How to fix AdSense Step 2 error Existing account without closing in 2026

To fix the AdSense Step 2 "Existing Account" error without closing your current profile, you should use the "Change Association" feature in YouTube Studio. This error typically occurs when Google’s 2026 AI-driven verification detects duplicate data. Instead of closing accounts, navigate to the Earn tab, click "Change Association," and link a different Google account that has never been associated with AdSense. Ensure the new account uses a unique email and distinct physical address if possible. Alternatively, if the error is due to a naming mismatch, update your legal name in your Google Account settings to match your ID exactly and wait 72 hours for the system to resync before retrying.