If you’re seeing an “Ads.txt file missing” warning in your Google AdSense dashboard, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many website owners encounter this issue, but the good news is that fixing it is easy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the ads.txt file, how to create it, and how to upload it to your WordPress site using both plugins and manual methods. Let’s get started!
What is an Ads.txt File?
Ads.txt (Authorized Digital Sellers) is an initiative by the IAB Tech Lab designed to help combat ad fraud. It ensures that only authorized sellers (like Google AdSense) can sell your ad inventory.
Why is Ads.txt Important?
✔️ Protects against counterfeit ad inventory
✔️ Helps advertisers identify trusted sellers
✔️ Increases your credibility with advertisers
✔️ Can help you maintain or increase your AdSense revenue
Without an ads.txt file, advertisers may not be able to bid on your website’s ad space, leading to lower ad revenue or even a warning in your Google AdSense account.
How to Create an Ads.txt File for Your Website
Follow these steps to create an ads.txt file directly from your Google AdSense account:
- Login to Your AdSense Dashboard – If Google detects a missing ads.txt file, you’ll see a warning notification at the top.
- Click on “Fix Now” – This will open a new page.
- Download the Ads.txt File – Click on the “Download” button to get the file.
- Review the File – The downloaded file will contain details like:
google.com, pub-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0(Replacepub-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxwith your unique publisher ID.)
Now that you have the file, let’s move on to adding it to WordPress.
How to Upload Ads.txt File in WordPress
There are two ways to upload an ads.txt file to your WordPress website: using a plugin or manually via cPanel or FTP.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (Easy & Recommended for Beginners)
If you prefer a quick and hassle-free way, you can use a WordPress plugin to add an ads.txt file.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Login to Your WordPress Dashboard
- Go to Plugins → Add New
- Search for “Ads.txt Manager” (by 10up is a great option)
- Install and Activate the Plugin
- Go to Settings → Ads.txt
- Copy and Paste Your Ads.txt Code (from the file you downloaded earlier)
- Click Save Changes
That’s it! The ads.txt file is now added to your WordPress website.
Method 2: Upload Ads.txt File Manually (Without a Plugin)
If you don’t want to install a plugin, you can manually upload the ads.txt file to your website’s root directory via cPanel or FTP.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Login to Your Hosting Account (e.g., Hostinger, Bluehost, SiteGround, etc.)
- Open cPanel and Navigate to “File Manager”
- Go to the
public_htmlFolder - Click “Upload” and Select Your Ads.txt File
- Ensure File Name is “ads.txt” (without quotes)
- Save and Close
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using FTP (like FileZilla), simply connect to your server, navigate to the public_html folder, and upload the file manually.
How to Check If Ads.txt is Working?
After uploading the file, confirm that it’s live by visiting:
https://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt
(Replace yourwebsite.com with your actual domain.)
If you see the text from your ads.txt file displayed in the browser, congratulations! Your ads.txt issue is fixed. 🎉
How Long Does It Take for AdSense to Recognize the File?
Google AdSense may take 24-48 hours to detect the new ads.txt file. If the warning still appears after this time, try clearing your website cache.
Final Thoughts
Fixing the ads.txt file issue in WordPress is crucial for ensuring that your site is monetized properly and that your AdSense revenue remains unaffected. Whether you choose the plugin method or manually upload the file, the process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it! Have questions? Drop them in the comments below. 🚀
