If you're seeing "Pending" status next to your exclusion rules or IP exclusions in ClickGUARD and they're not taking effect, it's typically related to how exclusions are synced with your connected Google Ads account.

Below are the common reasons why exclusions may remain in "pending" status and how to resolve them.

What Does “Pending” Mean?

A “Pending” status indicates that ClickGUARD has registered the exclusion (e.g., IP address or placement), but it has not yet been applied in your Google Ads account.

This delay can occur due to:

• Google Ads API communication delays
• Account permission issues
• Conflicts with other exclusion lists or rules

Common Reasons and Fixes

1. Google Ads Account Sync Issue

If ClickGUARD cannot communicate properly with your Google Ads account, exclusions may remain pending.

• Go to Settings -> PPC accounts -> Configure

• From the configuration page, click on the Synchronize button
• Wait a few minutes for the synchronization to be completed 

2. Insufficient Permissions

If the connected Google Ads user doesn't have full access (e.g., only “Read” access), ClickGUARD can’t apply changes like exclusions.

• Ensure the Google Ads account is connected with a user who has Admin or Standard access.
• Reconnect with the correct permissions if necessary.

3. Google Ads API Processing Delays

Sometimes, even when everything is correctly set up, Google may take a few minutes to process exclusion updates via API.

• Allow 10–30 minutes and check again.
• You can also monitor the Change History in Google Ads to confirm when the exclusions were applied.

4. Too Many Exclusions

Google Ads has a limit on how many IPs or placements can be excluded per campaign or account.

• Review your exclusion list size.
• If the list is large, wait for the ClickGUARD system to automatically remove the oldest exclusions from the list to allow new ones to be added

If exclusions stay in pending status despite trying the steps above, reach out to ClickGUARD support with the following:

• A screenshot of the pending exclusions
• Your Google Ads account ID
• When the exclusions were first created

We’ll investigate and ensure your rules are fully enforced.