Google Removes Preferred Domain Setting From Search Console

Jun 19, 2019 - 8:39 am 0 by

Wrenches1 Google 1900px

Google announced it has removed the preferred domain setting from the old Google Search Console interface. It is gone - I don't see it anymore and you can no longer set this in Google Search Console.

The feature, I believe, was part of the toolset from launch - I believe. I know they made some changes to it back in 2006 but I believe it launched with the toolset when it first launched. In 2008 they moved it to the settings section and when Google launched the new Google Search Console - Google decided to not move it along and kill it off.

Google Preferred Domain Setting

Truth is for years Google has been saying you don't need this setting - you can just use redirects or other methods to communicate the preferred domain to Google. Now Google is saying the same thing "You can find detailed explanations on how to tell us your preference in the Consolidate duplicate URLs help center article. Here are some of the options available to you:"

(1) Use rel="canonical" link tag on HTML pages
(2) Use rel="canonical" HTTP header
(3) Use a sitemap
(4) Use 301 redirects for retired URLs

Google added a super important note: "Note that with the deprecation we will no longer use any existing Search Console preferred domain configuration." That means Google won't be listening to this anymore and you should double check the Google search results to make sure Google is selecting the correct canonical URL for your site going forward.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 27, 2024

Mar 27, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Google Ads

Google Local Service Ads Sends Email Asking You To Upload Photos

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google Maps

European Hotels Can Remove Pricing Information From Google Hotel Search

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

SEOs, Please Don't Remove Contact Us & About Us Pages

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:31 am
Misc Google

Google Search Developer Docs Gain AI Generated Help Features

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google Maps

Google Local Reviews Reactions Notice

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Google Does Show Hidden Content In Accordions & Tabs As Featured Snippets