Solve Google Ads Issues in Zapier

When you connect Google Ads to Zapier, you may see confusing errors that stop your automations. This guide explains how to troubleshoot common problems so your Google Ads workflows run reliably in Zapier.

The steps below are based on the official help content from Zapier and cover permissions, account setup, data matching, and common error messages.

Before you start using Zapier with Google Ads

Several requirements must be met before Google Ads can work correctly in Zapier. If any of these are missing, you may not see the right accounts or may get repeated errors.

Your Google Ads account must be active and in good standing.
You must use a Google account that has the correct permissions.
Your Google Ads account must not be a manager-only account when using certain actions.
You must authorize Zapier with the same Google login that owns or has access to the ad account you want to use.

If you are unsure about your account structure, review your Google Ads permissions or contact your advertising administrator before configuring anything in Zapier.

Zapier connection and permissions issues

Most initial Google Ads errors in Zapier are caused by permission or connection problems. Use these steps to confirm your setup.

Zapier not showing the right Google Ads account

If Zapier does not list the Google Ads account you expect when you set up a trigger or action, check:

Log in with the correct Google account
Ensure that the Google profile you authorize in Zapier is the same one that owns or has access to the desired Google Ads account.
Confirm access level in Google Ads
Your user must have the required access in Google Ads (for example, admin or standard access). Limited or read-only roles can prevent Zapier from listing or modifying campaigns, leads, or conversions.
Check manager (MCC) account structure
If you use a manager account, confirm that the child account is properly linked and active. Some actions in Zapier must be configured at the child account level, not the manager level.

Zapier reports an authentication or permission error

If you see an error that your Google Ads account is not authorized or that your credentials are invalid, try these steps:

Reconnect your Google Ads account in Zapier
In your Zapier account, go to My Apps, find Google Ads, and click to reconnect or reauthorize the connection. Follow the Google login prompts and accept all requested permissions.
Remove and re-add the Google Ads app
If reconnecting does not help, remove the existing Google Ads connection in Zapier, then add it again from scratch. This forces a fresh OAuth authorization.
Confirm that third-party access is allowed
In some organizations, administrators restrict external tools. Make sure your company policy allows connecting Google Ads to tools like Zapier.

Zapier triggers not pulling Google Ads data

Sometimes a Zap that should trigger from Google Ads activity does not find any data or test records. This usually relates to how data is set up or filtered inside Google Ads.

Zapier cannot find recent Google Ads activity

If the test in your trigger step returns no sample data, check the following items in Google Ads before testing again in Zapier:

Confirm that you have recent events that match the trigger conditions, such as new leads, form submissions, or conversions.
Check that any relevant campaigns, ad groups, or extensions are active and have traffic.
Verify that the correct Google Ads account and campaign are selected in the trigger settings in Zapier.

After confirming those points, click the option to load or fetch new data in your trigger step and test again.

Zapier trigger shows old or unexpected records

When you are building a Zap, the Google Ads trigger test may display older or test data. This is normal, as Zapier usually pulls sample records to help you map fields. To make sure your Zap works on new records only:

Finish mapping all the required fields using the sample data.
Turn the Zap on.
Submit a new real conversion, lead, or click and wait a few minutes.
Check your Zap history to confirm that the live data triggered correctly.

Zapier actions failing when sending data to Google Ads

When you send data from another app to Google Ads using Zapier, you might see errors related to format, required fields, or invalid values. These issues usually appear during testing or in Zap run history.

Zapier error: missing or invalid fields

If an action step fails with a message about missing or invalid fields, review the step carefully:

Ensure all required fields in the Google Ads action are filled.
Map data from previous steps where appropriate, instead of typing static text for IDs or tracking values.
Confirm that numeric fields (such as conversions or values) use valid numbers without extra characters.
Check that date, time, or currency formats match what Google Ads expects.

After adjusting the field mappings, send a test again from the action step in Zapier.

Zapier error related to customer or conversion IDs

Some Google Ads actions in Zapier require specific identifiers, such as customer IDs, conversion action IDs, or GCLIDs. If these are incorrect, Google Ads will reject the request.

Verify customer ID format
Use the exact customer ID from your Google Ads account, with the correct digits. Do not include spaces or hyphens if the action instructions say to enter digits only.
Use valid conversion actions
Make sure the conversion action you reference exists, is active, and is created for the type of data you are sending (for example, offline conversions or website conversions).
Check source app mapping
Confirm that the GCLID or any other tracking ID is coming from the source app and is mapped to the right field in your Zapier step.

Google Ads account structure problems in Zapier

Complex account structures can lead to specific errors or missing data when you use them with Zapier. Manager accounts and multiple child accounts are the most common causes.

Zapier connected to a manager account only

If your Google login is tied only to a manager account, some actions may not work as expected. You might see errors when you try to create or update data.

Whenever possible, connect Zapier to a user that has direct access to the target child account.
In the Zap editor, carefully select the correct Google Ads account from the drop-down list.
Confirm that the child account is not suspended or limited in any way.

Switching Google Ads accounts inside Zapier

If you manage multiple clients or brands, you may need to switch accounts regularly in your Zaps. To avoid errors:

Name each Google Ads connection clearly inside Zapier, such as “Google Ads – Client A”.
Open the step settings and confirm that the correct connection is selected for each Zap.
Test each Zap individually after changing the selected Google Ads account.

Best practices for stable Google Ads automations in Zapier

Once you fix immediate issues, use these recommendations to keep your Google Ads and Zapier workflows reliable over time.

Review Zap run history regularly to catch new errors early.
Avoid changing Google Ads customer IDs or conversion names once they are used in live Zaps.
Document which conversions and campaigns are controlled by Zapier for your team.
When you change permissions or admins in Google Ads, confirm that Zapier connections still work.

If problems persist, compare your error with the official guidance on the Google Ads integration support page from Zapier at this article, or contact their support with detailed Zap run logs.

More help beyond Zapier

For complex, multi-account setups or cross-channel tracking, consider working with automation and analytics specialists. A consulting partner such as Consultevo can help you design a robust Google Ads and Zapier architecture, improve data quality, and optimize your lead or conversion flows.

By confirming permissions, validating account structure, and carefully mapping data fields, you can resolve most Google Ads issues in Zapier and keep your marketing automations running smoothly.

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