r/metaads • u/Ok_Crazy_2469 • 1h ago
Meta Ad set stuck in Learning Phase "restricted event data" from a restricted-category domain
So I'm managing Meta ads for a client and running into something I haven't dealt with before.
I'm optimizing for Add to Cart since they're entering a new market on a limited budget — there's no room to spend on a separate Traffic or Landing Page View stage that doesn't directly drive revenue, so every euro needs to work toward the sales goal from the start. Traffic looks fine, CTR is solid, but I've got zero tracked Add-to-Carts and the ad set just won't leave the learning phase.
Dug into it and it looks like Meta has the domain sitting in a restricted category — something to do with pregnancy/women's health products — which limits which events the pixel is even allowed to pass through — so ATC just isn't registering, no matter how much traffic comes in.
Has anyone actually been through a review like this?
- How long did it take in reality, not just what Meta says?
- Would you bother duplicating the ad set with a different optimization event (Link Click or Landing Page View) in the meantime, or is that more hassle than it's worth?
Would love to hear your opinion!
Thank you!
