How to fix common image errors in Google Merchant Center (Invalid image)
When setting up a Google product feed, you might encounter an "Invalid Image" error. This happens when Google cannot process your product images correctly. The most common reasons for this error include:
The image URL directs to a webpage instead of an image file.
The image file is missing or unavailable (404 error).
The image is not in an accepted format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP).
Ignoring this issue can result in disapproved products, affecting your ad performance.
The difference between Errors and Warnings in Google Merchant Center
How to fix your Invalid Images
Errors: Errors indicate critical feed issues. These issues can lead to item disapproval, and prevent you from showing ads for the affected products. In some cases, errors might even result in account suspension.
Warnings: Warnings are far less serious than errors as they do not lead to item disapproval. However, they still negatively impact the performance of your product listing ads. If you leave them untouched for a long time, your products might be disapproved.
Check Your Image URL: Ensure the link provided leads directly to an image file, not a webpage.
Test the URL in a Browser: Copy and paste the URL into a browser; it should display only the image.
Update the Image Link: If the URL is incorrect, update it in your product feed.
Tip: Image URLs should end in a valid image format like .jpg or .png.
## Situation 2: Image Cannot Be Found (404 Error)
Verify the Image Exists: Check your website or hosting server to confirm the image is still available.
Correct Any Broken Links: If the URL is incorrect, update it in your product feed.
Ensure Proper Permissions: Make sure Google can access the image without login requirements.
Tip: Use a reliable hosting service to prevent image availability issues.
Check the Image Format: Ensure the image is in a supported format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP).
Convert the Image: Use an image editing tool to convert it into an accepted format.
Replace and Update the Feed: Upload the corrected image and update the product feed with the new URL.
Tip: Avoid animated GIFs, as Google does not support them.
Need Help?
Fixing the "Invalid Image" error ensures your products remain eligible for Google Shopping ads.
If you're still experiencing issues, reach out to us via live chat or email at support@socialhead.io. We’re happy to help!
Curious to read more? Check out additional articles:
How to fix common image errors in Google Merchant Center (Generic image)
How to fix common image errors in Google Merchant Center (Promotional overlay on image 'image link')
The image URL directs to a webpage instead of an image file.
The image file is missing or unavailable (404 error).
The image is not in an accepted format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP).
Ignoring this issue can result in disapproved products, affecting your ad performance.
Table of Contents
The difference between Errors and Warnings in Google Merchant Center
How to fix your Invalid Images
1. The difference between Errors and Warnings in Google Merchant Center
Errors: Errors indicate critical feed issues. These issues can lead to item disapproval, and prevent you from showing ads for the affected products. In some cases, errors might even result in account suspension.
Warnings: Warnings are far less serious than errors as they do not lead to item disapproval. However, they still negatively impact the performance of your product listing ads. If you leave them untouched for a long time, your products might be disapproved.
2. How to fix your Invalid Images.
Situation 1: The Image URL Leads to a Webpage Instead of an Image
Steps to Fix:
Check Your Image URL: Ensure the link provided leads directly to an image file, not a webpage.
Test the URL in a Browser: Copy and paste the URL into a browser; it should display only the image.
Update the Image Link: If the URL is incorrect, update it in your product feed.
Tip: Image URLs should end in a valid image format like .jpg or .png.
## Situation 2: Image Cannot Be Found (404 Error)
Steps to Fix:
Verify the Image Exists: Check your website or hosting server to confirm the image is still available.
Correct Any Broken Links: If the URL is incorrect, update it in your product feed.
Ensure Proper Permissions: Make sure Google can access the image without login requirements.
Tip: Use a reliable hosting service to prevent image availability issues.
Situation 3: Image Format is Not Accepted
Steps to Fix:
Check the Image Format: Ensure the image is in a supported format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP).
Convert the Image: Use an image editing tool to convert it into an accepted format.
Replace and Update the Feed: Upload the corrected image and update the product feed with the new URL.
Tip: Avoid animated GIFs, as Google does not support them.
Need Help?
Fixing the "Invalid Image" error ensures your products remain eligible for Google Shopping ads.
If you're still experiencing issues, reach out to us via live chat or email at support@socialhead.io. We’re happy to help!
Curious to read more? Check out additional articles:
How to fix common image errors in Google Merchant Center (Generic image)
How to fix common image errors in Google Merchant Center (Promotional overlay on image 'image link')
Updated on: 17/03/2025
Thank you!