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Webfluence

GoogleAugust 31, 2026

Search Console adds a setting for Google's AI answers

A Search Console setting decides whether you appear in AI answers. In France since July 22, worldwide since August 31.

Three choices in Search Console

Include
The default choice
Exclude
Your site leaves AI answers
Inherit
Copies the setting of your main site

What happened, in detail

Before: No simple setting for AI answers

Now: A switch in Search Console

You'll find the setting in Search Console under Settings, then Search generative AI. Include is the default. Exclude removes your site from AI Overviews, AI Mode and AI features in Discover, Google's news feed.

Inherit copies the setting from your main site. Excluding cuts the views and visits from these answers, usually within one to two days. Google says this choice doesn't affect your ranking in the rest of search.

It doesn't control AI training either, which depends on a different setting.

Where it comes from

What it changes for you

Keep your site in these answers unless you have a specific reason. The Exclude option takes it out without touching your place in the rest of Google.

What to do, and when

  1. This week

    In Search Console, open Settings, then Search generative AI, and check your site's choice. Include is the default.

  2. This month

    If you're thinking about Exclude, weigh it first: views and visits from these answers stop, usually within one to two days.

Ask ChatGPT, Claude or Perplexity what this means for your business

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