Facebook Ad Stuck in Review: Why It Happens and What to Do
Quick fix
A Facebook ad stuck in review is still being checked against Meta's Advertising Standards. Most ads are reviewed within 24 hours, though some take longer. Don't keep editing: changing targeting, creative, optimization or billing event starts a new review. Bid, budget and schedule changes don't. Check the status at campaign, ad set and ad level.
- Check the status at campaign, ad set and ad level.
- Stop editing targeting, creative, optimization or billing event while it is in review.
- Change only bid, budget or schedule if you must: those do not restart review.
- Give it 24 hours before assuming something is wrong.
Can't fix it yourself? Send me the details
What this error means
Every new or edited ad is reviewed before it runs. The review is mostly automated, but some ads are checked by people, and it can look at the creative, targeting and destination. Until it finishes, the Delivery column shows In review.
Meta's Ads Manager says In review means the ad is being checked to make sure it complies with Meta Advertising Standards.
What Meta shows
Why it happens
1The review simply has not finished
Most ads are reviewed within 24 hours, but some take longer.
How to tell if this is you: The ad was submitted or edited less than a day ago.
2Edits keep restarting review
Editing targeting, creative, optimization or billing event on a scheduled or running ad starts a new review.
How to tell if this is you: Activity history shows edits since you first published.
3A different level is the real problem
The campaign may look active while the ad set or ad is still In review.
How to tell if this is you: The statuses differ between campaign, ad set and ad.
How to fix it
Leave it alone and check every level
- Check the Delivery column at campaign, ad set and ad level.
- Avoid editing targeting, creative, optimization or billing event during review.
- If you need to change spend, change the bid, budget or schedule: they do not trigger review.
Plan launches around review
- Schedule ads ahead of the launch date. They are reviewed when submitted but only start on the date you set.
How long it takes
Meta reviews most ads within 24 hours, but some take longer. Some processing updates can take up to 8 hours.
How to stop it happening again
- Finish edits before you publish, so one review covers everything.
- Submit launch ads early with a scheduled start date.
From my desk
A normal review window is fine to wait out, then I look for a cause before touching anything, since edits can restart the review. If it has gone well past what Meta's help pages say is normal, I check account quality and payments, then contact Meta support.
Muhammed Abdul Kalam
When to get help
- The ad has been in review for well over a day and nothing you've changed explains it.
- Launch day is close and you can't afford another review cycle.
Stuck on this? Send me the details.Tell me what the platform shows and what you've tried so far.
Send me the detailsFAQs
How long is a Facebook ad in review?
Meta says it reviews most ads within 24 hours, though some take longer.
Does editing an ad restart the review?
Yes, if you change targeting, creative, optimization or billing event. Changes to bid, budget or ad set schedule don't trigger review.
What is the difference between In review, Processing and Preparing?
In review means the ad is being checked against the standards. Processing means your changes are being applied, usually in minutes but up to 8 hours. Preparing means it passed review and is being matched to a bid and audience.
Can an approved ad be reviewed again?
Yes. Ads may be reviewed again, including after they are live.
Is ad review done by people?
Mostly by automated technology. Meta uses human reviewers to train those systems and, in some cases, to review ads manually.