How to Remove Old Website Links from Google Search

If you recently changed your domain and the new domain is now working properly, but Google is still showing the old domain in the search results, there are several steps you can take to remove the old website from Google's search listings. This guide will walk you through the easiest ways to remove your website from Google Search.

1. Lock and Rename Your Website

This is an easy way to prevent viewers from accessing your website. The process of renaming your website is straightforward. Go to your website's dashboard, click on the site icon, and rename it. Once renamed, the old domain will no longer be reachable by its former name.

2. Deleting Your Website Through Your Host

You can contact your web hosting provider to have your website and its contents removed. Each hosting company follows a different approach and process, so it's best to contact their customer support to ensure you are doing everything correctly. Deleting the old domain from their servers will inform Google that it is no longer live, helping it to remove the old domain from the search results.

3. URL Removal Request

To formally request that Google remove your website from its search listings, you need to file a URL removal request through Google Search Console. This request will temporarily eliminate your website from search results for about six months. After this period, Google will review your request and inform you of its decision. Even if your URL is successfully removed, it is not marked as spam or added to a blocklist. Your website's SEO remains viable even after the URL is removed. Note that Google deletes these automatically over time but this process can take some time, as there are over 1.8 billion websites globally, and the exact timeframe may vary.

4. Content Removal Request

You can also submit a content removal request to expedite the removal process, although this is more commonly used by governments or legal entities for specific pages they want removed. This request can be made via Google Search Console's Outdated or Expired Content Request Tool. Google reviews all content removal requests, and your request will most likely be fulfilled within a few days. You can check the status of your request from within the Search Console. If for any reason you change your mind, you can also rescind the request at any time.

5. Check if Your Website is Deleted

After you have filed your requests and received a response from Google, it's important to verify that the old website is no longer present in search results. Here's how to do this:

Check if your URL appears in search results. Verify if your web hosting provider has deleted your website. Confirm if Google has approved your content removal request through Search Console. Assure that you have removed all social media links to your old website. Check if you have deleted your Google My Business profile if it was linked to the old website.

By following these steps and checking these points, you can ensure that the old website is no longer visible in Google's search results and reduce confusion for visitors.