What happens when nosnippet and max-snippet appear together?

Definition: As of 17 October 2026, Google's robots meta tag specification gives nosnippet precedence over max-snippet:50 because the more restrictive rule applies. A snippet is a search result summary; nosnippet suppresses it, while max-snippet sets its maximum character count.

Key facts

• Google's robots specification permits rules in a comma-separated list or separate meta tags.
• Google's snippet guidance distinguishes preventing a snippet with nosnippet from limiting its length with max-snippet.
• Google's AI features guidance requires snippet eligibility for a page to qualify as a supporting link in AI Overviews or AI Mode, its AI answer features in Search.

How do the combined rules work?

The following example combines Google's documented conflict with its meta tag syntax. It belongs in the HTML <head>:

<meta name="robots" content="nosnippet, max-snippet:50">

The effective restriction is nosnippet. Splitting these rules across separate tags preserves that result:

<meta name="robots" content="nosnippet">
<meta name="robots" content="max-snippet:50">

An X-Robots-Tag is an HTTP response header carrying the same supported rules. The specification's conflict rule also covers this delivery method. A review therefore needs to include both HTML tags and response headers.

What changes for the page in Google Search?

Under Google's definition of nosnippet, the page has no text snippet or video preview. A static image thumbnail may remain visible. The rule also prevents the content from serving as direct input for AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Google's AI features requirements connect supporting-link eligibility to being indexed and eligible for a Search snippet. Applying those requirements, retaining nosnippet alongside a positive snippet limit leaves the page without the required snippet eligibility.

How can the implementation be checked?

Google's preview-control troubleshooting instructions recommend the URL Inspection tool to view the HTML Googlebot received during crawling. That inspection helps establish whether Google receives the intended meta tags.

The same instructions require time for recrawling and processing after a change. Google says crawling can take several days to several months, depending on how often its systems determine that the page needs refreshing. A recrawl request is available after changes.

Related terms

• nosnippet
• max-snippet
• X-Robots-Tag
• data-nosnippet

FAQ

Does reversing the order restore a snippet?

Applying Google's more restrictive rule, reversing the order leaves nosnippet effective. You need to remove the applicable nosnippet restriction to allow a positive snippet limit to take effect.

Can a meta description supply the snippet instead?

Google's snippet documentation describes meta descriptions as one possible snippet source and nosnippet as the control that prevents snippets. Adding a description leaves that restriction in place.

Can I exclude only part of the page?

Yes. The same snippet guidance identifies data-nosnippet as the control for excluding selected page content. You can use that approach when only a particular passage needs exclusion.

Sources

1. Google Search Central, "Robots meta tag, data-nosnippet, and X-Robots-Tag specifications", 24 March 2026
2. Google Search Central, "Control your snippets in search results", 20 April 2026
3. Google Search Central, "AI features and your website", 10 December 2025

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