
About author: Jack Evans brings his extensive experience in digital marketing to the table, specialising in paid social strategies that drive growth for e-commerce and DTC brands.
Have you ever felt the frustration of setting up a Facebook ads campaign, only to be hit with an unexpected account error? It’s like preparing for a big game, getting all geared up, and then finding out the stadium’s locked.
These pesky errors can throw a spanner in the works of your carefully planned marketing strategy, leaving you scratching your head and wondering what went wrong.
But don’t worry, you’re about to become an expert in handling these hiccups. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of account errors in Facebook Ads, arming you with the knowledge to tackle them head-on.

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What Exactly is an Account Error?
An account error in Facebook Ads is a technical issue that prevents you from creating, managing, or running your ad campaigns. It’s like hitting a roadblock on your journey to reaching your target audience.
These errors can pop up for various reasons, ranging from simple oversight to more complex policy violations.
Think of it as Facebook’s way of saying, “Hold on a minute, something’s not quite right here.” It’s a safeguard mechanism designed to maintain the platform’s integrity and ensure all advertisers play by the rules.
While it might seem like a nuisance at first, understanding these errors can actually help you run smoother, more effective campaigns in the long run.
Common Types of Account Errors
Now that we’ve got a handle on what account errors are, let’s break down some of the most common types you might encounter. Knowing these will help you spot issues quickly and get back on track with minimal fuss.
One frequent culprit is payment-related errors. These can crop up if your payment method is outdated, has insufficient funds, or if there’s been a suspicious transaction flagged by Facebook’s security systems. It’s like trying to buy groceries with an expired credit card, your good intentions are there, but the transaction just won’t go through.
Another common error stems from policy violations. Facebook has a strict set of guidelines that all advertisers must follow. If your ad content, targeting, or overall strategy doesn’t align with these policies, you might find yourself facing an account error.
Also, account errors can sometimes be triggered by unusual account activity. If Facebook detects sudden changes in your advertising patterns or suspects your account has been compromised, it might throw up an error as a precautionary measure.
This is Facebook’s version of a security guard, keeping an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Technical glitches can also lead to account errors. These could be due to issues on Facebook’s end or problems with your browser or internet connection.
Lastly, incomplete or incorrect account information can trigger errors. If your business details are outdated or your account verification is pending, you might run into issues.
How to Identify Account Errors
Spotting account errors early can save you a lot of headache down the line. But how do you know when you’re dealing with an account error rather than just a minor glitch?
Let’s discuss some tell-tale signs.
The most obvious indicator is an error message. Facebook usually displays these prominently when you try to access your ad account or create a new campaign. These messages often come with error codes or brief descriptions that can point you in the right direction for resolving the issue.
Another sign to watch out for is unexpected changes in your account status. If you suddenly find yourself unable to create new ads or edit existing ones, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with an account error. It’s like showing up to work and finding your key card doesn’t work anymore, something’s clearly amiss.
Sometimes, account errors also manifest as unusual restrictions on your advertising capabilities. For example, you might notice that certain targeting options are no longer available, or that your ads are being rejected for reasons that weren’t an issue before. This is Facebook’s way of applying the brakes, often due to policy concerns or suspicious activity.
Keep an eye on your ad delivery as well. If your ads suddenly stop running or their reach dramatically decreases without any changes on your end, it could be a sign of an underlying account error. It’s like turning on the tap and getting only a trickle of water, something’s obviously not flowing as it should.
Lastly, pay attention to any notifications or emails from Facebook. They often send alerts about account issues, policy violations, or required actions. Ignoring these means you might be overlooking crucial information that could prevent bigger problems down the road.
Reasons Behind Account Errors
Understanding why account errors occur can help you prevent them in the future and resolve them more quickly when they do pop up. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons behind these pesky interruptions.
Policy Violations
Policy violations are a frequent cause of account errors. Facebook has a comprehensive set of advertising policies designed to protect users and maintain the quality of ads on the platform.
If your ads or account activities violate these policies, even unintentionally, you might find yourself facing an error. This could include issues like promoting prohibited products, using copyrighted material without permission, or employing targeting practices that Facebook deems inappropriate.
Payment Issues
Payment issues are another common culprit. If your payment method is declined, expires, or has insufficient funds, Facebook may restrict your account activities.
This is a protective measure to ensure advertisers can pay for the ad services they use. It’s crucial to keep your payment information up-to-date and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your ad spend.
Security Concerns
Sometimes, account errors stem from security concerns. If Facebook detects unusual activity on your account, such as logging in from a new location or a sudden spike in ad spend, it might trigger an error as a precautionary measure.
