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Comprehensive Guide: Fixing "Unauthorized: Publisher ID Not Found in ads.txt" Error in Google AdSense for Blogger

Introduction

If you're seeing the "Unauthorized: Your publisher ID wasn't found in the ads.txt file, and AdSense can't show ads" error on your Blogger site, don't panic. This common issue has a straightforward solution that we'll walk you through step by step. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain what the ads.txt file is, why this error occurs, and exactly how to fix it for your Blogger website.

Understanding the ads.txt File and the Error

What is an ads.txt file?

The ads.txt (Authorized Digital Sellers) file is an industry-wide initiative by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) to combat ad fraud. It's a simple text file that publishers place on their websites to declare who is authorized to sell their ad inventory.

Why is this error occurring?

When Google AdSense checks your website and can't find your unique publisher ID in your ads.txt file, it prevents ads from being displayed to protect against unauthorized ad selling. This typically happens when:

1. The ads.txt file is missing entirely
2. Your publisher ID isn't properly listed in the file
3. There are formatting errors in your ads.txt entry
4. The file hasn't been properly crawled by Google's systems yet

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix the Error

Step 1: Locate Your AdSense Publisher ID

1. Log in to your Google AdSense account
2. Click on "Account" in the left sidebar
3. Select "Account information" under Settings
4. Find and copy your Publisher ID (starts with "pub-" followed by 16 digits)

Note: Your publisher ID is unique to your AdSense account. Never share it publicly or with unauthorized parties.

Step 2: Access Blogger's ads.txt Settings

1. Log in to your Blogger account
2. Select the blog experiencing the AdSense error
3. Click on "Settings" in the left menu
4. Scroll down to the "Monetization" section

Step 3: Configure Your ads.txt File

1. Find the "Custom ads.txt" option and toggle it on if it isn't already
2. Click on "Custom ads.txt" to open the editor
3. Enter the following line, replacing the placeholder with your actual publisher ID:

google.com, pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

4. Double-check for any typos or extra spaces
5. Click "Save" to apply the changes

Important: The formatting must be exact. Even an extra space can cause the verification to fail.

Step 4: Verify Your ads.txt File

1. Open a new browser tab
2. Visit your blog's URL followed by "/ads.txt":
   • For Blogger-hosted sites:

     https://yourblogname.blogspot.com/ads.txt
                     

   • For custom domains:

     https://yourdomain.com/ads.txt
             

3. You should see your AdSense publisher ID listed exactly as you entered it

Step 5: Allow Time for Verification

Google AdSense typically takes:

• 24-48 hours for initial verification
• Up to a week for sites with lower traffic
• Sometimes longer during system updates

Check back in your AdSense account under "Sites" to monitor the status.

Troubleshooting Persistent Issues

If the error doesn't resolve after several days:

1. Double-check your publisher ID: Ensure it matches exactly what's shown in AdSense
2. Verify formatting: The line must be exactly: google.com, pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
3. Check file accessibility: Ensure /ads.txt loads properly on your site
4. Clear cache: Try accessing the ads.txt URL in an incognito window
5. Contact support: If unresolved after a week, reach out to AdSense support

Preventing Future ads.txt Issues

To avoid similar problems:

1. Bookmark your publisher ID: Keep it in a secure note for easy access
2. Regularly check your ads.txt file: Verify it's accessible and correct
3. Monitor AdSense alerts: Check the "Sites" section periodically
4. Update immediately when making changes: To any ad-related settings
5. Document changes: Keep notes of when you modify monetization settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for AdSense to recognize the ads.txt file?

A: Typically 24-48 hours, but can take up to a week in some cases.

Q: Can I have multiple lines in my ads.txt file?

A: Yes, if you work with multiple ad networks, but for AdSense alone, one line is sufficient.

Q: What if I don't see the "Custom ads.txt" option in Blogger?

A: Ensure your blog is properly linked to your AdSense account first.

Q: Will this affect my earnings?

A: Yes, until resolved, as ads won't be served to your site.

Q: Can I edit the ads.txt file directly on Blogger?

A: No, you must use Blogger's built-in ads.txt editor under Settings.

Conclusion

Resolving the "Unauthorized: Publisher ID not found in ads.txt" error is crucial for maintaining your AdSense revenue on Blogger. By following these steps carefully and being patient with the verification process, you'll have your ads displaying properly again soon. Remember to periodically check your ads.txt file and AdSense account to prevent future disruptions to your monetization.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with other Blogger users who might be facing similar AdSense challenges. For additional Blogger and AdSense tips, check out our other resources.