How to track calls from Google Ads Call Extensions + call ads

Setting up call tracking for Google Ads Call Extensions and call ads

Step 1. Go to Tracking > Numbers to acquire your new tracking number.

Step 2. First, select 'A specific online channel' as your source, then pick the 'Google Ads Call Extension' channel. Now click on 'Next'.

Step 3. You have now reached the 'Channel Configuration' page that should display the following message:

"No configuration needed. This source type works automatically without additional setup."

All you have to do is click on 'Next'.

Step 4. First, select the quantity of numbers you need to acquire.

Then, pick the country, state (if applicable), and city that you want your tracking number format to look like. Now you can optionally pick the exact number too. At this stage, Nimbata also informs you of the extra monthly cost associated with the tracking number you've selected. Click 'Next'.

Step 5a. You have now reached the 'Where should calls to your tracking number(s) be forwarded to?' page that should display the following message:

"Destination Already Set. You already have a default destination number configured for your account".

All you have to do is click on 'Finish'.

Step 5b. Nimbata will inform you via email and/or SMS notification that a new tracking number has been added to your account, depending on your coms preferences.

Step 6. [OPTIONAL] Use the Call Flow Builder to create a new call flow to assign your tracking number to by going to Tracking > Call Flows.

Step 7. Go back to Tracking > Numbers to name your new call flow (optional) and assign your new tracking number to it.

Step 8. Head over to your Google Ads account to activate call reporting. Once in your Google Ads account, go to Admin > Account Settings > Call Reporting and select the 'On' button to activate it.

Step 9. Next we'll be adding the tracking number to your ads. Navigate to Campaigns and either click on an existing one or click on the 'Create' button to create a new one.

Step 10. On the left-hand navigation menu, click on 'Assets'. In the sub-menu that appears, click on 'Assets' again.

Step 11. On the Assets page, you will see that 'All' Associations are preselected. First click on 'Call' to view all available phone numbers. If your Nimbata phone number is already here, just select it and click 'Enable'. If not, click on the blue '+' button to create a new call asset.

Step 12. Select the tracking number's country, add your Nimbata phone number in the exact format it appears on the Nimbata site. Once done, click on 'Save'.

What to do if Google disapproves of your number

Sometimes Google will not verify tracking numbers from third party providers when trying to place them as a call extension. If this happens, then do the following:

Step 1. Go to Tools > Data Manager > Connected Products.

Step 2. Locate 'Search Console' under 'Connected Products' and click on 'Manage & Link' on the right-hand side.

Step 3. Google will ask you if you want to link the search console to Google Ads. Click on 'Proceed'.

That's it! If the process is successful, you'll see "Linked" in the "Status" column. If for any reason you see any other status or the message that the account can't be linked to the search console, consult the relevant Google Ads Help section here.

Updated on: 30/01/2026