What Is a Reconsideration Request?
A reconsideration request is a message you send to Google when your website has a manual action or penalty. You use it to say you fixed the problems and want Google to look again. If Google agrees, they can remove the manual action so your site can show better in search results.
Definition
A reconsideration request is a formal request, sent through Google Search Console, asking Google to review a website that has a manual action. In this request, you explain what went wrong, what you changed, and why your site now follows Google Search Essentials. Google then checks your site and decides to keep or remove the manual action.
Why Reconsideration Requests Matter
Reconsideration requests are important because a manual action can hurt your website traffic and visibility. Your pages may rank much lower or stop appearing for some searches. By sending a clear reconsideration request after you fix the issues, you have a chance to:
- Regain lost rankings and traffic
- Restore trust with Google
- Show that you follow quality and spam rules
- Protect your brand and business online
How a Reconsideration Request Works
Here is the basic process:
- You receive a manual action notice in Google Search Console that explains the problem, such as unnatural links, spam, or thin content.
- You carefully fix the issues on your website. This may include removing bad links, cleaning spam, or improving low quality pages.
- You collect proof of your work, like lists of removed links, changes made, and steps you will follow to avoid the same problem.
- You open Google Search Console, go to the manual actions section, and submit a reconsideration request with a clear explanation and proof.
- Google reviewers check your site and your request. This review can take several days or even a few weeks.
- Google sends you a response in Search Console. The manual action is either lifted or stays in place with notes on what is still wrong.
Reconsideration Request vs Normal Support Request
It is easy to mix up these terms, but they are different:
- Reconsideration request is only for websites with manual actions. It is a special process inside Google Search Console for fixing rule violations.
- Normal support request is for general questions or problems, such as indexing issues, but not for lifting a manual action penalty.
If you do not see a manual action in Search Console, you usually cannot send a reconsideration request.
Example of a Reconsideration Request
Imagine a website that paid for many spammy backlinks. Google finds this and gives the site a manual action for unnatural links. Traffic drops sharply.
The site owner then:
- Stops buying links
- Removes or disavows bad backlinks
- Documents all the work
- Writes a reconsideration request that explains the mistake, the cleanup steps, and the plan to follow Google rules
After some time, Google reviews the request. If they are satisfied that the problem is fixed and will not continue, they remove the manual action and rankings can slowly improve.
FAQs
Do I need a reconsideration request for algorithm updates?
No. Reconsideration requests are only for manual actions. If your traffic drops from an algorithm update, you should improve your site quality, not send a reconsideration request.
How long does a reconsideration request take?
It can take from a few days to several weeks. The time depends on how many requests Google is handling and how complex your case is.
Will Google always remove the manual action?
No. Google will only remove it if they believe you fully fixed the issues and will not repeat them. If they refuse, you can keep improving your site and submit another request later.
Can I send a reconsideration request without fixing anything?
You can, but it almost never works. Google expects real changes and honest proof. A weak request can also make future reviews harder.
Where do I send a reconsideration request?
You send it inside Google Search Console, in the manual actions section, for the site that has the manual action.
