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- What “preferred source” means for your Google feed
- Why you might want to add a preferred source
- How to mark a preferred source on mobile
- How to add a preferred source on desktop
- Manage and edit your source preferences
- Tips to get better results from preferred sources
- Common problems and how to fix them
- Privacy and control: what Google does with preferences
- When preferred sources might not change everything
Want to see stories from a favorite publisher show up more often in Google Search, Discover, and News? Google offers a way to mark outlets as preferred so their articles are prioritized. Below you’ll find clear, step-by-step guidance, plus tips to manage preferences and troubleshoot common issues.
What “preferred source” means for your Google feed
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When you add a publisher as a preferred source, Google gives its content more visibility for you. This affects results in Google Search, Google News, and the Discover feed. It does not guarantee every article will appear, but it increases the chance that the outlet’s pieces surface for topics you follow.
Why you might want to add a preferred source
- Stay updated with trusted reporting from outlets you value.
- Reduce irrelevant or low-quality content in your feed.
- Personalize your news mix without changing global search rankings.
How to mark a preferred source on mobile
Most users will set preferences from the Google app or Google News app. The process is quick.
Steps inside the Google app
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Search for the news outlet or open an article from that publisher.
- Tap the three-dot menu near the article or the publisher’s name.
- Select Add as preferred source or a similar option.
Steps inside Google News
- Launch Google News and find the publisher page.
- Tap the follow or menu icon next to the outlet.
- Choose Add as a preferred source if listed.
How to add a preferred source on desktop
The desktop flow is similar but uses the web interface for Google News or your account settings.
- Open news.google.com and search for the outlet.
- Click the publisher’s card or an article.
- Use the menu to follow or mark the outlet as preferred.
Manage and edit your source preferences
You can review and change preferences anytime from your Google account controls.
- Open Google app settings or Google News settings.
- Look for sections labeled Following or Sources.
- Unmark outlets you no longer want prioritized.
Tips to get better results from preferred sources
- Follow multiple outlets covering the same topic for variety.
- Use topic and location settings to refine what appears.
- Regularly clear or adjust preferences if your interests change.
Common problems and how to fix them
If a preferred source still doesn’t appear, try these checks.
- Confirm you’re signed into the right Google account.
- Update the Google or Google News app to the latest version.
- Ensure the publisher is available in your country on Google News.
- Clear app cache or restart your device if items don’t refresh.
Privacy and control: what Google does with preferences
Your choices help personalize recommendations. Google uses them to tailor content it shows you. Preferences are tied to your account and can be removed at any time.
When preferred sources might not change everything
Even after adding a source, algorithms still weigh relevance, recency, and content quality. Marking an outlet boosts its visibility for you, but search and discovery still prioritize the most relevant information.
