What Are the Steps to Permanently Remove a URL From Google's Index Using the Removals Tool, and How Does It Differ From Temporary Removals?
Steps to Permanently Remove a URL from Google's Index Using the Removals Tool
To permanently remove a URL from Google's search index using the Removals Tool entails a series of specific steps. This process is distinct from temporary removals, which only hide the URL for a specified time period without deleting it from Google’s index.
Step-by-Step Guide to Permanently Remove a URL
1. Access Google Search Console
First, you need to log in to your Google Search Console account. If you don't have one, you'll need to set it up and verify your site ownership.
2. Navigate to the Removals Tool
Within the Google Search Console, go to the left-hand menu and select the “Removals” section found under the “Index” heading.
3. Initiate a New Removal Request
Click on the “New Request” button.
4. Choose "Remove This URL Only"
In the removal type options, choose “Remove this URL only” if you want to remove a specific page. For a directory, select the appropriate option.
5. Enter the URL
Provide the exact URL you wish to remove. Ensure it includes the complete path, such as “http://example.com/page-to-remove”.
6. Confirm Temporary Removal
Initially, you will make a temporary removal request which hides the URL from Google search results for about six months.
7. Remove The URL from Your Site
To make the removal permanent, delete the URL or return a 404 (Not Found) or 410 (Gone) HTTP Status Code for the page. This will ensure Google considers the removal permanent after re-crawling.
8. Remove the URL from the Sitemap
Ensure the URL is removed from your XML sitemap for better assurance. You should also update your robots.txt file to block Googlebot from accessing it.
9. Wait for Re-crawling
Google will re-crawl the page after a while, verifying the status of the page. Upon validation, Google will permanently remove the URL from its index.
How Temporary Removals Differ from Permanent Removals
Temporary Removals
Temporary removals through the Removals Tool hide a URL from Google search results for about six months. The URL is not permanently deleted, and unless further steps are taken, it might reappear in search results after the temporary period.
- Can be initiated immediately through Google Search Console.
- The URL remains in Google’s index but is hidden temporarily.
- Often used for urgent removals or situations where you need a quick, reversible fix.
Permanent Removals
Permanent removals require deletion of the content from the website or ensuring the web server returns an appropriate HTTP status code (404/410) to indicate the content is no longer available. For truly permanent removals:
- More steps are required beyond the initial temporary hiding.
- Ensures the URL is entirely removed from Google’s index.
- Suitable for outdated, irrelevant, or sensitive information.