Deleted file still visible on Google

  • Unknown's avatar
    jessicachambers27 · Member ·

    I recently deleted two files from my wordpress site (media> selected the files > clicked on the trash can, the files no longer appear in my media library) but they still show up in a Google search? Is there a more thorough way to remove them or do I need to wait for Google to catch up?

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

  • Unknown's avatar
    henriettestewart · Member ·

    Hi Jessica,

    For the most part it’s like you say; a question of waiting for Google’s cache to clear so it’s no longer indexing your deleted files.

    Just to make sure your two files are properly deleted and no longer available, try clicking the links you find in your Google search. If your files are fully deleted the links should take you to your 404/not found page.

    Can give us the links to your files so we can check it here too?

    You can speed things up by using Google’s “Remove outdated content” tool: https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6349986?hl=en.

    Lastly, it’s also a good idea to make sure you don’t have any internal links to the deleted files anywhere in your blog.

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