Google has announced the retirement of the sitelinks search box feature, effective November 21, ending a tool that’s been part of Google Search for over a decade. Introduced in 2014, the sitelinks search box allowed users to perform site-specific searches directly from Google’s search results, typically appearing above the sitelinks for certain websites when searching by name.
Declining Usage
Google cites a drop in usage as the reason behind this decision, stating:
“Over time, we’ve noticed that usage has dropped.”
Potential Impact
The removal of the sitelinks search box will not impact search rankings or the display of other sitelinks. This change is purely visual and doesn’t affect a site’s position in search results.
Implementation
This update will roll out globally, affecting search results across all languages and countries. Google confirms that the change won’t be reflected in the Search status dashboard, as it isn’t considered a significant algorithmic update.
Search Console & Rich Results Test
After the sitelinks search box is removed, Google will update these tools:
- The Search Console rich results report for sitelinks search box will be discontinued.
- The Rich Results Test will no longer highlight the related markup.
Structured Data Considerations
Although you can remove the sitelinks search box structured data from your site, Google says this is unnecessary. Unsupported structured data won’t cause issues in Search or trigger errors in Search Console reports.
Historical Context
Launched in September 2014, the sitelinks search box was designed to help users find specific content on a website more easily, offering autocomplete and schema markup integration for better site search functionality.
Summery
Google will retire the sitelinks search box on November 21 due to declining usage. Introduced in 2014, the feature allowed site-specific searches from Google’s results page. Its removal will not impact search rankings or other sitelinks. Google will update the Search Console and Rich Results Test, but removing structured data is unnecessary. The change is purely visual and global.