Google Disavow Links Tool
Google Disavow Links Tool
Build a clean disavow.txt in Google's format, check it against Google's limits, then open the official Disavow Links Tool to upload it. Free and private.
Independent helper page, not affiliated with Google. The button opens Google's official tool in a new tab.
What is the Google Disavow Links Tool?
The disavow links tool is part of Google Search Console. It lets a site owner tell Google to ignore specific spammy or low-quality links that point to the site. You do it by uploading a simple text file that lists the pages or domains to disavow.
What does it do?
It asks Google not to count the links you list when it assesses your site. It is meant for links from paid links or other link schemes that you cannot get removed.
Is it safe?
It is an advanced feature. Google warns that if it is used incorrectly it can harm your site's performance in Search results, so use it with care.
What do I upload?
A plain .txt file, UTF-8 or ASCII, with one URL or domain: entry per line. Use the builder above to make one.
How fast does it work?
It is not instant. Google needs a few weeks to recrawl the web and reprocess the pages it sees before your list is used.
Step 0: decide if you really need it
In most cases Google can assess which links to trust without any help, so most sites will not need this tool. Check these before you upload anything.
Use it only if both are true
Paid links and other link schemes that break Google's spam policies are the usual cause.
You can probably skip it if
Google works hard so that actions on third-party sites do not hurt your site.
Do this first
Removing a link is always better than disavowing it.
How to disavow links, step by step
Four steps from a list of bad links to an uploaded file.
1. Make your list
Collect the pages or domains. Use the builder above or export from the Links report.
2. Open the tool
Go to Google's Disavow Links Tool and sign in as the property owner.
3. Pick the property
Select the property from the list. The file applies to that property only.
4. Upload the file
Click upload and choose your .txt file. Errors show immediately.
Disavow file format rules
Your file must follow these rules or Google will show errors and keep your old list. The builder checks most of them for you.
| Rule | What Google requires | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One per line | One URL or domain on each line | http://spam.example.com/page.html |
| Domains | Prefix a domain or subdomain with domain: | domain:shadyseo.com |
| No subpaths | You cannot disavow an entire subpath | example.com/en/ is not allowed |
| Encoding | UTF-8 or 7-bit ASCII text | Plain text, not Word or CSV |
| File name | Must end in .txt | disavow.txt |
| URL length | Maximum 2,048 characters | Long tracking URLs can break this |
| File size | Maximum 100,000 lines (blank and comment lines count) and 2MB | Split by priority if needed |
| Comments | Lines starting with # are ignored | # Paid links, July |
Example disavow file
# Two pages to disavow http://spam.example.com/stuff/comments.html http://spam.example.com/stuff/paid-links.html # One domain to disavow domain:shadyseo.com
After you upload: what to expect
A few details that surprise people the first time.
Errors show at once
If the file has errors you see the list immediately and your old list is not replaced. Fix it and upload again.
It takes a few weeks
Google must recrawl and reprocess pages before your list takes effect. Do not expect overnight changes.
Links stay visible
Disavowed links continue to show in the Links report. That is normal.
A new list replaces the old
You can post one list per property. Uploading again replaces it, so always upload your full list.
Per property
A list applies to the property you chose and its child properties. Upload one for each of your http and https properties.
Undo with one click
To remove everything, select the property and click Cancel Disavowals. It also takes a few weeks to apply.
You must be a property owner
Only property owners can upload a disavow list. The tool also does not support Domain properties, so if you only have one, this page does not apply to you.
What the disavow file builder does
It does the tedious formatting so your file is ready for Google's tool.
Messy list in, clean disavow.txt out
Paste URLs and domains in any mix. The builder formats every line the way Google expects.
Checks the rules
Flags bad URLs, long lines and file limits.
Removes duplicates
Same link twice is listed once.
Download or copy
Get disavow.txt in one click.
Instant
Output updates as you type.
Private by design
Your list is processed in your browser. It is never uploaded or stored by this page.
Straight to Google's tool
When your file is ready, one click opens the official Disavow Links Tool.
6 disavow mistakes to avoid
A bad disavow file can do more harm than good. Avoid these.
Disavowing a whole folder
Subpaths are not allowed. List exact pages or use the domain.
Forgetting domain:
Domains and subdomains need the domain: prefix.
Wrong file type
It must be plain text and end in .txt.
Uploading only the new links
A new upload replaces the old list, it does not add to it.
Skipping a property
Each property needs its own list.
Disavowing as step one
Google recommends removing spammy links before disavowing.
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Google Disavow Links Tool FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions.
What is the Google Disavow Links Tool?
It is a Google Search Console tool that lets a site owner ask Google to ignore specific spammy or low-quality links pointing to the site. You upload a text file listing the pages or domains to disavow.
Do I need to use the disavow tool?
Most sites do not. Google can usually assess which links to trust. Use it only if you have a considerable number of spammy, artificial or low-quality links and they caused, or are likely to cause, a manual action. Try to remove the links first.
Does the disavow tool work with Domain properties?
No. The disavow links tool does not support Domain properties. If you only have a Domain property, this does not apply to you.
How do I disavow a whole domain?
Put the prefix domain: before it on its own line, for example domain:shadyseo.com. This also works for a subdomain. The builder above adds the prefix for you.
Can I disavow a whole folder such as example.com/en/?
No. You cannot disavow an entire subpath. List the exact page URLs, or disavow the whole domain.
What format must the disavow file be?
A text file encoded in UTF-8 or 7-bit ASCII, with a name ending in .txt. One URL or domain per line, URLs up to 2,048 characters, up to 100,000 lines and 2MB. Lines starting with # are comments.
How long does a disavow list take to work?
It can take a few weeks for Google to include your list as it recrawls the web and reprocesses the pages it sees.
Will disavowed links disappear from the Links report?
No. Disavowed links continue to be shown in the Links report.
How do I replace or remove my disavow list?
To replace it, upload a new list for the property. It replaces the old one, so you do not need to cancel first. To remove all disavowals, select the property in the tool and click Cancel Disavowals.
Can I export links from Search Console to build my list?
Yes. In the Links report, click the export button to download your links. Remove any URLs you do not want to disavow before you use the file.
Is this page the official Google tool?
No. This is an independent helper page and is not affiliated with Google. It builds the file for you, and its buttons open Google's official Disavow Links Tool, where you upload it.
Is my list uploaded or stored here?
No. The builder runs in your browser. Your links are not sent to a server and are not saved.
Ready to disavow?
Build your file here, then upload it in Google's official tool. It takes a minute.