AdMob interstitial ad not clickable or closable on SDK 36 (GMA 24.9.0)

[Mushad Ajmee (Saad)]

Hello everyone,

I’m facing an issue with AdMob interstitial ads in my Android app.
Environment details:
Target SDK: 36
Google Mobile Ads SDK: 24.9.0
App language: Java
Ad types used: Banner, App Open, Rewarded, Interstitial

Problem:
All ad formats (Banner, App Open, Rewarded) are working perfectly.
However, Interstitial ads are not clickable, and even the close (X) button does not respond. Users cannot interact with the ad or dismiss it, which effectively freezes the screen.

Any guidance, workaround, or official clarification would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance.

[Mobile Ads SDK Forum Advisor]

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out to Mobile Ads SDK Support Team.

I realize that the unresponsive interstitial ads are disrupting the user experience in your app.

I tested the scenario on Pixel devices running the latest version, and the close button displays correctly. To determine the root cause, could you:

• Confirm if the issue persists in the official Google sample project .

• Let me know if the behavior is specific to certain devices.

• Share a Charles session log capturing the event.

Let me know the outcome of these steps.

If the file(s) you are looking to share are less than 25mb in total you can attach them to this case on your next reply. If you are having trouble attaching your file to this case or if your file(s) are larger than 25mb, you can share your files with me by performing the following steps:

1. Navigate to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkAiXMeYP-fw1W3Z-tT9uwmATEKO5X6S-th0gR2ezdKaaqfg/viewform?usp=pp_url&entry.400550049=Mobile+Ads+SDK&entry.460850823=500Ht00001wngyvIAA&entry.80707362=00348745

2. Fill out all fields, and attach your file(s).

3. Please reply back on this thread when you have uploaded your file(s). Please do not share this link.

Thanks,

 

Mobile Ads SDK Team

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[2026-01-05 12:06:05Z GMT] This message is in relation to case "ref:!00D1U01174p.!500Ht01wngyv:ref" (ADR-00348745)