Google September 2026 Spam Update: What You Need to Know

Summary: The Google September 2026 spam update began rolling out on 24th September 2026. It applies globally and to all languages, and Google says it may take up to two weeks to complete. It is the fourth confirmed spam update of 2026. Google has not said what the update specifically targets.

Key facts

What is the Google September 2026 spam update?

The Google September 2026 spam update is an improvement to Google’s automated systems that detect search spam. It started on 24th September 2026 and applies to websites worldwide in all languages. Websites that break Google’s spam policies may rank lower or be removed from search results entirely.

What is a Google spam update?

A Google spam update is a notable improvement to the automated systems Google uses to identify websites that break its spam policies. These systems, including SpamBrain, detect tactics designed to manipulate search rankings rather than help users. Spam updates are separate from core updates, which assess overall content quality and relevance.

When did the September 2026 spam update start?

The September 2026 spam update started on 24th September 2026 at 9:15am PDT (5:15pm UK time), according to Google’s Search Status Dashboard.

How long will the September 2026 spam update take?

Google says the September 2026 spam update may take up to two weeks to complete, which means it could finish by around 8th October 2026. Rollouts can finish earlier than Google’s estimate.

This is a longer window than previous spam updates in 2026:

Google gave the three earlier updates a rollout estimate of “a few days.” Google has not explained why the September estimate is longer.

What does the September 2026 spam update target?

Google has not shared what the September 2026 spam update targets. It has not confirmed if the update focuses on a specific spam policy or tactic. The update applies to Google’s spam detection systems in general.

What counts as spam according to Google?

Google’s spam policies cover practices that try to manipulate search rankings or deceive users. The main types include:

1. Scaled content abuse: publishing large amounts of low value content mainly to rank, including unedited AI generated pages
2. Keyword stuffing: repeating keywords unnaturally to influence rankings
3. Link spam: buying, selling or exchanging links to manipulate rankings
4. Cloaking: showing different content to Google than to users
5. Hidden text and links: content visible to search engines but not to users
6. Sneaky redirects: sending users to a different page than the one shown in search results
7. Site reputation abuse: third party pages published on a trusted site to exploit its ranking signals
8. Expired domain abuse: buying expired domains to host low value content
9. Doorway pages: multiple similar pages created to rank for specific searches and funnel users elsewhere
10. Thin affiliate content: affiliate pages with no original value

How do I know if the spam update affected my website?

To check if the September 2026 spam update affected your website, open Google Search Console and compare your clicks and impressions from 24th September 2026 onwards with the previous weeks. A sharp drop that begins during the rollout period suggests the update may have had an impact.

Steps to check:

1. Open Google Search Console.
2. Go to Performance > Search results.
3. Select Compare and set a date range before and after 24th September 2026.
4. Check Pages and Queries to see where traffic changed.
5. Check Security & Manual Actions for any manual penalty notices.

A spam update is an automated action, so it will not appear as a manual action in Search Console.

What should I do if my traffic dropped after the spam update?

If your traffic dropped after the September 2026 spam update, wait until the rollout is complete, then review your website against Google’s spam policies and fix any violations. Google says sites that comply with its policies can improve over time as its systems recognise the changes.

Recommended steps:

1. Wait for the rollout to finish before making major changes.
2. Review Google’s spam policies in Google Search Central.
3. Audit your backlinks for paid, spammy or irrelevant links.
4. Remove or improve thin, duplicated or mass produced pages.
5. Check for hidden text, redirects or cloaking, especially after hacks or plugin changes.
6. Improve content quality so pages serve real users.
7. Monitor Search Console over the following months.

How long does it take to recover from a Google spam update?

Recovery from a Google spam update can take several months. Google says its automated systems need time to learn that a website now complies with its spam policies. Fixing issues does not lead to an instant ranking recovery.

Does the Google spam update affect AI Overviews and AI search?

Google has not confirmed how the September 2026 spam update affects AI Overviews. However, AI Overviews draw on Google Search results, so pages that drop in organic rankings may also become less visible in AI generated answers. Clear, trustworthy and policy compliant content gives your website the best chance of being cited in both.

Spam update vs core update: what’s the difference?

Need help checking your website?

Amrita SEO helps small UK businesses check their websites against Google’s guidelines and build search visibility that lasts. Get in touch at info@amrita-seo.com or visit amrita-seo.com.

About the author

Amrita Kalsi is the founder of Amrita SEO, a Birmingham based SEO consultancy for small UK businesses. She has 4+ years of SEO experience and has worked with 30+ clients across ecommerce, wedding and B2B industries, specialising in Google Business Profile optimisation, content strategy, and AEO and GEO. Amrita SEO is part of the NatWest Accelerator programme.

Sources: Search Engine Journal, Google Search Status Dashboard, Google Search Central spam policies.