Google Introduces Restricted Access Features (RAFs) for AdSense for Search

Starting August 25, 2025, Google is rolling out a new set of tools called Restricted Access Features (RAFs) for AdSense for Search (AFS) users. These tools provide more control over Related Search ads and deeper insights — but only for publishers who follow AdSense rules consistently.

What Are RAFs and Why Do They Matter?

Restricted Access Features (RAFs) give publishers more ways to control and customize Related Search units. These upgrades also offer better tracking tools for ad performance.

Note
You can’t use RAFs automatically. Only accounts in good standing can access them.

What’s Included in RAFs:

• Show more than 5 suggested search terms
  Normally, RS units show up to 5 keyword ideas. RAFs let you show more suggestions, giving users more to explore.
• Display multiple RS units per page
  You can place more than one RS box on a single page.
• Use Partner-Provided Terms (your own search terms)
  Instead of just using Google’s suggestions, you can include your own keyword terms tailored to your audience.
• Control styling: font, size, spacing, icons
  You get more design flexibility for how the RS units look.
• Unlock over 500 reporting channels
  This gives large sites better ways to track performance by section, page, or content group.
• Use Click-tracking permissions
  You’ll see which ad was clicked and where it appeared, helping you improve your ad setup.

Important
▌These are premium-level features — and Google offers them only to publishers who stick to the rules.

Is This a Change to Regular AdSense?

No. RAFs are extra features for AdSense for Search. They don’t affect regular AdSense ads.

• ✅ Regular AdSense for Content (display ads) stays the same
• ✅ RAFs work only with AdSense for Search
• ➕ If you’re using AFS, RAFs give you more tools — they don’t take anything away

Who Can Access RAFs?

You may qualify for RAFs if:

• You use AdSense for Search
• Your account follows Google’s policies
• You work with a Google AdSense Account Manager
• You get an invitation to turn on RAFs

Note
▌Google decides access. Talk to your account manager if you’re unsure.

How the Strike System Works

Google uses a strike system to manage RAF access. If you break certain rules, you may lose these features.

Important
▌Strikes last for 2 years. If your status becomes “Revoked,” they don’t expire.

What If You Lose Access?

If your account isn’t “Qualified,” RAF access is limited.

Related Search (RS) Units:

• You can show up to 5 search suggestions
• Only 1 RS unit per page
• Only Google-generated search terms appear
• Some style customizations remain; others use defaults

Reporting Channels:

• Your old channels are removed
• Google gives you 500 basic channels (named 1–500)
• Grouping and deep reporting are disabled

Note
▌When your account returns to “Qualified,” all features and old channels are restored.

Click-Tracking (New RAF Feature)

Click-tracking helps you measure how well ads perform. With this feature, you can:

• Track which ad the user clicked
• Know where the click happened on the page
• Connect the data to your own analytics

Important
▌Only “Qualified” accounts can use click-tracking.

Can You Appeal Strikes?

You can’t appeal a strike directly. But you can appeal the policy violation that caused it.

• ✅ If the violation turns out to be false, the strike is removed
• ❌ If you just fix the problem, the strike stays
• ⚠️ Only the publisher can appeal — not your account manager

Do Old Violations Matter?

Yes. On August 25, 2025, Google will check all AdSense for Search accounts.

Important
▌If your account has 5 or more open violations — or 1 serious one — you may get a strike and start in “Probation”.

• ✅ If you already fixed or appealed the violation, it won’t count
• ❌ Active violations may hurt your RAF status

Can You Reapply If Revoked?

No. If your account enters Revoked status:

• You can’t get RAFs back
• You can still use AdSense for Search, just without the extra features
• You can’t open a new AdSense account for the same business

Note
▌Google allows only one AdSense account per business.

Summary: Quick Answers

Final Thoughts

Google’s Restricted Access Features (RAFs) give you more power and flexibility — if you follow the rules. To keep access:

• Check your Policy Center regularly
• Fix any violations right away
• Stay in touch with your Account Manager
• Focus on long-term compliance

Important
▌The cleaner your record, the more features you unlock — and the longer you keep them.

For more official information, visit:
👉 support.google.com/adsense/answer/16262554