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How to Add Call Extension Data Feed in Google Ads (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Add Call Extension Data Feed in Google Ads (Step-by-Step Guide)

Alright! Imagine Google Ads is like a big digital billboard where businesses can show their ads. A call extension is like adding a phone number to the ad so people can call the business directly.

Now, there are two ways to add a call extension:

  1. Manual Method: You just type in the phone number in Google Ads.
  2. Data Feed (Advanced):You create a list (spreadsheet) of multiple phone numbers and upload it to Google Ads. This is useful if you have many locations with different numbers.

Since you asked about the data feed method, let’s break it down step by step:


Steps to Add Call Extension Using Data Feed

Step 1: Create a Google Ads Feed

Think of this as making a table with all your phone numbers. You’ll create this in a spreadsheet.

Open Google Sheets or Excel and create columns like this:

data

What these columns mean:

  • ID: Just a number to keep track of entries.
  • Call Extension Number: The phone number.
  • Country: The country where the number works.
  • Language:The language people speak in that country.
  • Device Preference: If the number should show on mobile only or all devices.
  • Start Date & End Date: When the number should be active.

Save this file as a CSV (Comma Separated Values).


Step 2: Upload the Feed to Google Ads

Now we need to put this table into Google Ads.

  • Go to Google Ads → Click on Tools and Settings (🔧 wrench icon).
  • Under Setup, select Business Data.
  • Click + (Add Data Feed) → Choose Call Extension Feed.
  • Upload the CSV file you created earlier.
  • Click Apply and wait for Google to review it.

Step 3: Link the Feed to Your Campaign

Now, we have to connect this feed to your ads.

  • Go to Ads & Extensions → Click Extensions.
  • Click + → Choose Call Extension.
  • Select Use a feed instead of entering a number manually.
  • Choose the feed you uploaded earlier.
  • Click Save.

Done! Now, your ads will show the phone numbers from your feed.


Final Notes

  • This method is great if you manage multiple phone numbers.
  • Google will check and approve your numbers before they show up.
  • You can update the feed anytime by uploading a new CSV file.

Let’s troubleshoot and test your Call Extension Data Feed in Google Ads.


Troubleshooting & Fixes

If your call extension isn’t showing or the feed isn’t uploading, here’s what to check:

Check If Google Approved Your Phone Numbers

Google sometimes rejects phone numbers if they don’t meet the rules.

Go to:

  • Google Ads → Click Tools and Settings (🔧) → Business Data
  • Find your Call Extension Feed
  • Look under the “Status” column
  • If you see “Disapproved,” click on it to see the reason

Fix:

  • Make sure the phone number belongs to the business (no personal numbers).
  • The number must be reachable (Google may test-call it).
  • Remove special characters (like brackets or dashes) and try again.

Is the Feed Linked to the Right Campaigns?

Even if you uploaded the feed, it won’t work unless it’s connected to your campaigns.

Check this:

  • Go to Ads & Extensions → Click Extensions
  • Find your Call Extension
  • Click Edit and check if it’s linked to the right campaigns or ad groups
  • If not, click Add to Campaigns and select the right ones

Fix:

  • Make sure the campaign type supports call extensions (e.g., Search campaigns work, but some Display campaigns might not).

Are You Using the Correct Feed Format?

If Google rejects your CSV file, the format might be wrong.

Try this fix:

  • Open the CSV in Google Sheets
  • Click File → Download → CSV (Comma Separated Values)
  • Re-upload it in Google Ads → Business Data

Fix:

  • Check that the columns match Google’s format.
  • Remove extra spaces or symbols.

Check Your Ad Schedule

If your call extension only works at certain times, make sure it’s set correctly.

Check:

  • Go to Ads & ExtensionsExtensions
  • Click on your Call Extension
  • Look for Ad Schedule

Fix:

  • Make sure the hours match when your business is open.

Are You Using Automated Call Extensions?

Sometimes, Google overrides your feed with its own call extensions.

Turn this off:

  • Go to Google Ads → Settings
  • Click Account Settings
  • Find Call Reporting and disable automated call extensions

Fix:

  • This stops Google from using a random number instead of your feed.

Testing If Your Call Extension Works

Method 1: Preview the Ad in Google Ads

  • Go to Ads & Extensions → Click Extensions
  • Find your Call Extension
  • Click Preview

If you see your phone number, it means it’s working!


Method 2: Search for Your Ad (Without Clicking!)

  • Open Google.com in Incognito Mode
  • Search for your ad’s target keyword
  • Look at the ad preview
  • See if your phone number appears

Tip: Call extensions don’t always show every time—Google decides based on relevance.


Method 3: Google Ads Call Report

  • Go to Reports → Predefined Reports → Extensions → Call Details
  • This shows how many people clicked to call your business

If you see zero calls, try adjusting your ad schedule or bidding higher.


Final Steps

  • Make sure Google approved your numbers.
  • Double-check the CSV format and re-upload if needed.
  • Link the feed to the correct campaigns.
  • Test the extension using preview, search, and reports.

Your call extension data feed is now set up! But are your ads getting the maximum calls? Test your setup by previewing ads, tracking call reports, and ensuring Google has approved your numbers. Need expert help? Let us optimize your Google Ads for higher conversions Contact us today!

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