Google is removing the custom date range search filter for mobile users

Mobile searchers on Google will no longer be able to use the custom date range search filter. To access that feature, they need to go to the desktop version of Google.

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Google is removing yet another search option filter, but this time, it is only for mobile searchers. Google quietly noted in a forum thread that they are removing the ability for mobile searchers to filter search results by entering a start and end date.

This is the custom search date range filter found under the “Search Tools” option by clicking on “Any Time” and then selecting “Custom Range.” That custom range option is going away for mobile users. They will only be able to use the past hour, past 24 hours, past week, past month and past year options. They will still be able to access the custom range option on desktop searches, but not on mobile.

AJ from Google wrote:

After much thought and consideration, Google has decided to retire the Search Custom Date Range Tool on mobile. Today we are starting to gradually unlaunch this feature for all users, as we believe we can create a better experience by focusing on more highly-utilized search features that work seamlessly across both mobile and desktop. Please note that this will still be available on desktop, and all other date restriction tools [e.g., “Past hour,” “Past 24 hours,” “Past week,” “Past month,” “Past year”] will remain on mobile.

Here is a screen shot of that feature:

google-mobile-search-date-filter


About the author

Barry Schwartz
Staff
Barry Schwartz is a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land and a member of the programming team for SMX events. He owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics. Barry can be followed on Twitter here.

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