How do I remove a Google autocomplete suggestion?
Removal guide
The answer
You can report an autocomplete prediction to Google if it breaches Google's autocomplete policies, for example if it is violent, sexually explicit, hateful, harassing or dangerous. Use the report option under the search box. Predictions that reflect genuine search behaviour and are within policy are not removed; changing them means addressing what is driving people to search that phrase.
Step by step
- Capture the predictionScreenshot it, with the query and device.
- Check the policyMatch it to a specific autocomplete policy category.
- Report itUse the report inappropriate predictions link beneath the search box.
- Address the causeFind the content driving the searches and deal with it through removal or repair.
UK, EU and US at a glance
| Jurisdiction | Position |
|---|---|
| UK | Google policy; legal routes if the prediction is defamatory. |
| EU | Google policy; legal routes available in some member states. |
| US | Google policy only in most cases. |
Common mistakes
- Using bots or paid clicks to change suggestions, which breaches Google's rules
- Reporting predictions that are within policy
When to get help. If the prediction is tied to an article or forum thread that keeps generating searches, a combined removal and repair plan is needed. See Autocomplete and Related Search Remediation.
Official sources
Start with a confidential conversation
Tell us as much or as little as you like. We sign an NDA before you share case details, and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.