Official Step-by-Step Guide to Configure Google Ads API Credentials

1. Prerequisites

• A valid Google Ads account or Google Ads manager (MCC) account
• An available Google Cloud Platform (GCP) account
• Complete access to GCP console for API enabling and credential creation

2. Create a Google Cloud Project and Enable Google Ads API

Before using the Google Ads API, users must create an independent cloud project and enable the official API ser

1. Log in to the Google Cloud Console at https://console.cloud.google.com
2. Click the project selection drop-down menu and create a new cloud project
3. After the project is initialized, enter the API Library
4. Search for Google Ads API in the service list
5. Access the API detail page and click Enable to activate the service permission

3. Obtain Google Ads API Developer Token

The developer token is a unique project-level credential required for all Google Ads API requests.

1. Log in to your Google Ads backend
2. Navigate to Tools & Settings > API Center
3. Copy the valid Developer Token for later configuration

4.Create OAuth 2.0 Client ID and Client Secret

OAuth 2.0 credentials are used to verify user identity and authorize API access.

1. Return to GCP Console and enterAPIs & Services > Credentials
2. Click Create Credentials and select OAuth client ID
3. Set the application type to Desktop app
4. Confirm creation and obtain Client ID and Client Secret
5. Add the official OAuth playground redirect address in the credential configuration: https://developers.google.com/oauthplayground
6. Save all changes and wait for the configuration to take effect

5. Generate Long-Term OAuth 2.0 Refresh Token

The refresh token is a permanent user credential used to automatically refresh access tokens for API authentication.

1. Open the official Google OAuth 2.0 Playground: https://developers.google.com/oauthplayground
2. Click the Settings icon in the upper-right corner
3. Enable the option Use your own OAuth credentials
4. Fill in the Client ID and Client Secret created in the GCP project
5. In the API scope input box, enter the official Google Ads API permission scope: https://www.googleapis.com/auth/adwords
6. Click Authorize APIs and complete account login and authorization
7. After obtaining the authorization code, click Exchange authorization code for tokens
8. Copy the generated Refresh Token

6. Final Google Ads API Configuration Items

After completing all steps, the following four core credentials are obtained for formal API connection:

• Developer Token
• OAuth Client ID
• OAuth Client Secret
• Refresh Token
• Google Ads Customer / MCC Account ID

7. Standard Notes

• All credentials must match the same GCP project and Google Ads account
• The refresh token generated by self-configured OAuth credentials is long-term valid
• Do not modify or disclose private credentials to avoid authorization failure and account risks