Sep 1, 2019
Why was + removed as a search refining tool?
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Google removed the "+" symbol as an exact match operator when Google+ was launched in 2011. The "+" symbol was needed in a Google+ context.
The "+" operator was replaced by extending the use of double quotes, previously used for exact phrase searches, to also include exact word searches.
A Google search for "keyword" now performs the same function as searching for +keyword used to do.
Original Poster Gennady Kellogg marked this as an answer
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Sep 1, 2019
Google removed the "+" symbol as an exact match operator when Google+ was launched in 2011. The "+" symbol was needed in a Google+ context.
The "+" operator was replaced by extending the use of double quotes, previously used for exact phrase searches, to also include exact word searches.
A Google search for "keyword" now performs the same function as searching for +keyword used to do.
Original Poster Gennady Kellogg marked this as an answer
@ B B 364:
Double quotes is still the "exact match" operator, as per the Google Help article, Refine web searches.
If you have issues with Google Search operators not appearing to work, you should send feedback about the specific circumstances direct to Google. Use the in-app "Send feedback" feature (mobile) or click "Send feedback" at the bottom of any search results page (desktop).