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- Why mark a news outlet as your preferred source on Google
- Quick steps to add a preferred source on Google via desktop
- How to add preferred sources from the Google mobile app (Android and iOS)
- How to manage or remove preferred sources
- Best practices for a balanced news feed
- Troubleshooting: why a source might not appear as preferred
Choose which outlets shape your news feed on Google and get a stream of articles that match your interests. Adding a preferred source is fast, reversible, and helps the Google app deliver stories you trust. Below you will find practical steps for desktop and mobile, tips to avoid biases, and solutions for common issues.
Why mark a news outlet as your preferred source on Google
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When you designate a preferred outlet, Google surfaces more content from that publisher. This increases the odds you see breaking stories, features, and local reporting from the organizations you trust.
- Personalized results: Search and Discover will favor chosen outlets.
- Faster updates: You get more timely items from the same publisher.
- Better relevance: Topics you follow will reflect the voice and perspective you prefer.
Quick steps to add a preferred source on Google via desktop
Follow these short instructions to set a preferred source when using a browser.
- Open the Google News website or sign in at news.google.com.
- Search for the publication by name in the top search field.
- On the publication page, look for a button labeled Follow or similar.
- Click the button to follow. Some publishers offer an Ask Google to show more option.
- Confirm changes in your Following list or via the settings menu.
How to add preferred sources from the Google mobile app (Android and iOS)
The Google app and Google News app both let you choose preferred sources. The steps are similar on phones.
- Open the Google or Google News app.
- Tap the search icon and enter the publisher name.
- Open the publisher profile and tap Follow or Add.
- For Discover, tap the three dots next to an article and select More from this source to prioritize it.
How to manage or remove preferred sources
You can change your list anytime in Google settings. This keeps your feed up to date with your current interests.
- Open the Google app and tap your profile picture.
- Select Settings > News or Interests.
- Review your Following or Preferred sources list.
- Tap Unfollow to remove any outlet.
Best practices for a balanced news feed
Choosing sources carefully helps prevent echo chambers and improves information quality.
- Follow a mix of local and national outlets.
- Include a range of editorial perspectives.
- Verify stories by checking multiple reputable sources.
Privacy and account notes
Preferred sources are tied to your Google account. They affect personalized results but do not change public search rankings.
Troubleshooting: why a source might not appear as preferred
Sometimes the option to add a source is missing. Try these quick fixes.
- Sign into the same Google account across devices.
- Update the Google or Google News app to the latest version.
- Clear app cache or browser cookies if buttons don’t respond.
- Some publishers restrict syndication. Check the publisher’s profile for availability.
When updates take time
Changes to preferences may take a few hours to reflect in Discover or search suggestions. If content still looks off, revisit your following list or refresh the app.
