How to Add a Manager to Your Google Ads Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to scale your business, you eventually need to hand your ad campaigns over to outside experts. Whether you are partnering with a local Calgary team or an agency farther out, getting started requires setting up proper access to your advertising account. Google Ads provides a clear, secure setup for this.
Many business owners make the mistake of handing over their personal login credentials. This creates an unnecessary security risk. The platform has official, controlled methods to share access safely. Here is exactly how to do it, step by step.
Why You Should Properly Share Google Ads Access
For businesses growing across Alberta, routing your ad spend through specialists is a practical way to get better tracking and higher returns. A reliable agency delivering a solid PPC service can maximize your lead flow, but the handoff has to be clean.
The golden rule is straightforward: never share your password. Password sharing compromises your account security and strips away your visibility into who changed what. Instead, use the system’s built-in tools to grant direct invitations through your settings. If you are looking for a secure way on how to add a manager to google ads, stick strictly to the official invite tool. It is much safer than giving away your login credentials, keeps your assets safe, and sets clear boundaries from day one.
Step 1: Where to Find Your Google Ads Customer ID
Before any work begins, an agency will usually ask for your unique 10-digit account number. They need this to send an official link request from their own manager account.
To locate it, log into your profile and look at the top right corner of the interface. Next to your username, you will see a 10-digit number formatted as XXX-XXX-XXXX. This is your ID. This is exactly where to find google ads customer id within the dashboard.
Handing over this number is completely safe. It is just an identifier, not a back door into your billing or campaigns. Once the specialist has this ID, they will trigger a link request that you simply approve in your dashboard.

Step 2: How to Add a Manager to Your Google Ads Account
Sending a direct invitation is the fastest route. For those wondering how to add someone to google ads account access, here is the exact process for the current interface:
- Log into your Google Ads account.
- Go to the left vertical menu, scroll to the bottom, and click the gear icon labeled Admin.
- Select Access and security.
- Click the blue + (plus) button above the user list.
- Enter the recipient’s email address. (Note: It must be tied to an active Google Account or Gmail).
- Choose the appropriate user role and click Send invitation.
The invited specialist will get an email notification to accept. Until they accept, their status will show as “Pending” in your user list. That is all it takes—now you know how to add a manager to google ads account roles without risking your master password.
Understanding Google Ads Account Access Levels
Not everyone working on your campaigns needs full control over your business data. The platform uses five distinct tiers. It is critical to understand these google ads account access levels before sending an invite:
Access Level
| Permissions
|
| Email only | Receives reports via email; cannot log into the dashboard. |
| Billing only | Can view and edit payment details and invoices only. |
| Read only | Can view campaigns, reports, and data, but cannot make changes. |
| Standard access | Can create, edit, and manage campaigns, ads, and audiences. |
| Administrative access | Full control, including managing users and changing security settings. |
The gap between Standard and Administrative access is significant. An admin can add or remove users and modify security settings. For most third-party contractors, Standard access is more than enough to manage your budget and optimize ads.
If your specific setup requires giving a partner full control, make sure you know how to add admin to google ads account roles safely. If you are walks-through instructions on how to add admin on google ads, follow the same invitation steps above but check the “Administrative” box. Only grant this to highly verified partners who hold direct responsibility for your advertising outcomes.
How to Link an Agency via a Manager Account (MCC)
For established digital agencies, the onboarding process is slightly different than a standard user invite. Most professional teams use a Google Ads Manager Account (formerly known as an MCC or My Client Center). This centralized dashboard allows them to manage multiple client accounts from one workspace.
With this method, you do not need to send an invite. The agency handles the heavy lifting from their side using your 10-digit Customer ID. Your only task is a quick confirmation:
- In your account, go to Admin > Access and security.
- Click the Managers tab at the top of the page.
- Find the pending request from your agency and click Accept.
Once confirmed, the accounts are linked, and the team can get to work. If you hit a snag during this setup, you can easily troubleshoot it during a straightforward marketing consulting session.
Conclusion: Secure Collaboration for Better ROI
Managing your access permissions correctly keeps your data secure while giving your marketing team the tools they need to drive business. To keep your account clean, stick to these rules:
- Keep passwords private: Your main login is your business asset. Never share it with anyone.
- Use the minimum required access: Standard access is the sweet spot for day-to-day campaign optimization. Keep Administrative rights restricted to internal ownership.
- You retain ownership: If you stop working with a provider, you can revoke access in the “Access and security” menu with a single click. You always retain total control over your business data.
Need reliable help managing your local campaigns or optimization strategies? The Hetman team handles technical setup and full-service campaign management to deliver real, measurable results for your business.