This guide explains how to add an app to your Google AdMob account, which is the first required step if you want to start monetizing your app with ads. Whether your app is already published on an app store or still in development, AdMob allows you to set it up and prepare ad units in advance. The process is flexible, so you can start early and connect everything properly when your app is ready.

If your app is already published on Google Play or the App Store, the setup is straightforward. After signing in to your AdMob account, you navigate to the Apps section and choose to add a new app. Since the app is live, you simply search for its name, select it from the results, and add it to your account. Once this is done, the app is officially linked to AdMob and ready for monetization.

The next step is creating an ad unit. Ad units are the placements inside your app where ads will appear. AdMob lets you choose between several formats, such as banner, interstitial, rewarded, and native ads. After selecting a format, you give the ad unit a clear, descriptive name so it’s easy to recognize later. Once created, AdMob provides instructions on how to integrate the ad unit into your app, which you can follow yourself or share with a developer. Before showing real ads to users, it’s strongly recommended to test everything using AdMob’s test ads to avoid policy issues.

AdMob also supports apps that have not yet been published. In this case, the setup steps are nearly the same, except that you indicate the app is unpublished when prompted. You then provide basic details such as the app name and platform. This allows you to create ad units and test ad behavior even before the app goes live. When the app is eventually published, you can return to AdMob and link it to its store listing.

Linking an unpublished app to its store listing requires a few careful steps. After signing in, you select the unpublished app from your app list, open its settings, and edit the app name and store link section. From there, you search for the app on the appropriate store and link it once it appears. Since this action cannot be undone, it’s important to double-check that the correct app is selected. Newly published apps may take a few days to become searchable in AdMob.

You can also create additional ad units at any time for apps already in your account. This is done by selecting the app, opening the Ad Units section, and adding a new unit with your chosen format and name. As with all ad units, testing with test ads before enabling real ads is an essential step.

Although, the process is designed to be flexible and beginner-friendly. You can add apps before or after publication, create and test ad units safely, and adjust your setup as your app grows. Taking the time to set things up correctly helps ensure a smoother monetization experience and avoids problems later on.