Google Search Console API Bug Impacts Search Appearance Filter

11/04/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google Search Console API Bug with searchAppearance Filters

The Google Search Console API has a confirmed bug when using notEquals or notContains filters on the searchAppearance dimension. Instead of excluding specified values, the API incorrectly returns only the excluded rows. This issue occurs both in direct API calls and third-party tools like Search Analytics for Sheets. Users relying on these filters should be cautious until Google issues a fix.

Optimixed’s Overview: Understanding the Google Search Console API Filtering Glitch on searchAppearance

What is the Problem?

Many users leveraging the Google Search Console API for data analysis have encountered an unexpected behavior with filtering on the searchAppearance dimension. Specifically, applying filters such as notEquals or notContains does not exclude the intended values. Instead, the API returns only those excluded rows, which contradicts expected filter logic.

Details and Impact

  • Filters affected: notEquals and notContains when used with searchAppearance.
  • Incorrect output: Only returns data matching the excluded value rather than filtering it out.
  • Consistency: Issue reproduces both through direct API calls and tools like Search Analytics for Sheets, indicating the problem lies within the API itself.
  • Community confirmation: Google Product Experts have acknowledged it as a bug in official forums, yet no fix or official response has been issued as of now.

What Should Users Do?

Until Google resolves this bug, users should be cautious when applying notEquals or notContains filters on searchAppearance data. Alternative approaches may be necessary to ensure accurate data extraction and analysis. Monitoring official channels for updates and considering workarounds or data post-processing can help mitigate the impact.