Google Search Console emails, explained
Received an email from Google Search Console? Don't worry.
These automated messages are a normal part of running a website. Here's what they mean, and why your SEO is in safe hands.
The background
Why Google sends these emails
They're automatic
Google emails every website owner when it notices any change, however small.
Most aren't problems
Many relate to pages that are deliberately kept out of Google, such as system files, old redirected addresses and internal search results.
We're already watching
Monitoring Search Console is part of our ongoing SEO work, so we usually see an alert before you do.
In plain English
The alerts you're most likely to see
Duplicate, Google chose different canonical than userWe check this
Google found two similar versions of a page and is choosing which to show. Only one needs to rank.
Page with redirectUsually intentional
Old addresses that now forward visitors to the right page. Google is confirming the old address won't appear in search, which is what we want.
Excluded by 'noindex' tagUsually intentional
Pages deliberately hidden from Google, like internal search results or thank-you pages.
Blocked by robots.txt or access forbidden (403)Usually intentional
Behind-the-scenes system files locked for security. Never meant to appear on Google.
Not found (404)We check this
Google tried an address that no longer exists. We check whether anything important needs redirecting.
Alternative page with proper canonical tagUsually intentional
Google has correctly understood which version of a page is the main one. A confirmation, not an error.
Video isn't on a watch pageUsually intentional
Google only lists videos in its video results when the video is the page's main focus. Your videos support your treatment pages, so this doesn't affect their rankings.
Server error (5xx)We check this
Google visited while the site was briefly unavailable. We check stability and Google retries automatically.
Crawled, currently not indexedWe check this
Google has seen these pages but not added them yet. We review whether any matter for rankings.
Good to know
What "Some fixes failed" really means
When we fix an issue, we ask Google to recheck. If Google finds even one page still listed, perhaps one we've intentionally left alone, it sends a "Some fixes failed" email.
It does not mean our work failed or that your rankings have dropped.
Our process
What we do when an alert appears
- 1
We spot the alert in Search Console.
- 2
We review which pages are affected and whether they matter for rankings.
- 3
We fix anything that needs fixing and ask Google to revalidate.
- 4
We keep you updated until Google confirms.
Google's recheck can take a few days to a couple of weeks, and it may send further emails in that time. That's normal.
FAQ
Questions we're often asked
Does this mean my SEO isn't working?
No. These alerts are about individual pages, not your overall visibility.
Do I need to do anything?
No.
Why do I keep getting them?
Google sends updates throughout every validation, and websites change constantly.
Can I stop receiving them?
Yes, there's an unsubscribe link in each email, though we recommend keeping them on so you stay informed.