There are many reasons why you might want to disable Google AdSense on specific pages of your website. Whether it’s for privacy, better user experience, or policy compliance, selectively showing ads can be a smart move. In this article, we’ll explore how to do it properly, without affecting your overall monetization strategy.
Table of Contents
- Why exclude AdSense from certain pages?
- How to disable AdSense on specific pages
- What not to do: common mistakes
- A tip from Dopstart
- FAQ
Why exclude AdSense from certain pages?
To avoid Google policy violations
Google AdSense enforces strict content rules. Pages with sensitive or restricted topics (like adult content, mental health, politics, etc.) should not display ads to prevent account warnings or suspensions.
Example:
You have a blog section about grief support. Although helpful, it might be flagged as sensitive.
<?php if (!in_category('sensitive-topics')): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code -->
<?php endif; ?>
To improve landing page conversion
Landing pages are designed for user action. Ads may distract users, slow down loading time, or divert attention, leading to fewer conversions.
Example:
An ebook download page:
<?php if (!is_page('ebook-download')): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code -->
<?php endif; ?>
Or using JavaScript:
if (!window.location.pathname.includes("ebook-download")) {
// Insert AdSense code here
}
To avoid disrupting checkout or signup flow
During checkout or account creation, every element should support the completion of the task. Ads can be distracting or create distrust.
Example:
<?php if (!is_page(array('checkout', 'register'))): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code -->
<?php endif; ?>
To keep legal or static pages clean
Pages like privacy policies, cookie notices, or legal disclaimers don’t generate monetizable traffic. Ads on these pages offer no value and might appear unprofessional.
Example:
<?php if (!is_page(array('privacy-policy', 'cookie-policy', 'terms-conditions'))): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code -->
<?php endif; ?>
To boost overall site performance
Loading fewer AdSense scripts means faster load times, better user experience, and improved SEO metrics. Focusing ads only on high-traffic, monetizable pages increases CTR and earnings per page.
How to disable AdSense on specific pages
Disabling Google AdSense on selected pages is a smart way to comply with policies, improve user experience, and maximize ad performance. Here are the three most common methods.
Method 1: Using
if
statements in code (PHP or WordPress)
If your site is powered by PHP or WordPress, you can conditionally control AdSense visibility with simple logic.
Example using page name:
<?php if (!is_page('privacy-policy')): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code here -->
<?php endif; ?>
Example using page ID:
<?php if (!is_page(42)): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code -->
<?php endif; ?>
Example excluding multiple pages:
<?php if (!is_page(array('privacy-policy', 'checkout', 'register'))): ?>
<!-- AdSense Code -->
<?php endif; ?>
This method is highly reliable and ensures AdSense scripts are never loaded on excluded pages.
Method 2: JavaScript-based exclusion (client-side)
If you use a static site or a JavaScript framework like React or Vue, you can use a conditional check based on the URL.
Basic example:
if (!window.location.href.includes("privacy-policy")) {
// Insert AdSense code here
}
With multiple page checks:
const excludedPaths = ["privacy-policy", "checkout", "register"];
const currentPath = window.location.pathname;
if (!excludedPaths.some(path => currentPath.includes(path))) {
// Load AdSense code here
}
Note: This method is less performant, as the AdSense code may still start loading before being excluded.
Method 3: CMS plugin settings
If you use WordPress, there are robust plugins to control ad placement:
- Advanced Ads: lets you define rules based on page, category, tag, user type, and more.
- Ad Inserter: supports PHP conditions and shortcode-based control.
Example using Ad Inserter (PHP condition):
<?php if (!is_page('checkout')) { ?>
<!-- AdSense code -->
<?php } ?>
These tools are ideal if you want to manage ads visually without coding.
What not to do: common mistakes
When excluding AdSense from certain pages, it’s crucial to avoid implementation mistakes that can lead to account violations or performance issues.
Mistake 1: Hiding ads with
display: none
Some developers attempt to hide ads using CSS like this:
<div style="display:none;">
<!-- AdSense code -->
</div>
Why it’s wrong:
The AdSense script still loads and Google considers this as manipulating ad visibility, which violates their policiesand may lead to account suspension.
Mistake 2: Loading the script without showing ads
Others include the AdSense script in the
<head>
, but don’t actually show any ad elements:
<head>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
</head>
<!-- No ads in the body -->
Why it’s wrong:
Even if no ad is shown, Google detects the script loading, which implies that ads are being served. This can lower your site’s quality score or generate policy warnings.
Correct approach: prevent the script from loading
Use PHP or JavaScript conditions to completely skip script loading on excluded pages.
PHP example (WordPress):
<?php if (!is_page(array('privacy-policy', 'checkout', 'register'))): ?>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"
data-ad-slot="1234567890"
data-ad-format="auto"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<?php endif; ?>
JavaScript example:
const excludedPaths = ["privacy-policy", "checkout", "register"];
const path = window.location.pathname;
if (!excludedPaths.some(p => path.includes(p))) {
const script = document.createElement('script');
script.async = true;
script.src = "https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js";
document.head.appendChild(script);
script.onload = () => {
const ad = document.createElement('ins');
ad.className = "adsbygoogle";
ad.style.display = "block";
ad.setAttribute("data-ad-client", "ca-pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX");
ad.setAttribute("data-ad-slot", "1234567890");
ad.setAttribute("data-ad-format", "auto");
document.body.appendChild(ad);
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
};
}
A tip from Dopstart
If you’re optimizing your monetization strategy, remember that Dopstart offers a free first consultation. We can help you configure Google AdSense correctly, avoid penalties, and improve performance with a fully customized approach.
FAQ
- Can I disable AdSense only on some pages?
Yes, you can exclude specific pages without affecting the rest of the site. - Do I need to change anything in my AdSense account?
No, the changes are made on your website only. - Will Google penalize me for excluding AdSense?
Not at all, as long as the implementation follows their policies. - Can I hide ads using CSS?
No. You must prevent the AdSense code from loading completely. - Are WordPress plugins reliable for AdSense management?
Yes, plugins like Advanced Ads are very effective if properly configured. - Is PHP or JavaScript better?
PHP is safer because it prevents the code from ever loading on the page. - Can I do this on a static site?
Yes, using JavaScript conditions based on the URL. - How do I know which pages to exclude?
Analyze your Google Analytics data to find low-performing or sensitive pages. - Are there risks involved?
Only if the implementation is wrong. Get help if you’re unsure. - Can Dopstart help?
Absolutely. We offer a free consultation to review your needs and find the best solution.
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