Sitelinks Search Box Documentation Is Removed by Google

Google completely deprecates the outdated search capability by removing the sitelinks search box documentation.

Google has confirmed its intention to deactivate the sitelinks search box feature in November by formally removing the documentation for it and archiving the related "nositelinkssearchbox" rule.


In 2014, Google launched the sitelinks search box, enabling users to conduct site-specific queries straight from the search results page. However, Google removed the feature early this year owing to dwindling usage.

What's Changing

Two modifications to the documentation have been confirmed by Google:

The sitelinks search box documentation has been completely removed.
The nositelinkssearchbox rule's archive
This update is a part of Google's effort to modernize technical documentation by eliminating old content.

Causes of the Change

When Google first announced that the sitelinks search box will be retired, it attributed the decision primarily on dwindling usage.

What This Signifies

You shouldn't spend extra time adding or maintaining sitelinks search box functionality to your websites, as indicated by the document removal.

As previously stated, however, current structured data systems can continue to function without encountering any technological problems.

Since the sitelinks search box feature is now completely deprecated, this serves as a reminder to SEO experts and website owners who are maintaining their technical documentation current to delete any internal documentation or guidelines pertaining to it.