You can request removal directly from Google, but the link stays in Google's index unless the page is deleted or blocked
Google Search shows results from pages across the web. If a page contains information about you that you want hidden, you have two separate tools: the Removal Tool in Google Search Console (which hides a result temporarily) and a removal request (which asks Google to stop showing it). The Removal Tool works in hours or days. A removal request takes longer and only works if the content meets Google's policies — for example, if it's your personal information posted without permission, or if the page owner has already deleted it.
The fastest route is the Removal Tool if you own the website or have access to Google Search Console. If you don't own the site, you can still request removal, but Google will only grant it for specific types of content: personal information like your home address or phone number, intimate images shared without consent, or content that violates local law.
Key Takeaways
- The Removal Tool in Google Search Console hides a link from search results within hours, but only if you can verify you own or manage the website.
- If you don't own the site, you can request removal through Google's removal form, but only for personal information, intimate images, or content that breaks the law in your country.
- Removing a link from Google Search does not delete the page itself — it only stops Google from showing it in results.
- If the page owner deletes the content, Google will remove it from search results automatically within weeks, though you can speed this up by requesting removal.
How to use the Removal Tool if you own the website
Sign in to Google Search Console with the Google account connected to your website. In the left menu, click Removals, then Temporary removals. Paste the full URL of the page you want hidden — for example, www.yoursite.com/old-blog-post — and click Request removal.
Google will hide that link from search results within one day, usually within hours. The removal lasts six months. After six months, the link may reappear in search results unless you delete the page itself or block it with a robots.txt file. If you want it gone permanently, delete the page from your website or add a noindex tag to it, which tells Google not to show it.
How to request removal if you don't own the website
Go to Google's removal request form at google.com/webmasters/tools/removals. You do not need to sign in. Paste the full URL of the page and select the reason it should be removed.
Google will only grant removal requests for three categories: personal information (your home address, phone number, or financial account details posted without your permission); intimate images shared without consent; or content that violates the laws of your country. If the page is straightforward unflattering or outdated, Google will not remove it. If you select a reason that doesn't match Google's policy, your request will be denied.
After you submit, Google reviews the request, which can take days or weeks. You can check the status by returning to the same form and entering the URL again. Google will tell you whether the request was approved, denied, or is still under review.
What happens after removal is approved
If your removal request is approved, Google stops showing that link in search results. The page itself still exists on the website — Google just won't direct people to it through search. If someone has a direct link to the page or finds it through another search engine, they can still see it.
Approved removals last six months. After that, the link may reappear in Google Search unless the page owner has deleted it or blocked it. If you want permanent removal, contact the website owner and ask them to delete the page or remove the information about you.
How to contact the website owner to delete the content
If the page is on someone else's site and contains information about you, the most permanent solution is asking the owner to delete it. Look for a contact form or email address on the website — usually in the footer or an "About" or "Contact" page. Send a polite message explaining what page contains your information and why you want it removed.
Many website owners will remove outdated or inaccurate information about people without requiring legal action. If the owner ignores your request and the content is personal information (your address, phone number, or financial details), you can file a removal request with Google, which has a higher chance of approval if you can show you asked the owner first.
Using robots.txt or noindex to block pages from Google
If you own the website, you can prevent Google from showing a page in search results by adding a noindex tag to the page's code or by blocking it in your robots.txt file. A noindex tag tells Google not to index that page. A robots.txt file is a text file on your website that gives Google instructions about which pages to crawl.
Adding a noindex tag is simpler if you can edit the page's HTML. Add this line in the page's head section: <meta name="robots" content="noindex">. Google will stop showing that page in search results within days. If you can't edit the page directly, ask your website host or developer to add it for you.
Why Google might deny your removal request
Google denies removal requests when the content doesn't fit their policies. A news article about you, a social media post, a review, or a public record will not be removed just because you don't like it. Google also won't remove content straightforward because it's outdated or inaccurate — they leave that decision to the website owner.
If your request is denied, you can appeal it by submitting again and providing more detail about why the content meets Google's removal policy. If it's still denied, your other options are contacting the website owner directly, filing a complaint with your country's data protection authority (if the content is personal information), or consulting a lawyer if the content is defamatory or violates your privacy rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Google to remove a link?
The Removal Tool (for site owners) hides a link within hours to one day. A removal request (for content you don't own) takes days to weeks while Google reviews it. Permanent removal through deletion or noindex happens within days to weeks after the page owner makes the change.
Will removing a link from Google Search delete the page?
No. Removing a link from Google Search only stops Google from showing it in results. The page still exists on the website. Anyone with a direct link can still see it, and other search engines may still show it. To permanently delete a page, the website owner must remove it from their server.
Can I remove a link if I don't own the website?
You can request removal, but Google will only approve it for personal information (your address or phone number), intimate images, or content that breaks the law in your country. For other content, you'll need to contact the website owner and ask them to delete it.
What if Google denies my removal request?
If denied, you can appeal with more detail about why it meets Google's policy. If it's still denied, contact the website owner directly. If the content is personal information or defamatory, you may have legal options depending on your location.
Does removing a link from Google Search remove it from other search engines?
No. Google's removal tools only affect Google Search. Bing, Yahoo, and other search engines have their own removal processes. If you want the link removed from multiple search engines, you'll need to request removal from each one separately or ask the website owner to delete the page.