Here are the Erased Keywords: A Guide to Retrieving Deleted Keywords in Google Ads
Accidentally deleting important keywords in Google Ads can have a significant impact on your campaigns' performance and overall marketing strategy. Losing track of deleted words can be frustrating, especially if they were well-performing or specific to a particular promotion. However, recovering erased keywords is possible, and this guide will walk you through the process.
Why Do Keywords Get Erased?
There are several reasons why keywords get erased in Google Ads. Some of the common causes include:
- Accidental deletion: This is the most common reason for keyword erasure. It can happen when you're working on multiple campaigns or adjusting keywords in bulk.
- Outdated keywords: Keywords that are no longer relevant or have low search volume can be automatically removed by Google Ads.
- Negative keywords: Keywords that are flagged as negative or have a low value may be removed to improve campaign performance.
- Policy violations: Keywords that violate Google's policies or guidelines may be erased to maintain a safe and respectful advertising environment.
How to Retrieve Deleted Keywords
Fortunately, Google Ads provides a way to recover deleted keywords using the Cerebro Deleted Words feature. This feature allows you to add recently deleted keywords back into your list easily. Here's how to do it:
1. Log in to your Google Ads account and navigate to the keywords tab.
2. Click on the Cerebro Deleted Words feature located at the top of the page.
3. Select the keywords you want to recover from the list of deleted words.

4. Click the "Restore" button to bring the keywords back into your list.
Alternative Methods for Retrieving Keywords
While the Cerebro Deleted Words feature is a convenient way to recover keywords, it may not always work. In some cases, you may need to try alternative methods to retrieve your keywords. Here are a few options:
- Google Ads Scripts: You can use Google Ads Scripts to retrieve deleted keywords by using the AdsApp.KeywordSelector and the withCondition method. This method requires some technical knowledge and coding skills.
- Change History: You can access your change history to see the last time you made changes to your keywords. From there, you can try to restore the previous version of your keywords.
- Search for Auto-Recover Files: If you've lost keywords while working on a document or spreadsheet, you can search for Auto-Recover files to see if they've been saved.
Preventing Keyword Erasure
While it's possible to retrieve deleted keywords, it's better to prevent them from getting erased in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid keyword erasure:
- Double-check your keyword list before deleting or adjusting keywords.
- Use the Cerebro Deleted Words feature to regularly review deleted keywords.
- Set up notifications to alert you when keywords are deleted or removed.
- Regularly back up your keyword lists and campaign data.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting keywords in Google Ads can be frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. With the Cerebro Deleted Words feature and alternative methods, you can retrieve deleted keywords and get back on track with your campaigns. Remember to take preventative measures to avoid keyword erasure in the future. By following these tips, you'll be able to maintain a healthy and efficient keyword list and improve your campaign performance.