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Choosing which news outlets shape your Google feed can make your daily browsing smarter. Google allows users to mark preferred sources to tailor results across Discover and News. Below we explain how to add, manage, and get the most from preferred sources.
Why mark a site as a preferred source on Google
Setting a preferred source steers Google toward content you trust. It helps surface stories from publishers you favor in Google Discover and Google News. This improves relevance and reduces noise.
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- Better relevance: More content from outlets you trust appears.
- Fewer irrelevant recommendations: Algorithms learn your preferences.
- Support for publishers: Favoring a source can increase its visibility.
How to add a preferred source step by step
Adding a preferred source is straightforward. The exact steps vary slightly by device. Below are the common methods.
On mobile (Google app)
- Open the Google app.
- Search for the news outlet or visit an article from it.
- Tap the three-dot menu next to the result or article.
- Select Add as preferred source or a similar option.
- Confirm to give that source priority in your feed.
On desktop (Google News)
- Go to news.google.com and sign in.
- Find the publisher page or an article from the outlet.
- Click the menu icon on the publisher card.
- Choose Follow or Add as preferred.
- Adjust preferences in Settings if needed.
How Google uses preferred sources in Discover and News
Preferred sources influence what you see without overriding all other signals. Google still considers recency, relevance, and your broader activity. Think of preferred sources as a nudge, not a filter.
- Discover surfaces articles aligned with your interests and followed outlets.
- Google News highlights stories from prioritized publishers in topical clusters.
- Personalization adapts over time based on clicks and engagement.
Managing and removing preferred sources
You can update your list anytime. This keeps your feed aligned with changing interests.
Edit preferences in the app
- Open Google app and tap your profile icon.
- Go to Settings > Feeds or Interests.
- Find Saved sources or Following.
- Remove or add publishers as desired.
Remove sources on desktop
- Visit Google News and sign in.
- Click the “Following” section on the left.
- Hover over a source and click the unfollow or remove icon.
Tips for choosing reliable sources
Pick outlets with strong editorial standards. Balance perspectives to avoid echo chambers. Use these quick checks before adding a source.
- Check author bylines and publishing dates.
- Verify claims across multiple reputable outlets.
- Prefer publishers with clear corrections policies.
- Mix local and national coverage for broader context.
Privacy and personalization: what to know
Marking preferred sources affects only personalization for your Google account. It does not make your browsing public. You can clear activity and reset preferences at any time.
- Account-based: Preferences are tied to the signed-in account.
- Control and transparency: Activity controls let you view and delete data.
- Opt-out options: Turn off personalization in Google settings if desired.
Common issues and quick fixes
If a preferred source does not appear as expected, try these steps.
- Ensure you are signed into the same Google account across devices.
- Clear cache or update the Google app to the latest version.
- Check that the outlet is available in your country on Google News.
- Remove and re-add the source if the change does not take effect.
