Ever searched your name or business and found old, deleted, or outdated content still showing up on Google? Even if the content no longer exists, Google’s index may still display a cached version, including snippets, images, or personal info you thought was gone.
That’s where Google’s Outdated Content Tool comes in. It lets you request a refresh or removal of search results that are no longer accurate.
Here’s exactly how it works, with screenshots, examples, and tips to improve your chances of approval.
What Is the Outdated Content Tool?
The Outdated Content Tool allows anyone (not just site owners) to update or remove dead links and cached search snippets from Google’s results.
You can use it if:
- A webpage has been deleted but still shows in search
- A page has changed, but Google is still showing old info
- An image has been removed, but Google Images still displays it
It won’t work if:
- The content is still live and unchanged
- You’re trying to remove something for legal or privacy reasons (use the Legal Request Tool instead)
- You’re the site owner — use the Removals Tool in Search Console for faster action
For a deeper dive into all your options for removing Google search results, check out our complete guide on How to Delete Google Search Results and our guide on all of Google’s Content Removal Tools.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Removal or Refresh
1. Go to the Outdated Content Tool
You’ll see this screen:
Click “New request” to begin.
You’ll need to be logged into a Google account as well.
2. Choose Why You’re Using the Tool
Select the reason that applies the click “Next”
Only the first option is a valid option for using the tool, the other three just redirect you to other solutions
3. Enter the Affected URL
Paste the full URL of the page you want to update or remove:
You can also switch to the “Image” tab if you’re trying to remove an outdated image result.
Once entered, click Submit.
4. Check Confirmation and Track Your Request
You’ll see a confirmation screen once your request is submitted:
Your request will now appear in the queue at the bottom of the tool. Check back in a few days for status updates.
What Happens Next?
If your request is approved:
- The result will be updated or removed from Google Search results
- If the page is deleted, the entire result disappears
- If the page is changed, Google will remove the old snippet until it’s re-crawled
Statuses you may see:
- Pending: Still under review
- Approved: Google will remove or refresh the result
- Denied: Usually means the content still exists or the tool was used incorrectly
- Expired: Request was approved but has lapsed after 180 days
- Cancelled: You or a site owner canceled the request
When Should You Use This Tool?
- A news article was edited but still shows outdated or damaging content
- A forum or Reddit post was deleted, but still appears in Google
- A personal image was removed, but Google Images still displays it
- You’re not the site owner and can’t use Search Console tools
Do not use this tool if:
- The content is still live and unchanged
- You’re trying to suppress results (use SEO or ORM instead)
- You’re trying to delete personal information — use the Personal Content Removal Form
