Search with Google
This plugin will replace the WordPress default search query with server-side results from either the Custom Search Site Restricted JSON API or the Custom Search JSON API. You can make your selection within the settings…
Consider an alternative
Search with Google shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 70+ sites, is rated 3/5 and was last updated 1 year ago, and scores 35/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (70+ active installs)
- Low rating so far — 3/5 from only 4 reviews
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & supportDaily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where Search with Google stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| cse | #1 |
| custom search engine | >100 |
| >100 | |
| programmable search | #2 |
| search | >100 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
Rating breakdown
★★★★★★★★★★ 3 from 4 reviews
About Search with Google
From the official readme · v1.2.3Description
This plugin will replace the WordPress default search query with server-side results from either the Custom Search Site Restricted JSON API or the Custom Search JSON API. You can make your selection within the settings > Reading > Search type. This replacement is done on the WordPress back-end, so results appear as normal within WordPress search.
Requirements
Setup
- Get Google API key. An API key is a way to identify your client to Google.
- Get Programmable Search engine ID. In Google settings, restrict the Search engine to only search for your one site.
- On WordPress dashboard, set API Key and Custom Search Engine ID in the plugin settings.
Dashboard > Settings > Reading > Search with Google Settings. - Select the search type from Custom Search Site Restricted JSON API or Custom Search API. (Refer Notes section for more details)
Notes
- Custom Search Site Restricted JSON API can show only 100 search results for the query.
- A result page can have maximum of 10 results.
- Assistance for Custom Site Restricted Search JSON API is scheduled to cease as of December 18, 2024. Read more. Due to this modification, we are introducing an opt-in feature that enables the use of solely the Custom Search API, as opposed to the Custom Site-restricted Search API. This will allow you to continue using the Custom Search API after December 18, 2024.
BTW, We’re Hiring!
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Installation
- Upload
plugin-name.phpto the/wp-content/plugins/directory - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
- Follow “Setup” instructions in ReadMe to configure credentials from Google Developers Console.
Frequently asked questions
Reporting a bug 🐞
Before creating a new issue, do browse through the existing issues for resolution or upcoming fixes. If you still need to log an issue, making sure to include as much detail as you can, including clear steps to reproduce the issue, if possible.
Creating a pull request
Want to contribute a new feature? Start a conversation by logging an issue. Once you’re ready to send a pull request, please run through the following checklist: Browse through the existing issues for anything related to what you want to work on. If you don’t find any related issues, open a new one. Fork this repository. Create a branch from develop for each issue you’d like to address and commit your changes. Push the code changes from your local clone to your fork. Open a pull request and that’s it! We’ll respond with feedback as soon as possible (Isn’t collaboration a great thing? 😌) Once…
Changelog
Compatible with WordPress 6.8
1.2.3
- Compatible with WordPress 6.8
1.2.2
- Compatible with WordPress 6.7.1
- Updates element selectors for automated testing
1.1
- Compatible with WordPress 6.4.2
- Updated PHP code to be compatible with PHP 8.2
- Fixed WordPress coding standards issues
- Used VIP compatible code for WordPress VIP compatibility
- Added support for the Custom JSON API
- Added Deprecation notice for the Custom site-restricted JSON API
1.0
- Initial release.
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best Search with Google alternatives
All cse plugins →| Rank | Plugin | Active installs |
|---|---|---|
| 2 |
SearchCloak
Hides Pages & Posts from search results and search engine indexes.
|
20+ |
FAQ
Search with Google: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 20, 2026
Is Search with Google free?
Yes. Search with Google is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is Search with Google safe to use in 2026?
Search with Google shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 70+ sites, is rated 3/5 and was last updated 1 year ago, and scores 35/100 on our health check.
How many websites use Search with Google?
Search with Google is active on 70+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 6,510 times since it launched in October 2020. It was downloaded 140 times in the last 30 days.
Does Search with Google work with WordPress 7.1?
Search with Google is officially tested up to WordPress 6.8.11, while the latest release is 7.1.3. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does Search with Google need?
Search with Google requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was Search with Google last updated?
The latest version, 1.2.3, was released on April 29, 2025 (1 year ago).
Who makes Search with Google?
Search with Google is developed and maintained by rtCamp.
What are the best alternatives to Search with Google?
The most popular alternatives to Search with Google are SearchCloak (20+ installs).
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