What is AI Max, and does it affect my Local Services Ads?

AI Max changes how regular Search campaigns run. It's a separate change from the move of Local Services Ads into Google Ads.

Who gets switched to AI Max?

Search campaigns that use the campaign level broad match setting or Automatically Created Assets. Standard keyword match types set at the ad group level aren't part of this.

When does the switch happen?

Google's automatic upgrades started September 1, 2026 and were set to finish by the end of that month. Google gave advance notice, and advertisers who turned those two settings off before the date weren't upgraded.

Is this the same as the Local Services Ads change?

No. Your Local Services Ads campaign becomes a Performance Max campaign with pay per lead goals, which stays keywordless and runs only on Search and Maps. AI Max applies to regular Search campaigns. If you run both, check each one on its own.

What happens right after the switch?

Expect a settling period while the system re-learns your campaign.

What does prepared look like?

• Know which campaigns use campaign level broad match or Automatically Created Assets.
• Check search terms and conversion tracking after the change.
• Compare lead quality before and after.

What if I do nothing?

If your Search campaigns were upgraded, check search terms, tracking, and lead quality. For the separate Local Services Ads move, start with what carries over.

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