Definition
A Reconsideration Request is the official process through which a webmaster asks Google to re-examine their site after correcting issues that triggered a manual action. This request is submitted directly from the Manual Actions section of Google Search Console. To maximize approval chances, the request should include a detailed description of corrective actions taken: removal or disavowal of toxic links, removal of non-compliant content, implementation of preventive measures. Google recommends being transparent and thorough. A human reviewer then examines the site to verify corrections are effective. If approved, the manual action is lifted and the site can gradually recover its rankings. If rejected, Google usually provides additional guidance on remaining issues.
Key Points
- Reconsideration requests apply only to manual actions, not algorithmic penalties
- Transparency and thoroughness in describing corrections are essential for approval
- A human Google reviewer examines each reconsideration request
- If rejected, a new request can be submitted after additional corrections
Practical Examples
Request after link cleanup
A site that received a manual action for artificial links submits a disavow file covering toxic domains, removes links it controls, then submits a reconsideration request detailing all corrective actions.
Rejection and resubmission
A first reconsideration request is rejected because Google considers the link cleanup incomplete. The webmaster identifies remaining links, completes the disavow file, and submits a new, more detailed request.
Request for thin content
A site penalized for thin content enriches its pages with original, useful content, deletes valueless pages, then submits a reconsideration request with proof of improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, reconsideration requests are reserved for manual actions. For algorithmic penalties (Penguin, Panda, SpamBrain), you must fix the issues and wait for the next algorithm update to observe recovery.
An effective request should include acknowledgment of the problem, a detailed list of corrective actions (links removed, disavow file submitted, content improved), proof of corrections, and preventive measures put in place to avoid recurrence.
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Last updated: 2026-02-07