How to Get Google AdSense Approval: 7 Things That Really Work

Would you believe my first AdSense application was for a WAP mobile site that had no place to put ads? It was rejected, of course. Back then I only knew that site owners could earn money from AdSense. Many new bloggers make similar mistakes, which is why AdSense is strict about who it approves.

If you have been rejected (maybe more than once), you are not alone. Google never publishes an exact approval formula, but after years of running AdSense on my own sites and helping other bloggers, these are the things that consistently make the difference in 2026.

AdSense Requirements at a Glance

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You need a site you own with original content, in a supported language.
• The site must follow the AdSense Program policies and Google Publisher Policies.
• There is no minimum traffic or post count, but the site must have enough useful content to review.
• You must be able to add the AdSense code (or ads.txt or meta tag) to your site.

7 Things to Do Before You Apply

1. Use Your Own Domain

Free subdomains (yourblog.wordpress.com, Wix or Weebly free sites) generally cannot be added to AdSense. Blogger sites can apply through Blogger’s Earnings tab, but a custom domain still looks more professional and gives you full control. Register a domain such as yourblog.com and host it on WordPress. See how to choose a good domain name.

Avoid domain names with trademarks of other brands, adult terms, or words like “hack” and “crack.”

2. Publish Enough High-Quality, Original Content

This matters more than anything else. The most common rejection reason is “Low value content.” There is no official minimum, but in my experience 20 to 30 genuinely helpful posts of solid length on one clear topic is a good target. Quality matters more than count: some sites get rejected with 100 thin posts.

• Write original posts that answer real questions in depth, based on your own knowledge or experience.
• Do not copy, spin, or lightly reword content from other sites.
• Avoid publishing large amounts of unedited AI-generated text; reviewers and Google’s systems treat it as low value.
• Remove empty pages, placeholder text, and “coming soon” sections.

3. Stay Within AdSense Content Policies

AdSense does not allow content that is sexually explicit, violent or hateful, promotes illegal activities, sells counterfeit goods, encourages hacking, or infringes copyright (for example, pirated downloads or copied images). Some topics, like alcohol, gambling, and weapons, are restricted. Use your own images or properly licensed ones.

4. Make Your Site Easy to Use

Reviewers need to find your content easily. Use a clean, fast, mobile-friendly theme, a clear menu, categories, and a search box. Make sure there are no broken pages and that your site loads without errors. Add a simple logo so your blog looks finished.

5. Create the Important Pages

• About page: who you are and what your blog offers. See our About page as an example.
• Contact page: a form or email address. See how to create a contact page.
• Privacy policy: required by AdSense. It must explain that third parties, including Google, use cookies to serve ads. See how to create a privacy policy page.

6. Get Indexed and Set Up Google Tools

Make sure Google can find your site. Add it to Search Console, submit your sitemap, and check that your posts appear when you search site:yourdomain.com. Install Google Analytics too, so you can see what content works. Guides: submit your blog to search engines, verify your site in Search Console, and set up Google Analytics 4.

7. Remove Clutter and Other Ad Networks

AdSense allows other ad networks, but a site already crowded with ads, popups, or affiliate banners makes a poor first impression. Remove other display ads while you apply, and add them back carefully later if you need to.

How to Apply for AdSense (Step by Step)

1. Go to Google AdSense and sign up with your Google account.
2. Enter your site URL and choose your country.
3. Connect your site using one of the methods offered: the AdSense code snippet, an ads.txt file, or a meta tag. On WordPress, the easiest option is Site Kit by Google, which connects AdSense for you.
4. Fill in your payment address and verify your phone number.
5. Click Request review.

Reviews usually take a few days but can take two to four weeks. Do not make major changes to the site or remove the code while it is under review.

If You Have Visitors From the EEA, UK, or Switzerland

If you serve ads to visitors in Europe, Google requires a Google-certified consent management platform (CMP) to show a cookie consent message. AdSense offers a free one under Privacy & messaging, which you can enable in a few clicks.

Common Rejection Reasons and Fixes

• Low value content: add more in-depth, original posts and remove thin pages.
• Site down or unavailable: make sure the site loads, the code is in place, and you entered the exact URL (with or without www).
• Policy violations: remove any content that breaks the policies listed above.
• Navigation problems: fix broken links, menus, and pages that do not load.
• Not enough content: the review found too little text to judge; publish more and reapply.

After fixing the issues, you can request a new review from your AdSense account. Wait until you have made real improvements; reapplying with the same site rarely works.

Things to Know After Approval

• Never click your own ads or ask others to click them. This is the fastest way to get banned.
• Add an ads.txt file (AdSense shows you what to add) to protect your earnings.
• Since 2024, AdSense pays for display ads mainly per impression rather than per click.
• Payments are made once your balance reaches the $100 threshold (or the local equivalent).
• You can add other sites you own to the same account, but each site must be reviewed and approved.

Want to earn more from each visitor? See these high-paying AdSense keywords, or explore AdSense alternatives and ways to make money without AdSense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many posts do I need for AdSense approval?

Google does not set a number. Around 20 to 30 high-quality posts is a sensible target, but quality and originality matter far more than quantity.

Do I need traffic to get approved?

No. There is no minimum traffic requirement, but sites with some organic traffic are clearly real and useful, which helps.

How long does AdSense approval take?

Usually a few days to two weeks, sometimes up to four weeks.

Can I get AdSense with a free Blogger site?

Yes, Blogger sites can apply through the Earnings tab. Other free subdomains, such as WordPress.com free sites, generally cannot.

Got approved using these tips, or still stuck? Tell me in the comments and I will try to help.