Google Deprecates FAQ Rich Results: What SEOs Need to Know
Google has officially removed FAQ rich results from its search engine results pages (SERPs). This move marks the end of a multi-year phase-out of the feature, which previously allowed websites to display collapsible question-and-answer sections directly beneath their search listings to improve visibility and click-through rates.
The removal is not a single event but a staged deprecation affecting search appearances, reporting tools, and API support. While the visible elements have already vanished for most users, technical cleanup and API adjustments will continue through the summer of 2026.
The Deprecation Timeline
Google is implementing the removal of FAQ rich results across three distinct phases:
- May 7, 2026: FAQ rich results stopped appearing in Google Search results.
- June 2026: Google will remove the FAQ search appearance filter, the rich result report, and support within the Rich Results Test.
- August 2026: Support for the FAQ rich result in the Search Console API will be fully removed, giving developers a window to adjust their API calls.
Impact on Structured Data and Website Code
A common question for developers is whether to immediately strip FAQ structured data from their HTML. According to Google’s documentation, removing the code is optional. FAQ structured data can remain in the codebase without causing errors or penalties in Search. FAQPage remains a valid Schema.org type, and other search engines may still process and use this data for their own features.
However, because this markup no longer produces visible results in Google Search, it no longer provides the SERP real estate advantage it once did.
A Three-Year Transition
This total removal is the culmination of a trend that began in 2023. Google first started reducing the visibility of FAQ rich results during that year to streamline search results. By August 2023, Google restricted the appearance of these rich results exclusively to “well-known, authoritative government and health websites.”
The May 2026 update effectively ends this exception, removing the feature even for those high-authority government and health domains.
Key Takeaways for Website Owners
- No Immediate Penalty: Leaving FAQ structured data in your code won’t hurt your rankings.
- API Deadlines: If your team pulls FAQ data via the Search Console API, you must update those calls before August 2026.
- Monitor Traffic: Since rich results often boosted click-through rates, monitor your analytics to see if the loss of these snippets impacts your organic traffic.
- Focus on Quality: While the “rich result” is gone, the actual FAQ content on your page still provides value to users and can be indexed for standard organic search.
FAQ: Quick Reference
Do I need to remove my FAQ schema?
No. Google has stated that unused structured data doesn’t cause problems for Search. You can remove it to clean up your code, but it isn’t required for SEO health.
Will this affect my rankings?
The removal of the rich result affects visibility and click-through rates, not necessarily the underlying ranking of the page. However, the loss of a prominent SERP feature may lead to fewer clicks.
Is FAQPage still a valid schema?
Yes, FAQPage is still a valid type within Schema.org, meaning it remains a standard for structured data across the web, even if Google no longer displays it as a rich result.
As Google continues to refine the search experience and integrate more AI-driven summaries, the reliance on traditional rich snippets is shifting. SEOs should now focus on creating comprehensive, high-quality content that answers user queries directly within the page body to maintain authority and engagement.