While this can be frustrating, it’s actually a good thing, protecting your account from potential unauthorised access or fraudulent activity.
Technical Glitches
Technical issues can also lead to account errors. These could be on Facebook’s end, such as server problems or bugs in their system.
However, they could also be caused by issues on your end, like outdated browser software or poor internet connectivity. While these types of errors are often temporary, they can still disrupt your advertising efforts.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Incomplete or inaccurate account information is another potential source of errors. Facebook requires certain details about your business and identity for verification purposes.
If this information is missing, outdated, or inconsistent, it could lead to account restrictions or errors. This is particularly important for businesses operating in regulated industries or running ads about social issues, elections, or politics.
How to Resolve Account Errors
Now that we’ve covered the what and why of account errors, let’s focus on the how, how to fix these issues when they crop up. While the specific steps might vary depending on the nature of the error, here are some general strategies that can help you get back on track.
First things first, carefully read the error message. It might seem obvious, but in the rush to fix the problem, it’s easy to overlook crucial information. Facebook often provides specific instructions or error codes that can guide you towards a solution. Take a deep breath and pay close attention to what the message is telling you.
If the error is related to a policy violation, review Facebook’s advertising policies thoroughly. Make sure you understand which policy you’ve violated and how. Then, adjust your ad content, targeting, or overall strategy to comply with the rules. Sometimes, it’s as simple as tweaking the wording in your ad or adjusting your audience targeting.
For payment-related errors, check your payment method. Ensure your credit card hasn’t expired and has sufficient funds. If you’re using a new payment method, make sure it’s properly set up and verified. Sometimes, simply adding a new payment method or updating your existing one can resolve the issue.
When facing security-related errors, you might need to verify your identity or account information. This could involve confirming your email address, phone number, or even providing additional documentation to prove your identity or business legitimacy. While it might seem like a hassle, it’s an important step in maintaining the security of your account.
For technical glitches, try some basic troubleshooting steps. Clear your browser cache and cookies, try using a different browser, or check your internet connection. If the problem persists, it might be an issue on Facebook’s end. In this case, you can check Facebook’s official status page to see if there are any known issues or outages.
If you’ve tried these steps and are still encountering errors, it’s time to reach out to Facebook support. They have a dedicated help centre for advertisers where you can find more detailed troubleshooting guides or contact their support team directly. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the error you’re experiencing and the steps you’ve already taken to try and resolve it.
Preventing Future Account Errors
While knowing how to fix account errors is crucial, wouldn’t it be great if you could avoid them altogether?
While it’s impossible to guarantee you’ll never encounter an error, there are several steps you can take to minimise the risk. Let’s explore some preventive measures you can implement in your Facebook advertising strategy.
Stay up-to-date with Facebook’s policies. These guidelines can change, and what was acceptable yesterday might not be today. Make it a habit to regularly review the advertising policies, especially before launching new campaigns. This proactive approach can save you from many potential headaches down the line.
Keep your account information current and accurate. This includes your business details, contact information, and payment methods. Set reminders to review and update this information periodically. It’s much easier to keep things up-to-date than to scramble to fix outdated information when you’re in the middle of a crucial campaign.
Be mindful of your ad content and targeting. Even if you’re not intentionally violating policies, certain combinations of content and targeting can trigger red flags in Facebook’s system. Always double-check your ads before submitting them, paying special attention to your ad copy, images, and audience targeting settings.
Maintain consistent account activity. Sudden spikes or drops in ad spend, or long periods of inactivity followed by intense advertising, can sometimes trigger account errors. Try to keep your advertising activity relatively steady, and if you’re planning any major changes, consider implementing them gradually.
Use Facebook’s built-in tools to your advantage. The platform offers various features to help you comply with their policies and maintain a healthy account. For example, use the Ad Preview tool to see how your ad will appear in different placements, and pay attention to any warnings or suggestions Facebook provides during the ad creation process.
Regularly monitor your account performance and notifications. Don’t wait for an error to occur before checking in on your account. Keep an eye on your ad performance, account notifications, and any emails from Facebook. This can help you catch potential issues early before they escalate into full-blown account errors.
Consider using Facebook’s Business Manager if you’re not already. This tool provides additional layers of security and control over your advertising accounts, which can help prevent certain types of errors. It’s especially useful if you’re managing multiple ad accounts or working with a team.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering account errors. Remember, a little bit of preparation and ongoing vigilance can go a long way in ensuring smooth sailing for your Facebook advertising efforts.