How to Verify My Instagram Ad Account
Staring at a notification that your Instagram ad account has been restricted can bring a fantastic ad campaign to a screeching halt. It’s a frustrating and surprisingly common problem for marketers, but it’s almost always fixable. This verification process isn't personal, it's Meta's automated way of ensuring advertisers on the platform are authentic and trustworthy. This guide will walk you through exactly how to verify your identity, upload the right documents, and get your campaigns live again as quickly as possible.
Why Is Instagram Asking Me to Verify My Ad Account?
First, take a deep breath. Getting flagged for an identity check usually doesn't mean you've done something drastically wrong. Meta relies on automated systems to monitor billions of interactions, and sometimes, legitimate activity gets caught in its security net. The core reason for verification is to increase platform safety and prevent fraud.
Here are a few common triggers that can prompt an identity verification request:
Running Certain Types of Ads: If you're running ads related to social issues, elections, or politics, identity verification is mandatory. This is to ensure transparency and accountability.
Unusual Account Activity: The algorithm flags behavior that deviates from your normal patterns. This could include a sudden and large increase in ad spend, logging in from a new country, or adding multiple new payment methods in a short period.
You Have a New Ad Account: If your ad account is brand new and you immediately try to spend a significant amount of money, Meta might pause your activity to confirm you're a real business and not a spam account.
Accidental Policy Violations: Sometimes, an ad gets disapproved for skirting a policy you might not have known about (like using before-and-after images for health products). Repeated disapprovals can trigger a request for verification.
Payment Method Issues: A declined payment or discrepancies between your payment details and profile information can also raise a red flag.
Think of it as an automated security checkpoint. Once you prove who you are, you can typically get back on the road without any further issues.
What You Need Before You Start the Verification Process
Getting your documents in order before you begin will make the whole process much faster and smoother. The key here is consistency. The names and addresses on your documents must match the information on your Facebook profile and Meta Business Account. Mismatches are the #1 reason for failed verification attempts.
Have digital copies (clear photos or scans) of the following ready:
For Personal Identity Verification:
You'll need one valid, government-issued photo ID. The image must be clear, with all four corners visible, and not expired.
Driver's license
Passport
National identity card
State ID card
Heads up: The name on your ID must match the name on the personal Facebook profile that manages the ad account. If it doesn't (due to marriage, for example), your best bet is to temporarily update your profile name to match your ID for the verification process.
For Business Verification:
If you're operating as a business (which you should be if you have a Meta Business Account), you'll also need documents that prove your business is legitimate and confirm its name and physical address.
Utility bill (electric, phone, water) for your business address
Bank statement from your business bank account
Articles of incorporation or business license
Tax or VAT registration certificate
Choose whichever document clearly shows your official business name and address, as both will be checked against the information in your Business Account settings.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Verify Your Instagram Ad Account
Once you have your documents ready, you can start the verification process. The hub for resolving these issues is called "Account Quality."
Step 1: Go to Your Account Quality Page
This is where Meta centralizes all issues and restrictions related to your advertising assets. Don't waste time searching through the regular Ads Manager interface. The best way to get there is to go directly to facebook.com/accountquality.
Here you'll see an overview of your Business Accounts and any active restrictions. Any ad account or profile requiring attention will be flagged, typically with a yellow or red warning icon.
Step 2: Identify the Restricted Account and Start the Review
On the left-hand menu of the Account Quality page, click on the Business Account that contains the restricted ad account. In the main window, you'll see a list of issues. Your disabled ad account will be listed there with a status like "Ad account disabled" or "Identity confirmation required."
Next to the restriction, there will be a blue button. It usually says something like "Request Review" or "See Details." This is what starts the process.
Step 3: Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Confirm Your Identity
After clicking "Request Review," you will be taken down a specific Verification Path. Be ready for the following:
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is non-negotiable for Meta. If you don't already have it active on your personal Facebook account, you will be forced to activate it at this step. It's a key security measure that signals to Meta you're serious about account protection.
Upload Your Personal ID: You'll be prompted to upload one of the government-issued photo identification documents you have ready. Select the document type, upload a crisp, readable image, and submit it for review.
Upload Business Documentation: If the issue is with your Business Manager, you might be asked to provide documentation proving the organization's legitimacy. Follow instructions on screen.
Step 4: Submit and Wait
After submitting everything required, approval can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several days, especially during busy times for Meta support. In many cases, it comes within 48 to 72 hours.
You will receive an email update, as Meta's team will notify you of any issues that may arise. Check your Account Quality page regularly to see the status of your verification process.
What's Next When Your Proof of ID Isn't Accepted?
Receiving a "Not accepted" alert is discouraging, but don't give up. Often, it just takes trying again with better-prepared documents.
Reason Codes for Business Verification Problems: Common Troubleshooting Areas
Image Quality: Blurry or dark images, or those that are cropped, will not be accepted. Make sure to upload high-quality, clear images.
Expired Documents: Ensure your documents are current and not expired. Always use the most recent documents available.
Your Next Moves:
Review and Re-upload: Address any issues by providing better quality images or different documentation.
Contact Support: If you're consistently rejected without a clear reason, reach out to Facebook's support for Meta Ad Accounts. They can offer assistance and provide further instructions.
How to Stay Out of Instagram's "Account Jail" and Be Proactive
Once restored, these routines will lower the likelihood you're flagged as potential fraud or spam in Meta's automated surveillance:
Ensure all your information is accurate and up-to-date.
Avoid drastic changes in your account activity without prior notice.
Regularly review your account settings and documents.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Instagram ad account temporarily restricted is a common rite of passage for digital advertisers, but it’s rarely a permanent problem. By carefully preparing your documents, paying close attention to consistency between your IDs and profiles, and patiently following the steps in the Account Quality dashboard, you can resolve the issue and get your campaigns running again.
Of course, once your ads are back on, the work of analyzing performance begins. Juggling data from Instagram, Google Analytics, Shopify, and your other platforms can feel like a full-time job. To simplify this, we built a tool called Graphed. It lets you connect all your marketing and sales data sources in just a few clicks. You can then use simple, natural language to ask questions, create real-time dashboards, and instantly understand which campaigns are driving real results - no more endless spreadsheets or jumping between a dozen tabs to get answers.