Why Aren't Ads Showing Up on My App? Troubleshooting Guide for AdMob Integration

Finding the Cause of Ad Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating an AdMob account and integrating it into your application is just the first step in displaying ads. However, many developers encounter issues where ads do not show up, even after a few days of setup. This article aims to guide you through common reasons ads are not displaying and how to troubleshoot these issues.

Common Reasons for Ad Absence

Ads not showing up can be attributed to several factors. Here are the most common ones:

1. Viewing Ads in the Android Studio Emulator

The Android Studio emulator is a known testing device. By its design, it often displays test ads to ensure the implementation of AdMob is correct. This means that when you test your app on the emulator, you may see test ads. This is normal and indicates that your integration is likely correct.

2. Registered Testing Devices

If you've registered your phone as a testing device, it could be showing test ads on those devices. This is to validate that the ads are displayed correctly. Once you unenroll your testing device, the ads should change to live ads.

3. New App Not Approved by AdMob

AdMob may take several weeks to approve new apps. Therefore, even if you've integrated AdMob recently, ads may not immediately appear. Only once your app is approved can you expect to see real ads.

Steps to Troubleshoot Ad Issues

To resolve ad issues, follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Real Ad Unit IDs

Ensure that you are not using test Ad Unit IDs in your app. Test IDs are usually marked with the word "test" or are different from your real Ad Unit IDs. Re-compile your app with real Ad Unit IDs and upload it to the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Publish Your App on Google Play Store

Publish your app on the Google Play Store. Once it is live, download it from the Play Store and use the actual Ad Unit IDs. This should result in the ads being displayed properly.

Step 3: Waiting Period

If you've already published your app and are still seeing test ads, it may take some time for real ads to appear. Google may need to review your app before live ads are shown. This process can take up to a week.

Step 4: AdMob Approval System

Google has introduced a new system where apps are reviewed before ads start appearing. The review process usually takes less than 24 hours. Ensure you're using test AD unit IDs during this period. After the review is completed, use the live Ad Unit IDs, and wait for at least 1-3 hours for approval.

Next Steps

Once you have completed these steps and still see no ads, consider reaching out to AdMob support for further assistance. They can help diagnose any issues and provide specific guidance tailored to your situation.

In summary, ads not showing up can be due to multiple factors such as testing devices, app approval times, and using the wrong Ad Unit IDs. Following the steps outlined above will help you troubleshoot and solve these issues.