If you’re a Cameroonian content creator on YouTube, you probably already know that monetization isn’t just about hitting 1,000 subscriber...
If you’re a Cameroonian content creator on YouTube, you probably already know that monetization isn’t just about hitting 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. One of the biggest challenges creators in Cameroon face is verifying their Google AdSense account by receiving that all-important PIN code. Without it, you simply can’t start cashing out your YouTube earnings.
For many, this process is where the real struggle begins. The PIN is supposed to be mailed to your address, but in Cameroon, mailing systems are not as smooth as in the U.S. or Europe. Countless creators have been stuck waiting, frustrated, and unsure if their PIN will ever arrive.
I recently went through this same experience and I finally have good news: my Google AdSense PIN arrived. Here’s my full story and how you can avoid the same mistakes.
My Struggle to Receive the AdSense PIN
When I first hit the YouTube monetization requirements, I was thrilled. But excitement quickly turned into anxiety when Google told me to wait for my PIN to arrive in the mail.
Weeks passed. Then months. Nothing came.
I initially used the wrong mailing address and kept checking the wrong post office. To make things worse, I didn’t know how unreliable the delivery system in Cameroon could be. Like many others, I thought the PIN would just magically arrive at my doorstep.
The Breakthrough: Where I Finally Found It
After nearly giving up, I discovered that the trick is knowing the exact post office where international letters are dropped off.
If you’re in Buea, don’t waste your time at Mile 17. Instead, head to the Ekok Park in Buea near Eta Palace Hotel. That’s where international mail, including AdSense PINs, usually lands.
I finally collected mine there after months of unnecessary waiting and running around. The feeling was indescribable—relief, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment all rolled into one.
Lessons Learned
Here’s what I wish I knew earlier:
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Always use a P.O. Box address. Google mails PINs through standard post, and in Cameroon, only P.O. Boxes reliably receive them.
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Know your designated post office. In Buea, it’s the one near Eta Palace Hotel. Other towns will have their own main sorting office.
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Be patient but proactive. If it doesn’t arrive in 4 weeks, request a new one. Don’t just sit and wait.
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Check multiple times. Sometimes your letter may arrive and sit there for days before you’re notified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to receive a Google AdSense PIN in Cameroon?
It usually takes 3–4 weeks for the PIN to arrive after Google mails it. In some cases, it can take longer—up to 2–3 months. If you don’t receive it after 4 weeks, you can request a replacement.
2. Can I use a street address instead of a P.O. Box?
Not recommended. In Cameroon, most mail (especially international mail like Google PIN letters) is delivered to P.O. Boxes at the post office. If you only provide a street name, your PIN may never reach you.
3. How many times can I request a new PIN?
Google allows you to request the PIN up to 3 times. If you still don’t receive it, you may qualify for manual verification—but this option isn’t always guaranteed.
4. Can I use someone else’s address to receive my PIN?
Yes, but it’s risky. If you use another person’s address, make sure it’s someone you trust who has a reliable P.O. Box. The name on the PIN doesn’t matter as much as the address.
5. What happens if I never receive my PIN?
If you’ve requested it multiple times and it still doesn’t arrive, you may eventually be given the option to verify your account manually by uploading ID documents. However, this option is not always offered to everyone—so the safest bet is still having a working P.O. Box.
6. How do I get paid in Cameroon once my AdSense is verified?
You can link your bank account (if your bank supports international transfers) or use Western Union, which is widely available in Cameroon and often easier for small creators.
7. Is YouTube monetization really worth it in Cameroon?
Yes. While CPM (earnings per 1,000 views) is lower in Africa compared to Western countries, the income adds up over time. Beyond AdSense, monetization opens the door for brand deals, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Final Thoughts
Getting monetized on YouTube in Cameroon is a big achievement, but verifying your AdSense with a PIN is often the hardest step. Don’t panic if your PIN doesn’t show up right away. Use a P.O. Box, go to the right post office (in Buea, near Eta Palace Hotel), and stay patient.
Once you get it, the doors to making real money on YouTube finally open—and trust me, the wait is worth it.
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