Google is rolling back its continuous scroll feature on search results, returning to the classic pagination format. This change, which began on June 25 for desktop users, will soon extend to mobile devices, including Google Pixel phones. For those accustomed to the seamless flow of continuous scrolling, this adjustment may feel like a step back in time.
This week, news broke about the end of continuous scrolling on desktop Google search results, with mobile devices like our beloved Pixels following suit in the coming months. This change brings an end to endless scrolling in search results and restores the familiar “Next” button on desktop and “More results” button on mobile.
Continuous scroll was first introduced to mobile search in October 2021 and later to desktop in December 2022. The feature was designed to mimic the endless scrolling experience popularized by social media platforms like X and Instagram. The idea was to make searching more intuitive and less interruptive by automatically loading more results as users scrolled down the page.
That said, you might be wondering why Google is ditching a feature it introduced just a year and a half ago. Well, according to a Google spokesperson, the change aims to speed up search results by not automatically loading results you haven’t specifically asked for. They also found that the endless scroll didn’t significantly improve user satisfaction despite its initial appeal.
For Pixel users, this means a return to the old way of searching. You’ll no longer be able to mindlessly scroll through pages of results. Instead, you’ll need to actively click the “More results” button to see additional pages. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it will likely affect how you discover new information and interact with Google Search.
Sure, this might not be a big deal for regular users. But the return of pagination will surely have implications for website owners and SEO experts. With the emphasis back on the first page of search results, the competition for those top spots is likely to intensify. It’s a return to the “page one or bust” mentality that existed before continuous scrolling.
While some Pixel users might be disappointed with this change, it’s important to remember that Google is constantly experimenting and evolving its search algorithm. This is just one of many updates we’ve seen in recent times, including the addition and partial rollback of AI overviews in search results. It will be interesting to see how this latest change affects our search habits and the broader online landscape.
Hillary Keverenge
2723 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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