Configure a Google API Console Project for the Google Ads API

Credentials for accessing Google's OAuth2 servers are required in order to authenticate and authorize Google Ads users. These credentials identify your app to Google, and allow you to generate OAuth tokens for managing Google Ads users. Access to Google OAuth2 credentials is managed from the Google API Console.

Warning: Beginning October 1, 2020, any Google Cloud app used to obtain credentials for the Google Ads API scope in its projects will need to undergo a Google OAuth verification to avoid an unverified UI screen for its users. An app, in this context, is defined as a unique OAuth 2.0 Client ID in Google Cloud. This verification is independent and in addition to any reviews conducted as part of the developer token approval process. There is no cost for the Google verification, which typically completes in 3 to 5 business days. Apps already using the Google Ads API scope prior to October 1, 2020 are not currently affected by this policy. However, this policy will be applied to all apps at a later date, and we recommend that all apps undergo the Google OAuth verification process at their earliest convenience to avoid any business interruptions.

Create a project

Go to the Google API Console. Click Create project, enter a name, and click Create.

Note: If you have billing enabled (for Google Cloud for instance), you must select a billing account for the new project. There is no charge for using the Google Ads API, however, there is a quota on total number of Cloud projects. Alternatively, you can sign up for a new Google Account which includes a free project quota.

Enable the Google Ads API in your project

To enable the Google Ads API for your project, do the following:

1. Open the API Library in the Google API Console. If prompted, select your project or create a new one. The API Library lists all available APIs, grouped by product family and popularity.

2. Use search to find the Google Ads API if it isn't visible in the list.

3. Select the Google Ads API, then click the Enable button.

Choose an app type

There are two app type options for the Google Ads API:

• Desktop apps (recommended)
• Web apps

Check the table below to determine which type is most appropriate for the app you want to build:

Choose this app type	If ...
Desktop app (recommended)	You're managing all of your Google Ads accounts using a single top level manager account. You're a first-time user, or want to get started quickly with the simplest setup. Your app will only authenticate Google users from one machine.
Web app	You want to authenticate as a user who can grant permission to your app to access their Google Ads account data. You want to easily generate multiple authorization credentials, to manage third-party accounts for example. Your app requires callback URLs. Callback URLs are not supported in the desktop app flow.

Key Point: You can still choose the desktop app flow even if you're developing an app to run on a server. The difference is whether the OAuth authorization is completed locally or remotely. A desktop flow requires authorization to be completed on the local machine, whereas the web-flow allows authorization to be completed on Google's authorization server.

For more details, refer to the Google Identity Platform OAuth documentation for desktop apps or web apps.

Create a client ID and client secret

Once you've determined your app type, follow the instructions below to generate the OAuth2 client ID and client secret:

1. Open the Credentials page. Select a previously created project or create a new one.

2. On the Credentials screen, click CREATE CREDENTIALS, then select OAuth client ID.

   1. If you hadn't configured an OAuth consent screen for this project previously, you'll be directed to do so now. Click CONFIGURE CONSENT SCREEN.

   2. Select the user type and click CREATE.

   3. Fill out the initial form. You can edit this later if needed. Click Save when done.

   4. Navigate back to Credentials > CREATE CREDENTIALS > OAuth client ID to continue.

3. Select Desktop app as the app type unless you're building for one of the other listed app types.

4. Give it a name, then click Create.

5. On the confirmation page, copy Your Client ID and Your Client Secret to your clipboard, as you will need them when you configure your client library. You can also return to the credentials page later to retrieve these details.