SSalesCrew

Marketing data · 20 min plus approval · reviewed 2026-09-06

How do I get Google Ads API access and a developer token?

Google Ads reporting needs a developer token from a manager account, an OAuth refresh token with the AdWords scope, and the customer id. Put them in one JSON bundle under Settings → Other keys → Google Ads. Basic access is enough for reporting and is approved in a day or two.

What you will need

  • A manager account (MCC) that links your Ads account: https://ads.google.com/home/tools/manager-accounts/.
  • The OAuth client from the Google Analytics how-to.

Steps

  1. 1

    Step 1

    In the manager account open Tools → Setup → API Center. Accept the terms and copy the developer token. Apply for Basic access; test-account access works until approval.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    In Google Cloud enable the Google Ads API for the same project.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    In the OAuth playground get a refresh token for the scope https://www.googleapis.com/auth/adwords, signed in as a user of the manager account.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Note the customer id of the account you report on (top right, 123-456-7890) and the manager's id as login_customer_id.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Build the bundle: {"client_id": "…", "client_secret": "…", "refresh_token": "…", "developer_token": "…", "customer_id": "1234567890", "login_customer_id": "9876543210"}

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Settings → Other keys → Google Ads → Set key. Paste. Save. Test.

Common errors

DEVELOPER_TOKEN_NOT_APPROVED
approval pending. Reporting on a test account still works.
USER_PERMISSION_DENIED
the refresh-token user is not on the manager account.
Spend shows zero
the customer id is the manager's. Use the child account's id in customer_id.

How you know it worked

Test connection returns yesterday's spend. Marketing → Paid fills at the next hourly pull.

Where this goes in SalesCrew

Settings → Other keys → Google Ads → Test connection. In your own workspace the same how-to opens beside the field, with your callback URLs filled in.

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