Platform Access Guide
How to Get Google Ads Access for Agencies
Give your agency access to client Google Ads accounts in minutes. Manual steps below, or one link that does it for you.
Quick Answer
To give an agency access to your Google Ads account, the client signs in to Google Ads, opens Tools & Settings (wrench icon), then Access and security, adds the agency by email, and chooses a role. The agency accepts the invitation.
- Client signs in to Google Ads.
- Click Tools & Settings (wrench icon, top right), then under Setup choose Access and security.
- Click the plus (+) button to add a user.
- Enter the agency user's email address.
- Choose access level: Admin, Standard, or Read-only.
- Send the invitation; the agency accepts from the email or in Google Ads.
How do I give an agency access to my Google Ads?
In Google Ads, go to Tools & Settings → Access and security, then add the agency's email and pick Admin, Standard, or Read-only. They get an email invite and accept. For full steps, see the section below.
See step-by-step instructions →Why Agencies Need Google Ads Access
Most paid search runs through Google Ads. To manage campaigns, build reports, or optimize for a client, you need access to their account. The manual way works but costs time: clients get lost in the UI, send the wrong permissions, or forget to accept. That back-and-forth can burn a day or two per client. A clear process (or a single link that handles it) cuts that to minutes.
Step-by-Step: Requesting Google Ads Access
Method 1: Manual process (free, time-consuming)
- The client signs in to Google Ads at ads.google.com.
- Click the wrench icon (Tools & Settings) in the top right. Under Setup, open Access and security.
- Click the plus (+) button to add a user. Enter the agency team member's Google email.
- Choose the role: Admin (full control), Standard (create and edit campaigns), or Read-only (reports only).
- Send the invitation. The agency receives an email and must accept in Google Ads or from the link.
Pro tip: If the client manages multiple accounts (e.g. MCC), they must add the user in the correct account or at the MCC level so you see all accounts they want to share.
Method 2: Using AuthHub (5 minutes)
Send the client one link. They sign in with Google once; you get access to the accounts they choose. You can add optional intake questions in the same flow so you get access and client info in a single step. No chasing separate invites or forms.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Client can't find Access and security | Tools & Settings (wrench icon, top right) → Under Setup, Access and security. |
| Wrong account or multiple Google Ads accounts | Check which account is selected at the top of the UI. Add the user in the correct account, or at MCC level if they manage many. |
| Invitation not received | Check spam; ensure the email matches the one used in Google Ads. Client can resend from Access and security. |
| Need MCC vs single-account access | For multiple accounts, add the user at the Manager (MCC) level so they see all linked accounts. For one account, add at that account level. |
Official reference: Google Ads Help – Add or remove users
Google Ads Access Checklist
- □Client is signed in to the correct Google Ads account
- □Agency email is correct (no typos)
- □Role chosen: Admin, Standard, or Read-only
- □Invitation accepted on the agency side
- □If using AuthHub: one link sent, client completed the flow
Related Platform Guides
Need access to other platforms? We have guides for Meta Ads access for agencies, Google Analytics (GA4) access for agencies, and LinkedIn Ads access.
Simplify with AuthHub
Save 2–3 days per client with a single link that handles Google Ads and other platforms, plus optional intake. One flow, one link.