If you suspect someone has taken over your Google Ads account, secure the connected Google Account first: recover access if necessary, remove unfamiliar access and recovery methods, change the password, and enable 2-Step Verification. Then review Google Ads separately for unauthorized access, ads, and charges. Google warns that anyone who can access your Google Account can also access your Google Ads data.
1. Regain access to your Google Account
If you can still sign in, continue to the security review below. If you cannot sign in—or the password, recovery phone, or other account details have been changed—use Google Account Recovery. Answer the questions as accurately as you can and follow Google’s current steps.
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If this is a work, school, or other organization-managed account, contact its administrator. Consumer recovery steps may not apply to managed accounts. Do not give your password or verification codes to anyone, and avoid third-party account-recovery or password services.
2. Remove unfamiliar access and secure account details
After signing in, check recent activity and the Google Account security settings for changes you did not make. Remove sign-in methods you do not recognize; Google may restrict suspicious new methods. Then change your password to a strong one used nowhere else. Reusing a password can let an attacker who learned it on another site try it against this account.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Review the recovery phone number and email address, and replace any details that do not belong to you. Check linked-app access and revoke access for apps you do not recognize or no longer use, particularly apps using less secure sign-in technology. Google’s security checklist and recovery-information guidance explain these settings.
3. Turn on 2-Step Verification
Enable 2-Step Verification for the Google Account. Google offers security keys, passkeys, Google prompts, authenticator apps, and text or call codes. A passkey or security key is a strong choice when supported by your devices: Google describes passkeys as more resistant to phishing than passwords and security keys as its strongest listed second step. Never share a verification code with anyone.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
For an authenticator option, Google Authenticator can generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service. If you use a physical key for passkey sign-in, it must support FIDO2. Create passkeys only on devices you control, and keep recovery phone and email options accessible. A second key or passkey on another device can help if your usual device is lost. See Google’s 2-Step Verification setup guidance and passkey guidance.
4. Investigate and contain Google Ads activity
Google Ads needs its own review; securing the Google Account does not by itself establish whether Ads access, settings, or campaigns were changed. Check the Ads account’s users and security settings, remove access you do not recognize, and look for unauthorized ads, unusual activity, or charges. Google recommends 2-Step Verification for both the Google Account and Google Ads.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
If you suspect fraudulent access, contact Google through the Google Ads account-security channel. If you find unauthorized ads or charges, ask Google Ads to review them. Google Ads says 2-Step Verification is often needed for identity confirmation when contacting support. Have the account email and 10-digit customer ID available, and make sure you can use your selected second factor.
For accounts that use manager-account structures, Google Ads also documents controls such as allowed email domains and security mandates that can limit invitations and enforce requirements across the account hierarchy. These controls are relevant where that setup applies; review Google’s account-security guidance for the available options.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
5. Check the device used to access the account
Scan the computer or phone you used to sign in for harmful software, which can steal personal information or account credentials. Google Ads recommends keeping antivirus protection updated and periodically running a full system scan; Google’s compromised-account guidance also advises removing harmful software when suspicious activity is present. These recommendations do not endorse a particular antivirus product.
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Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C Nano is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C Nano secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: The YubiKey 5C Nano is designed to stay plugged into your device via USB-C. Simply tap it to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
6. Allow for security-change delays
Some new or changed recovery details and sign-in methods can take up to seven days to become trusted or fully effective across Google services, including Ads. This is a possible delay, not a required waiting period for every change. A trusted passkey or security key may allow certain changes to be expedited. If an urgent Ads change is blocked, another administrator may be able to help. Google’s sign-in-method guidance and Google Ads security guidance describe these timing limits.
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