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Mobile-Friendly Test

Google's Mobile-Friendly Test checked if a webpage worked on a smartphone; it was retired in December 2023.

Level: BeginnerRead: 2 minUpdated: 27 Jul 2026By Vera Lindqvist

Key facts

  • The Mobile-Friendly Test was a Google tool for checking whether a webpage was usable on a smartphone.
  • Google retired the Mobile-Friendly Test and the Mobile Usability report on 1 December 2023.
  • The tool was page-specific, testing individual URLs rather than an entire site.
  • After retirement, Google shifted users to Lighthouse and page experience diagnostics.
  • Third-party tools now use the phrase 'mobile friendly test', but they are not Google's retired product.

Also called

Google Mobile-Friendly Test, Mobile-Friendly Testing Tool

Use it for

Checking mobile usability of a single URL

Applies to

Google

What the Mobile-Friendly Test Checked

The tool tested a single URL by simulating a smartphone view. It evaluated viewport settings, text size, tap targets, and Flash usage. It returned a pass or fail result and listed specific issues. For example, if text was too small to read on a 320px screen, the tool flagged it. The tool also provided a screenshot of how the page appeared on mobile, which helped developers visually identify problems. The tool was part of Google's suite of SEO Tools.

Common issues detected included:

Users could access the test directly or via the Search Console Mobile Usability report. The tool was retired in December 2023.

  • Text too small to read
  • Content wider than the screen
  • Clickable elements too close together
  • Flash usage not supported on mobile

Why Google Retired the Tool

Google retired the Mobile-Friendly Test and the Mobile Usability report on 1 December 2023. This decision reflected a shift toward more comprehensive page experience tools. The tool was limited because it only checked a single URL and did not assess page speed, layout stability, or interactivity—key factors in Google's Core Web Vitals. The retirement was part of changes in the seo software market. SEO professionals had to adapt to using Lighthouse and the Page Experience report for mobile audits.

Google now recommends using Lighthouse for mobile-friendly audits. Lighthouse is integrated into Chrome DevTools and provides scores for performance, accessibility, and best practices. The Search Console Page Experience report also offers mobile-related insights.

Current Mobile-Friendly Testing Options

To test mobile friendliness now, use Lighthouse. You can run it in Chrome DevTools or via PageSpeed Insights. Search Console's Page Experience report is another option. For a quick check, some third-party tools offer similar tests, but they are not Google's official tool.

Mobile friendliness remains crucial for Mobile-Friendly SEO. For a broader view of optimisation, refer to Mobile SEO. The specific testing method may vary by platform. For example, WordPress users can follow Wordpress SEO Friendly guidelines. The comparison of platforms is covered in squarespace vs wordpress seo.

  • Lighthouse – run in Chrome DevTools or via PageSpeed Insights
  • PageSpeed Insights – online tool that includes mobile-friendly checks
  • Search Console Page Experience report – issues for verified sites

How to Interpret Third-Party Mobile-Friendly Scores

Many third-party tools claim to offer a mobile-friendly test. However, they are not Google's retired product. Their scoring may differ significantly. For instance, one tool might only check viewport and meta tags, while another includes actual user interaction simulation. For local businesses, tools like Moz Local focus on local SEO, not mobile usability specifically. Similarly, Yoast SEO Keyword Density is about on-page keyword usage, not mobile testing. Always cross-check third-party results with Lighthouse to confirm accuracy.

Always verify the source of any mobile-friendly test. Rely on Google's official tools like Lighthouse. Do not assume a third-party pass/fail is equivalent to Google's former verdict.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Google's Mobile-Friendly Test still exists Users waste time looking for a retired tool and may rely on outdated workflows.
  • Confusing third-party 'mobile friendly' checkers with Google's original tool Results, scoring, and issue definitions may differ from Google's standards.
  • Treating a single pass/fail result as proof of mobile SEO health Pages can still have speed, layout, or usability issues not covered by a simple check.

Questions

What is the Google Mobile-Friendly Test?

It was a free tool from Google that checked if a webpage was usable on a smartphone. It tested factors like text size, viewport, and tap targets. Google retired it in December 2023.

Why was the Mobile-Friendly Test retired?

Google retired the tool to focus on more integrated page experience audits. Lighthouse and Search Console reports now cover mobile usability alongside performance and other metrics.

What can I use instead of the Mobile-Friendly Test?

Use Lighthouse, either in Chrome DevTools or via PageSpeed Insights. Search Console's Page Experience report also provides mobile-specific issues. These tools are Google's current recommendations.

See also

Sources

  1. Google Search Central blog: The Search Console mobile friendly testing tool (retired) developers.google.com
  2. Google Search Central mobile-friendly starter guide services.google.com
  3. Google Search Console Help / community guidance on Lighthouse support.google.com

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Vera Lindqvist

Vera Lindqvist has worked in SEO since 2014 — first in-house at an ecommerce retailer, then freelance for small teams that could not afford an agency. She writes GrowthPedia in her own time and pays for the hosting herself.

Written and maintained by one person. No ads, no affiliates, nothing for sale. Found an error? Tell me and I will log the correction publicly.