Why Am I Not Allowed to Run Ads on Facebook?

Running Facebook ads can be a powerful way to grow your business, but many advertisers face sudden restrictions that stop their campaigns.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I not allowed to run ads on Facebook?”. These restrictions can come from policy violations, security issues, or payment problems.

Understanding the root cause is the first step toward fixing it and getting your ads approved again quickly.

TL;DR

Facebook may stop you from running ads due to policy violations, account security issues, or payment problems. Common causes include misleading content, missing two-factor authentication, or failed payments. Checking your Account Quality dashboard, securing your account, and requesting a review can help you restore ad access quickly.

Also read: How to Find Someone’s Facebook from Their Instagram

Policy or Ad Content Violations

One of the main reasons Facebook prevents users from running ads is due to policy violations. Facebook’s advertising system uses automated reviews to check every ad, and even small mistakes can cause rejections.

Common policy-related reasons include:

• Violating Meta’s Advertising Standards or Community Guidelines – Ads that promote restricted products such as tobacco, weapons, or adult content are automatically flagged.

• Misleading or deceptive practices – If your ad makes exaggerated claims or hides key information, it may be seen as misleading.

• Discriminatory content – Facebook strictly forbids ads that target or exclude people based on race, gender, religion, or disability.

• Repeated ad rejections – Submitting too many non-compliant ads can lower your account’s credibility, leading to restrictions.

Violation Type	Example	Possible Result
Misleading Ad Copy	“Lose 20 pounds in one week!”	Ad rejection or account restriction
Copyright Issues	Using unlicensed music or images	Ad disapproval
Policy Violation	Promoting alcohol without age restriction	Ad rejection and account warning

Keeping your content truthful and compliant with Facebook’s Ad Policies is the first step toward preventing future restrictions.

Account and Security Issues

Sometimes, ad restrictions aren’t about your content at all - they’re about account safety. Facebook has strong security measures to protect advertisers from fraud and hacking.

Here are a few reasons your ad access may be blocked:

• Compromised or hacked account: If Facebook detects unusual login locations or suspicious activities, it might temporarily disable ad permissions to protect your assets.

• Missing two-factor authentication (2FA): Business accounts without 2FA are seen as higher risk. Enabling it is often required for accounts running political or high-value campaigns.

• Low feedback score: Facebook collects feedback from users who view or interact with your ads. Consistently negative feedback can lead to ad limits or restrictions.

To prevent issues, always use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly check the Account Quality dashboard for warnings or notices.

Payment and Billing Problems

Your ads can also stop running if there’s a problem with your payment method. Facebook requires accurate and reliable billing information for all advertisers.

Some common issues include:

• Failed or disputed payments: Multiple payment failures can trigger an automatic block until the issue is resolved.

• Expired or invalid credit card: Always keep your payment details up to date.

• Incorrect billing information: Small errors in your billing address or tax information can also cause ad disruptions.

If you encounter a payment problem, update your billing details and retry your payment. Facebook typically re-enables ad delivery once the issue is fixed.

Political and Social Issue Ads

Facebook applies extra layers of verification for ads related to political or social issues, such as elections or public policy. Advertisers may need to:

• Verify their identity with a government-issued ID.

• Enable two-factor authentication.

• Include disclaimers showing who paid for the ad.

If these requirements aren’t met, your ads won’t be approved. These rules are designed to promote transparency and prevent misinformation.

What To Do If You’re Restricted From Running Ads

If you’ve lost access to Facebook Ads, don’t panic. There are clear steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Check your Account Quality dashboard: Visit Facebook’s Account Quality section to see specific warnings, rejected ads, or security alerts.

2. Request a review: If you believe Facebook made a mistake, you can submit an appeal through the Business Support Home page.

3. Secure your account: Change your password, review login activity, and enable two-factor authentication.

4. Verify your identity and payment: Upload a photo ID if requested and confirm your payment method.

5. Wait for re-evaluation: After addressing all issues, Facebook may take several days to review your case and restore your ad privileges.

Tips to Keep Your Facebook Ad Account in Good Standing

A few small habits can help you avoid future problems:

• Read and follow Meta’s Advertising Policies regularly.

• Use accurate and transparent ad copy.

• Maintain secure login credentials and business access.

• Keep your billing and payment information current.

• Monitor performance and user feedback closely.

When your account is compliant and secure, Facebook’s system is more likely to trust your future ads.

Final Thoughts

Being restricted from running ads on Facebook can feel discouraging, but it’s usually a fixable issue. Whether it’s a simple payment error or a misunderstood policy violation, you can often regain access by reviewing your account and following Facebook’s recommended steps.

Remember — compliance, transparency, and security are key to running successful ad campaigns on Facebook without interruptions.