Google Search Console bug sends re-verification notifications to users

Google had a bug with their Search Console platform this morning, where it sent out reverification email notifications to many users.

The issue was that the verification method became invalid for a large number of sites in Google Search Console, and then Google had to reverify those sites. So during that process, it resent verification notifications to those users.

The email notification read, “Google has identified that [email] has been added as an owner of [domain name].” If you got these, Google’s John Mueller said on Twitter not to panic — just check to make sure that all those who are verified for your website should be. This is probably a good thing a webmaster should do on a periodic basis anyway. To do so, log in to your Search Console, click on the gears icon, and then click verification details screen. Make sure those email addresses listed there are users you want to have access to your account.

Here is a screen shot showing the verification attempts and then the reverification, followed by those who have access to the account in Search Console.

Here is John Mueller’s tweet:

FYI We had an issue with Search Console reverifications recently & sent out a bunch of emails; double-check the accounts, but don’t panic :)

— John Mueller (@JohnMu) July 8, 2016

About The Author

Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz is Search Engine Land's News Editor and owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on SEM topics.