How to Give Someone Read-Only Access in Google Ads (Without Giving Away the Keys)

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How to Give Read-Only Access in Google Ads (Step-by-Step Guide)

Granting read-only access in Google Ads allows someone to view your account performance without making changes.

This is the safest way to provide visibility to:

• Business partners
• Consultants
• Auditors
• Fractional CMOs
• Leadership teams
• Prospective agencies

In this guide, you will learn exactly how to give read-only access in Google Ads and understand when to use it.

What Is Read-Only Access in Google Ads?

Read-only access is a user permission level that allows someone to:

• View campaigns and ad groups
• See performance data and reports
• Review keywords and search terms
• Analyze conversion tracking
• Access billing summaries

However, users with read-only access cannot :

• Edit campaigns
• Change budgets
• Modify bidding strategies
• Create or pause ads
• Add or remove users

This makes read-only access ideal for oversight and audits without risking account changes.

How to Give Read-Only Access in Google Ads

Follow these steps to add a new user with read-only permissions.

Step 1: Log Into Your Google Ads Account

Go to:

https://ads.google.com

Make sure you are logged into the correct account.

If you manage multiple accounts through a Manager Account (MCC), confirm that you are inside the specific account where you want to grant access.

Step 2: Open Access and Security Settings

• Click the Admin icon (gear icon) in the top right corner.
• Select Access and security from the dropdown menu.

This page shows all current users and their permission levels.

Step 3: Click the “+” Button to Add a User

In the Users tab:

• Click the blue + button.
• Enter the user’s email address.

The email must be associated with a Google account.

Step 4: Select “Read-Only” as the Access Level

Under “Choose access level,” select:

Read-only

Review the permission type carefully before proceeding.

Step 5: Send the Invitation

Click Send invitation .

The user will receive an email requesting access confirmation. Once they accept, they will appear in your user list.

Google Ads User Access Levels Explained

Google Ads offers four primary permission levels:

1. Admin

• Full account control
• Can manage users and billing
• Can edit all campaigns

2. Standard

• Can create and edit campaigns
• Cannot manage user access

3. Read-Only

• Can view account data
• Cannot make any changes

4. Email-Only

• Receives notifications only
• No account visibility

For audits, reviews, and leadership visibility, read-only access is recommended .

When Should You Use Read-Only Access?

Read-only access is appropriate in the following scenarios:

Account Audits

Grant visibility without allowing structural changes.

Executive Reporting

Allow leadership teams to review performance without risk.

Vendor Evaluation

Provide temporary access to agencies during proposal reviews.

Financial Oversight

Allow CFOs or finance teams to review spend without operational control.

Best Practices for Managing Google Ads User Access

To maintain account security:

Review Users Quarterly

Navigate to: Admin → Access and security Remove users who no longer require access.

Limit Admin Users

Only assign Admin status to individuals responsible for account ownership.

Use a Manager Account (MCC) for Agencies

If you manage multiple accounts, a Google Ads Manager Account allows you to:

• Control access centrally
• Assign permissions at scale
• Improve operational security

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone with read-only access download reports?

Yes. Read-only users can generate and download reports.

Can a read-only user see billing information?

They can view billing summaries but cannot make billing changes.

Can I change a user from read-only to admin later?

Yes. You can edit user permissions at any time under Access and security.

Do I need admin access to add a new user?

Yes. Only Admin users can invite or modify users.

Final Thoughts

Granting read-only access in Google Ads is the safest way to provide transparency without sacrificing control.

Whether you are working with consultants, leadership, or auditors, this permission level ensures:

• Data visibility
• Account security
• Operational stability

If you are unsure which permission level to use, start with read-only. You can always increase access later, but limiting risk from the beginning protects your campaigns and budget.