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Block Google from Indexing URLs

Learn how to request temporary removal of a URL from Google Search results using Search Console.

Updated today

This guide explains how to prevent Google and other search engines from indexing specific pages on your Uscreen storefront.

Google Search Console

This is the most reliable method for Uscreen sites, though it requires renewal approximately every six months (180 days).

Add Your Domain to Google Search Console

  1. Add and verify your domain

Submit a URL Removal Request

  1. Navigate to Removals in Google Search Console

  2. Click New Request

  3. Select Remove all URLs with this prefix

  4. Enter the full URL you want to block

  5. Click Next and confirm to submit the request

💡 TIP: You can block individual pages or a group of pages by adjusting and specifying the URL prefix.

For example, using a prefix like "https://yourdomain.com/pages" would block all pages in that directory.


Custom Meta Tags in Head Code

You can add a meta tag to your site's Head Code Snippet to prevent search engines from indexing pages.

<meta name="robots" content="noindex, follow">

⚠️ WARNING: Adding this code to your Head Code Snippet will prevent ALL pages on your site from being indexed by search engines. This is not recommended unless you want to block your entire site.

For Specific Pages Only

To block only specific pages, you'll need to implement conditional JavaScript logic in your Head Code Snippet.

📝 NOTE: This snippet is only an example, as custom code implementation is beyond the scope of our Support team. For proper implementation, consider consulting with a developer familiar with these advanced coding.

Here's an example:

<script>
// Get the current page URL
const currentPath = window.location.pathname;

// List of paths you want to block from indexing
const blockedPaths = [
'/pages/hidden-page-1',
'/pages/hidden-page-2',
'/program/private-content'
];

// Check if current path should be blocked
if (blockedPaths.some(path => currentPath.includes(path))) {
// Create and add the noindex meta tag
const metaRobots = document.createElement('meta');
metaRobots.name = 'robots';
metaRobots.content = 'noindex, follow';
document.head.appendChild(metaRobots);
}
</script>

Result of Google's URL Inspection

💡 TIP: This script checks if the current page URL contains any of the paths listed in blockedPaths and adds a noindex meta tag only to those pages.


Limitations

Uscreen has several platform limitations that affect how you can control search engine indexing.

  • You cannot modify the default robots.txt file

  • Server-level access for HTTP headers is not available

  • There is no built-in option to password-protect pages

  • There is no global setting to disable indexing for all videos at once


FAQs

Will these methods immediately remove my page from Google?

No, it may take time for Google to recrawl your site and respect the new directives. The removal request through Google Search Console is typically the fastest method.

Will blocking Google from indexing my pages affect overall site SEO?

Only the specific blocked pages will be affected. Your other pages will continue to be indexed normally.

How can I verify if my page is properly blocked from indexing?

Use Google's URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console to check if the page is being indexed. Look for the "Indexing allowed?" field, which should show "No" if your blocking method is working.

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