About Invalid Traffic

Invalid Traffic are the clicks and impressions on AdWords ads that we suspect aren't the result of of true customer interest. Examples of invalid traffic could be clicks and impressions performed by automated tools, as well as accidental clicks. For example, if someone double clicks your ad. You are not charged for invalid clicks and impressions because they are viewed to have little to no value.

Types of Invalid Traffic

• Accidental clicks that provide no value, such as the second click of a double-click
• Manual clicks intended to increase someone's advertising costs
• Manual clicks intended to increase profits for website owners hosting your ads
• Clicks and impressions by automated tools, robots, or other deceptive software
• Impressions intended to artificially lower an advertiser's clickthrough rate (CTR)

How Google Handles Invalid Traffic 

When the system detects invalid clicks on your ad, it automatically filters these clicks out of your reports to avoid you being charged for them. Although the system does this for you, you still have the option of viewing invalid click data if you prefer to.

Sometimes invalid clicks tend to escape through. If this is the case within the past two months, you will receive credit for these clicks. To view these credits for invalid clicks, click the Billing tab. Any invalid click credits you've received will be labeled "Invalid activity" on the transaction history page and will be credited to you.