Quick answer
- Google’s most recent core update was the May 2026 core update (May 21 to about June 1, 2026). The latest announced update of any kind was the September 2026 spam update.
- Core updates are broad changes to Google’s ranking systems. Google says they don’t target specific sites or pages.
- If your traffic drops, wait until the update finishes, then wait at least a week before comparing Search Console data.
- Recovery can take months. Focus on genuinely helpful, people-first content rather than quick fixes.
Every few months, Google announces a core update and some bloggers see big swings in traffic. This page explains what core updates are, lists the recent ones, and covers what Google itself recommends doing if your site is affected.
Update dates come from Google’s Search Status Dashboard and the guidance from Google Search Central, both checked on November 7, 2026. We’ll keep this page updated as new updates roll out.
Recent Google ranking updates
| Update | Started | Finished (about) |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 spam update | Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 |
| August 2026 spam update | Aug 18, 2026 | Aug 20, 2026 |
| June 2026 spam update | Jun 24, 2026 | Jun 26, 2026 |
| May 2026 core update | May 21, 2026 | Jun 1, 2026 |
| March 2026 core update | Mar 27, 2026 | Apr 8, 2026 |
| March 2026 spam update | Mar 24, 2026 | Mar 25, 2026 |
| February 2026 Discover update | Feb 5, 2026 | Feb 26, 2026 |
| December 2025 core update | Dec 11, 2025 | Dec 29, 2025 |
What is a Google core update?
A core update is a broad change to how Google’s ranking systems assess content. Google announces them on its Search Status Dashboard. It says they’re designed to keep results helpful and reliable, and that they don’t target specific sites or individual pages. Some pages rise and others fall, and a drop doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your page: other content may simply be judged more helpful.
Core updates vs spam updates
Spam updates target content and tactics that break Google’s spam policies, such as link schemes, scaled low-value content and cloaking. Core updates are broader re-assessments of quality. If you were hit by a spam update, check your site against Google’s spam policies. See our guides to safe link building.
What to do if your traffic dropped
- Wait for the rollout to finish, then wait at least a week before comparing data.
- Compare in Search Console: look at the period before and after the update, by page and by search type (web, images, video, news).
- Don’t panic over small drops. Google says small position changes usually don’t need action, and you shouldn’t radically change content that still performs well.
- For big, lasting drops, review your whole site against Google’s helpful-content self-assessment questions, ideally with someone who isn’t connected to your site.
- Improve the most affected pages by comparing them with the pages that now outrank you, and ask which serves readers better.
- Avoid quick fixes. Google calls deleting content a last resort, for content that can’t be improved.
How long does recovery take?
Google says some changes can show within days, but it can take several months for its systems to confirm that a site consistently produces helpful content. If nothing changes after a few months, the next core update may be the next opportunity. Rankings can also improve between announced updates.
How to make your blog more resilient
- Write from real experience and expertise, and show it with original examples, photos and data.
- Answer the reader’s question fully and clearly; avoid padding.
- Keep content accurate and updated, with dates where they matter.
- Earn links naturally with genuinely useful resources, not link schemes.
- Build traffic beyond Google too: email lists, social media and communities.
More help: our SEO guide for beginners and technical SEO checklist.
Google core update FAQs
The May 2026 core update, which ran from May 21 to about June 1, 2026, according to Google’s Search Status Dashboard.
No. Google says core updates are broad and don’t target specific sites or pages.
Until the rollout finishes, then at least another week before comparing Search Console data.
It can take several months, and sometimes until the next core update.
Google calls deleting content a last resort, only for content that can’t be improved.
On Google’s Search Status Dashboard.
Update dates from Google’s Search Status Dashboard and guidance from Google Search Central, checked on November 7, 2026.
