How Can You Track the Status of a Removal Request Made Through the Removals Tool?

Summary

To track a removal request, open Google Search Console → Removals and check the history table on the tab that matches your request type. The exact status labels differ between Temporary Removals, Outdated content, and SafeSearch filtering.

Last updated: Feb 2026.

How to check your removal request status

1. Sign in to Google Search Console using the account that submitted the request.
2. Open the Removals report for the correct property/site.
3. Choose the tab that matches your request: Temporary Removals, Outdated content, or SafeSearch Filtering.
4. Find your URL in the table to see its Status and request Type.

What each status means

Temporary Removals tab (site owners)

This is where you’ll see temporary URL removals and “clear snippet” requests you submitted for a verified property.

• Processing request: Your request is in progress. Google says it usually takes up to a day to process.
• Temporarily removed: The URL is blocked from appearing in Google Search results for about six months. If you need it gone long-term, make the removal permanent.
• Cleared: A “clear snippet” request completed. The snippet will update after the next time Google indexes the page.
• Request denied: The request was denied (often because a similar/duplicate request is already in force).
• Request canceled: You canceled the request.
• Removal expired: The six‑month blackout period ended, and the URL can be eligible to show again in Search results.

Outdated content tab (requests from non‑owners)

This tab shows requests made via Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool. You’ll typically see statuses like Approved or Denied (with a reason such as “Content still on page” or “Page not indexed”).

SafeSearch Filtering tab

• Processing request: The request is under review.
• Filtered: The URL is filtered for users with SafeSearch enabled.
• Request denied: The request was denied.
• Request canceled: The request was canceled.

If your request was denied (quick fixes)

• Double-check the URL you submitted (case, parameters, and exact path).
• If a similar request is already active, wait for it to finish instead of submitting duplicates.
• If you’re trying to remove something permanently, don’t rely on Removals alone — use 404/410, noindex, or access controls (see below).
• For full definitions of statuses and denial reasons, see Google’s Removals tool documentation.

Make the removal permanent (important)

The Removals tool is only a temporary step. To remove a URL from Google Search long‑term, you generally need to remove the page or return 404/410, add noindex, or restrict access. Google also recommends not using robots.txt as a removal mechanism.

Related resources

• Can the Removals Tool Be Used to Remove Outdated Content That Still Appears in Search Results?
• Can the Removals Tool Manage Content Shown in Google's Cached Pages, and if So, How?
• What Implications Does Removing a URL Through the Removals Tool Have on SEO and Site Traffic?
• How Long Does It Typically Take for a Removal Request to Take Effect in Google Search Results?

CTA: If you’re removing or retiring URLs, don’t forget to clean up internal links pointing at those pages (to avoid 404s and dead ends). Linkbot helps you find and fix internal links at scale.