Deleted media is still available online

  • Unknown's avatar
    kaimanateba · Member ·

    I am trying to delete a .pdf from one of my pages and I did delete it from my media files using wp-admin but the pdf is still available and findable with a simple google search. How long does it take to completely delete a file that I uploaded to my wordpress pages?

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

  • Unknown's avatar
    timethief · Member ·

    What is the URL?

    To keep things running quickly around here, files are held in multiple caches through a separate system. These caches are usually cleared within 3 days and the deleted files will then become 404 page not found.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Deleting public blogs and/or blog content from them does not remove indexed content from the SERPs (search engine page results). Google and Bing only clear their caches of deleted indexed content that produces a 404 (page not found) every 3 – 6 months. To completely remove an entire page from Google search results after it produces a 404 (page not found):
    https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/6332384?hl=en&ref_topic=1724262&vid=0-635749429504660340-12158368555624983465&rd=1

    I will type modlook into the sidebar tags on this thread for a Staff follow-up. How do I get a Moderator/Staff reply for my question? https://en.support.wordpress.com/getting-help-in-the-forums/#how-do-i-get-a-moderatorstaff-reply-for-my-question Also subscribe to this thread so you are notified when they respond and be patient while waiting. To subscribe look in the sidebar of this thread, find the subscribe to topics link and click it.

  • Unknown's avatar
    gemmacevans · Member ·

    Hi kaimanateba,

    I see timethief has already helped you out.

    How long does it take to completely delete a file that I uploaded to my wordpress pages?

    We are unable to control how long it takes for content to be removed from search engine results; it typically takes 3-6 months. Can you send me the URL of the PDF from the search results? I’ll double check it has been fully deleted from your media library.

    Thanks!

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