-and-switch topics and redirects to prohibited sites.

However, some differences are fine. Google allows localization, different offers, geographic changes and speed optimizations, as long as the product or service stays the same.

Why does Google suspend without warning when your account violated the circumventing systems policy?

Google treats this policy as egregious. It says suspension happens upon detection, with no prior warning. Google also says suspensions can follow adverse regulatory warnings, settlements, rulings or complaints. Normal editorial disapprovals, such as spelling or formatting issues, do not lead to suspension under this policy.

What should you check first?

1. List every account. Include accounts, emails and payment profiles linked to your business, your agency or past partners.
2. Test your landing pages. Open them on a phone and a desktop, and from another country. The offer should be the same.
3. Check redirects and click trackers. Google advises using certified click trackers and keeping pages open to its crawlers.
4. Review your verification details. Every detail you gave must be true and must match your documents.
5. Ask your agency. Google advises you to coordinate with your agency and to resolve suspensions on linked accounts.
6. Pause new accounts. Do not open another account until this one is resolved.

How do you appeal when your account violated the circumventing systems policy?

If your account violated the circumventing systems policy by mistake, select the “Contact Us” link in the notification at the top of your account. Google says you have at least six months to appeal. Send one appeal at a time, and explain what happened thoroughly, accurately and honestly.

For the proof to attach, read our guide to the circumventing systems appeal. If an appeal fails, see what to do after a rejected appeal.

Which mistakes make it worse?

• Opening a new account. Google lists this as circumventing its systems.
• Changing ads or domains only to avoid a disapproval.
• Giving false information in verification.
• Sending many appeals without fixing the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my account back after this notice?

Sometimes. When your account violated the circumventing systems policy, Google says it reinstates accounts only in compelling circumstances, such as a mistake. It also says suspended advertisers are not allowed to advertise again, so appeal carefully and honestly. No one can guarantee the result.

Does Google warn me before this suspension?

No. Google says suspension for this policy happens upon detection and without prior warning.

Can I open a new Google Ads account?

We advise against it. Google lists creating new accounts after a suspension as a circumventing behavior, so a new account can be suspended too.

What if my agency caused the violation?

Ask the agency what it changed and which accounts it used. Google advises you to coordinate with your agency and resolve suspensions on linked accounts before you appeal.

Can a redirect or click tracker trigger this?

Yes, if it sends users to a different or prohibited site. Google advises using certified click trackers and keeping every page accessible to its crawlers.

How long do I have to appeal?

Google says you have at least six months from the suspension date. You do not need to rush a weak appeal.