Google Removes FAQ Rich Results from Search Listings
Google has officially removed FAQ rich results from most search listings starting May 7, 2026. The search giant quietly updated its Search Central structured data guidelines without a formal announcement, signaling a significant shift in how FAQ content will appear in Google Search.
FAQ rich results, which displayed expandable dropdowns for frequently asked questions directly in search results, were introduced by Google in 2019. They became widely popular among websites looking to enhance their search visibility by providing concise question-and-answer snippets. However, over time, misuse and low-quality implementations led to concerns.
Many websites created artificial FAQ sections primarily to exploit this rich result feature, often stuffing irrelevant queries or providing misleading answers. Such practices undermined the quality of search experiences and cluttered results pages. In response, Google began restricting FAQ rich result eligibility for certain sectors like government and health in 2023 before deciding to eliminate the feature altogether.
Despite the removal of these visual FAQ enhancements from search results, Google clarified that the FAQ structured data markup will continue to be parsed for page comprehension and indexing purposes. The FAQPage schema remains valid under Schema.org standards and can still assist AI systems in understanding question-answer relationships on web pages.
Alongside the removal, Google plans to discontinue associated reporting tools by mid-2026. The FAQ rich result appearance report will be removed from Search Console by June 2026, and support via the Search Console API will end in August 2026. Website teams relying on these data points will need to adjust reporting workflows accordingly.
Google has recommended that webmasters do not rush to remove FAQ markup from their sites since it still plays a role in search indexing, albeit without producing the previous rich result display. The move is part of broader efforts to improve search quality and reduce manipulative content tactics.
As the digital landscape evolves, this change highlights how search engines are refining structured data usage and curbing features that are vulnerable to exploitation. Website owners must stay updated with Google’s evolving guidelines to maintain optimal search performance.