Google will start trimming several small search features and structured data types in early 2026. The update affects Search Console reports, API data, and some visual elements on search results. Website owners are being urged to review and clean up outdated markup before the changes roll out.
Google is gearing up for a bit of spring cleaning in its search system. Beginning in January 2026, the company plans to remove a collection of lesser-used structured data types from Search Console and take a handful of on-page features out of Google Search results.
The announcement, shared by Search Advocate John Mueller, outlines a move that’s less about dramatic ranking shifts and more about simplifying an increasingly complex search environment.
Structured data types such as practice problems and Dataset markup will no longer appear in Search Console reports. Several small visual elements, like nutrition facts, nearby offers, local bike-share info, and even the daily Google Doodle box, are also being retired.
Book Actions, however, has earned a reprieve after Google realized some tools still depend on it.
Here’s the screenshot of the official announcement:
Why Google Is Making These Cuts
Google says it’s all about streamlining the search experience.
The features being retired were rarely used, added little benefit for most users, and created unnecessary weight behind the scenes.
By cutting them, Google hopes to make results faster to load and simpler to maintain.
According to the company, these changes won’t affect rankings or how content is indexed.
What will change is how certain results appear visually and how rich data is tracked inside Search Console. For site owners, that means some familiar reports and validation tools will disappear.
What Publishers and Developers Should Expect
The biggest shift will be in data reporting.
Once the deprecated structured data types are removed, Search Console will stop tracking their performance. That could confuse teams that rely on those reports for audits or troubleshooting.
Search results themselves may also look a little plainer. Pages that once used markup to show enhanced snippets, like step-by-step practice problems or localized info, will now appear in a simpler format.
While that might sound like a step backward, many experts see it as a reset.
Google has spent the past few years testing dozens of small data-driven features, and now it’s pulling back to focus on what people actually use.
What Website Owners Should Do Now
The best response is a tidy one. Start by scanning your site for structured data that’s on the chopping block.
If you’re using markup that exists only to power these disappearing features, remove it or disable it. That keeps your codebase lighter and prevents future Search Console warnings.
Teams should also adjust their analytics dashboards before January 2026 so that missing data doesn’t cause false alarms.
Communicate the upcoming change to content and product managers to set expectations about how listings may appear.
Google recommends keeping markup that still serves other purposes—like Dataset Search or internal tools—but removing anything that no longer supports visible results.
Businesses that prefer an expert-led approach can lean on partners like Stan Ventures, known for offering Fully Managed SEO Services that adapt quickly to Google’s updates. Our team helps site owners review structured data, update reporting systems, and strengthen on-page strategies without disruption.
A Practical Checklist for Teams
Here are some actionable steps your SEO or web team can follow to stay prepared for Google’s upcoming search feature removals.
- Run a structured data audit across your website and flag any of the affected types.
- Remove markup that no longer drives visible features or data you rely on.
- Update Search Console alerts and monitoring dashboards to reflect the changes.
- Notify internal teams so they understand the drop in certain reports.
- Focus future markup efforts on elements that still deliver clear value, such as product, review, and event schema.
A Note to Developers and Marketers
Think of this update less as a loss and more as an opportunity to simplify. Many teams added markup years ago and haven’t touched it since. Cleaning out what’s obsolete reduces maintenance work and helps ensure that your structured data is focused on real user value rather than search gimmicks.
Key Takeaways
- Google is simplifying Search by removing rarely used features and structured data types starting January 2026.
- Structured data for practice problems, Dataset markup, and more will lose support in Search Console.
- Ranking signals remain unaffected, though some rich snippets will disappear.
- Site owners should audit markup and remove obsolete types before the update.
- Book Actions stays for now, as some systems still rely on it.
Zulekha
AuthorZulekha is an emerging leader in the content marketing industry from India. She began her career in 2019 as a freelancer and, with over five years of experience, has made a significant impact in content writing. Recognized for her innovative approaches, deep knowledge of SEO, and exceptional storytelling skills, she continues to set new standards in the field. Her keen interest in news and current events, which started during an internship with The New Indian Express, further enriches her content. As an author and continuous learner, she has transformed numerous websites and digital marketing companies with customized content writing and marketing strategies.