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Google Ads AI Max Upgrade: September 2026 Checklist for Search Campaigns

Google is continuing the transition of legacy Search campaign capabilities into AI Max. Advertisers should review the September 2026 changes before accepting recommendations or changing a campaign that already has reliable conversion data.

What you need to know

  • AI Max expands query matching and can adapt text and landing-page selection.
  • Legacy Dynamic Search Ads settings are part of the migration path.
  • More automation makes accurate conversion tracking and exclusions more important.
  • Brand controls, search-term quality and landing-page relevance still need human review.
  • A controlled test is safer than changing every campaign at once.

Practical next steps

Audit conversion actions, budgets, negative keywords, brand controls and final URLs. Test AI Max on a limited campaign or experiment, record the baseline, and compare qualified conversions and cost rather than judging only clicks.

Official sources

Last verified: 30 August 2026. Details can change; check the official sources before making an important decision.