How to Set Up app-ads.txt for Any Mobile App (Android, iOS, Flutter)

Introduction

If you are using Google AdMob or any other ad network in your mobile application, you may have seen a warning like:

“No ad requests with app-ads.txt yet”

This message often confuses developers, especially beginners.
In this article, you will learn what app-ads.txt is, why it is important, and how to properly set up app-ads.txt for any app step by step.

This guide works for:

✅ Android apps
✅ iOS apps
✅ Flutter apps
✅ React Native apps

What Is app-ads.txt?

app-ads.txt (App Authorized Digital Sellers) is a text file that helps prevent ad fraud by telling advertisers which ad networks are officially allowed to sell ads for your app.

It is similar to ads.txt used for websites, but specifically designed for mobile apps.

Why Google Introduced app-ads.txt

To stop fake apps from stealing ad revenue
To protect advertisers
To ensure publishers earn maximum revenue

Why app-ads.txt Is Important

If you don’t set up app-ads.txt:

❌ Ad revenue may be limited
❌ Advertisers may not bid on your ads
❌ AdMob may show warnings in the dashboard

If you set it up correctly:

✅ Higher advertiser trust
✅ Better ad fill rate
✅ Maximum revenue potential
✅ No AdMob warnings

When Do You Need app-ads.txt?

You need app-ads.txt if:

Your app shows ads
You use Google AdMob or other ad networks
Your app is published on Play Store or App Store
Your app has a website or domain linked to it

Requirements Before Setting Up app-ads.txt

Make sure you have:

A live app (Play Store or App Store)
A domain name (example: yourdomain.com)
Access to upload files to your domain
Your AdMob Publisher ID

Step 1: Find Your AdMob Publisher ID

Go to Google AdMob
Click Settings
Open Account
Copy your Publisher ID

It looks like this:

pub-1234567890123456

Step 2: Create the app-ads.txt File

Create a plain text file named exactly:

app-ads.txt

⚠️ The name must be exact (no extra spaces or extensions).

Step 3: Add Google AdMob Entry

Inside app-ads.txt, add this line:

google.com, pub-1234567890123456, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

🔹 Replace pub-1234567890123456 with your real Publisher ID

What Each Part Means

google.com → Ad network domain
pub-XXXX → Your AdMob account
DIRECT → Direct relationship
f08c47fec0942fa0 → Google’s certification ID

Step 4: Add Other Ad Networks (Optional)

If you use other ad networks, add them on new lines.

Example:

unityads.com, 1234567, DIRECT
facebook.com, 987654321, RESELLER

Step 5: Upload app-ads.txt to Domain Root

Upload the file to the root directory of your website.

Correct URL format:

https://yourdomain.com/app-ads.txt

Example:

https://tradiify.com/app-ads.txt

❌ Incorrect paths:

/public/app-ads.txt
/api/app-ads.txt
/assets/app-ads.txt

Only the root directory works.

Step 6: Test app-ads.txt in Browser

Open your browser and visit:

https://yourdomain.com/app-ads.txt

If you see the file content, it is set up correctly ✅

Step 7: Connect App to Domain (Very Important)

In AdMob App Settings, make sure:

Your app is linked to the same domain
The domain matches where app-ads.txt is hosted

Step 8: Generate Real Ad Requests

Google will verify app-ads.txt only when real ads are requested.

Make sure:

App is published
Ads are enabled
Users are opening the app
Not only test ads

Step 9: Wait for Google Verification

Google takes:
⏳ Up to 7 days

During this time, you may see:

“No ad requests with app-ads.txt yet”

This is normal. Be patient.

Common app-ads.txt Errors and Fixes

❌ Error: No ad requests with app-ads.txt yet

✔ App is new or low traffic
✔ Wait 7 days
✔ Ensure ads are live

❌ Error: app-ads.txt not detected

✔ Check file URL
✔ Remove redirects
✔ Ensure HTTPS works

❌ Error: Wrong publisher ID

✔ Copy ID directly from AdMob
✔ Do not use App ID

app-ads.txt for Flutter Apps

Flutter apps work the same way:

No code changes needed
No Flutter plugin required
Setup is 100% server-side

How to Check app-ads.txt Status in AdMob

Open AdMob Dashboard
Select your app
Go to app-ads.txt
Check status:
- Detected ✅
- Authorized sellers ✅

Best Practices

✔ Always use HTTPS
✔ Keep file updated
✔ Add all ad networks
✔ Use correct domain
✔ Avoid duplicate entries

Final Thoughts

Setting up app-ads.txt is mandatory if you want stable and long-term ad revenue.
It improves trust, prevents fraud, and ensures advertisers bid on your inventory.

If you are serious about monetizing your app, do not skip this step.

How to Set Up app-ads.txt for Any Mobile App (Android, iOS, Flutter) – Complete Guide 2026