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Google shuts down Fetch As Google for mobile apps

Google begins removing app indexing features from within Google Search Console.

Barry Schwartz on September 11, 2017 at 10:25 am

Google has quietly announced on Google+ that it will be killing off some of the App Indexing features within the Google Search Console. Specifically, Google is turning off the Fetch As Google for Apps feature to “avoid unnecessary duplication” with what is available within the Firebase help documentation.

Google added Fetch As Google for mobile apps back on May 22, 2015, only a little over two years ago, and is now removing the feature. A year after Google launched the tool in Google Search Console for mobile apps, Google renamed Google App Indexing to Firebase App Indexing.

Soon enough, I suspect all the features available for those deploying app indexing and using Google Search Console tools will be removed. Google has been focusing more of their attention on AMP, PWAs, responsive and other technologies over mobile apps within search and Google Search Console.

Here is Google’s statement today:

In May 2016, we announced Firebase App Indexing, together with neat testing tools for apps. To avoid unnecessary duplication, we’ll be turning off the old “Fetch As Google for Apps” feature in Search Console.

Making your apps’ content indexable has gotten much easier over the years. If you’re making smartphone apps now, please check out Firebase App Indexing at https://firebase.google.com/docs/app-indexing/ for more information.

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.