How to Set Up Google’s New Preferred Sources Feature (2025)

In 2025, Google introduced the Preferred Sources feature, designed to give users more control over the information they receive from Google’s search engine. This feature allows users to customize their search results by prioritizing content from their chosen websites and sources. In this article, we will discuss how to set up Google’s new Preferred Sources feature to enhance your search experience.

• Introduction to Google’s Preferred Sources Feature
• Preparation Before Setting Up Preferred Sources
• Setting Up Preferred Sources
• Managing Your Preferred Sources
• Troubleshooting and Common Issues
• Tips for Using Preferred Sources
• Conclusion

Introduction to Google’s Preferred Sources Feature

The introduction of Google’s Preferred Sources feature marks a significant shift in how users interact with search results. By allowing individuals to prioritize content from certain websites, Google aims to create a more personalized and relevant search experience. This feature is particularly useful for those who often find themselves sifting through pages of results to find information from their trusted sources.

Before diving into the setup process, it’s crucial to understand that the Preferred Sources feature works across various Google services, including Google Search and Google News. This integration ensures that your preferences are reflected wherever you use Google’s services.

Preparation Before Setting Up Preferred Sources

Before you start configuring the Preferred Sources feature, there are a few things you should do to ensure a smooth setup process:

• Ensure that you are logged in to your Google account. This feature is tied to individual accounts, so it’s imperative to be logged in to save your preferences.
• Make a list of the websites and sources you trust and want to prioritize. This list will be the foundation for your preferred sources.
• Update your Google app or browser to the latest version to access the newest features.

Setting Up Preferred Sources

Once you have prepared your list of preferred sources and ensured that your Google account is active, you can begin the setup process. Follow these steps to set up your Preferred Sources:

Accessing the Preferred Sources Feature

1. Open your preferred browser and navigate to Google.com.
2. Click on the “Settings” gear icon usually located at the bottom right corner of the Google homepage.
3. Select “Search Settings” from the dropdown menu.
4. Locate the “Preferred Sources” section within the Search Settings page.

Adding Preferred Sources

1. In the “Preferred Sources” section, you will see an option to “Add a Preferred Source.”
2. Enter the URL of the website you wish to prioritize. For example, if you want to prioritize content from “example.com,” enter the full URL: “http://www.example.com.”
3. Click the “Add” button to include the source in your list of preferred websites.
4. Repeat this process for each website you wish to add to your preferred sources.

Adjusting Preferences

1. After adding your sources, you can adjust the level of preference for each by using the slider next to each source. Moving the slider to the right increases the priority of that source in your search results.
2. If you have multiple sources, you can rank them by preference using the same slider method.

Saving Your Preferences

1. Once you have finalized your list and adjusted the preferences, click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page to apply the changes to your account.
2. Google will confirm that your preferences have been saved with a notification or a brief message.

Managing Your Preferred Sources

After setting up your preferred sources, you may want to manage them to keep your search results relevant and up to date. Here’s how you can manage your preferred sources:

Editing or Removing Sources

1. Return to the “Preferred Sources” section in your Search Settings.
2. To edit a source, click on the edit icon next to the source’s URL and make the necessary changes.
3. To remove a source, click on the delete or remove icon next to the source’s URL.
4. Remember to save your changes after editing or removing sources.

Reviewing Your Preferred Sources List

It’s good practice to periodically review your Preferred Sources list to ensure that it still aligns with your current preferences. Websites change over time, and what was once a trusted source may no longer meet your standards or may have ceased operations.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

While setting up Google’s Preferred Sources feature is straightforward, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Changes Not Saving: Ensure you are logged into your Google account and that you click the “Save” button after making changes to your preferred sources.
• Preferred Sources Not Affecting Search Results: It may take some time for changes to take effect. If your preferred sources are not reflected in your search results after a while, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Error Adding a Source: Verify that you are entering the correct URL and that the website is accessible. If the issue persists, it may be due to a temporary problem with Google’s service, so try again later.

Tips for Using Preferred Sources

To make the most out of Google’s Preferred Sources feature, consider the following tips:

• Balance Your Sources: While it’s tempting to only include your favorite websites, having a balanced list of sources can provide a more comprehensive search experience.
• Keep Your List Updated: Regularly review and update your list to maintain its relevance to your information needs.
• Use Specific URLs: When possible, use specific URLs to target particular sections or topics within a website for more precise prioritization.

Conclusion

Google’s Preferred Sources feature offers a personalized approach to search results, allowing you to prioritize information from sources you trust. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up and manage your preferred sources with ease. Remember to keep your list updated and balance your sources to ensure a diverse and rich search experience. As you continue to use this feature, it will become a powerful tool in curating content that is most relevant to you.

For more information on the Preferred Sources feature and other Google services, refer to the Google Support page.

Related articles

• Top 10 Indie Games of 2025: From Silksong to Smacking Sticks
• Paramount+’s Sci-Fi September: What’s Streaming Next
• How to Watch Apple’s iPhone 17 Lineup Debut at the ‘Awe Dropping’ Event (2025)