Why You Shouldn’t Disavow Backlinks in 2026

Let’s clear something up once and for all. A disavow file is just a plain text file you upload into Google Search Console, asking Google to pretend certain backlinks don’t exist. That’s it. It’s not wizardry, not a ranking hack, and definitely not a routine SEO task. It’s more like admitting, “Yeah… something went wrong here.” Either you were hit by spam, or you made questionable link decisions back when buying links for $5 from sites like Fiverr felt like a solid life choice.

And yet… somehow we’re still debating this in 2026.

Why? A mix of SEO Twitter drama, outdated “toxic backlink” scare tactics, and a shocking number of people who still can’t tell the difference between a manual penalty and algorithmic devaluation. Here’s the short version: Google’s modern systems – SpamBrain included – already ignore most garbage links automatically. If you’re clean, the tool does nothing. If you’re not, it’s an emergency lever, not a daily habit.

So… Should You Even Use a Disavow File?

For most sites? No. Absolutely not. The disavow tool should only come out if one of these is true:

• You’ve received a manual action in Google Search Console specifically related to links.
• You’re dealing with actual negative SEO, not the occasional spam link that every site gets.

If none of those apply, step away from the tool. No manual action? Google already filters bad links. A handful of weird domains linking to you? Normal.

“Feels risky,” according to a backlink tool? That’s anxiety, not SEO.

And here’s the part people mess up: disavowing too aggressively is self-sabotage. It’s like tossing out good wine because the label looks old. Once you tell Google to ignore a legitimate link, it’s gone – and your rankings can go with it.

How to Use the Disavow Tool Without Shooting Yourself in the Foot

If you genuinely need it, keep it simple and precise.

Step 1: Open Google Search Console and find the Disavow Tool (yes, it’s buried; yes, that’s intentional).

Step 2: Create a plain .txt file listing only the URLs or domains you’re certain are harmful. No spreadsheets. No formatting. No commentary.

Step 3: Upload the file and… that’s it. No confirmation emails. No progress bar. Just quiet patience.

Things to know before you panic:

The order of links doesn’t matter (confirmed repeatedly by Google).

One syntax mistake can invalidate the entire file – Google won’t warn you.

Fixing errors means editing the file, re-uploading, and waiting again.

Results take time. Sometimes months. Anyone promising instant recovery is lying.

Bad Advice, Common Myths, and SEO Self-Harm

Let’s kill a few bad ideas before they kill your rankings.

Mass disavowing: Trusting “toxicity scores” and wiping out large chunks of your backlink profile is a great way to sink your site all by yourself.

Link audit fear-mongering: Most tools dramatically overestimate risk. SpamBrain already ignores the majority of low-quality links in 2026.

Manual vs algorithmic confusion: Disavow files matter for manual actions. If your rankings dipped due to algorithmic changes, disavowing won’t magically fix it.

Google’s own stance – repeated for years by John Mueller and others – is crystal clear: most sites never need to touch this tool. When in doubt, trust Google’s systems over influencer hot takes.

What SEOs Still Ask (and Still Get Wrong)

Do I need a disavow file in 2026?

Only if Google explicitly tells you there’s a link problem or you’re under a heavy negative SEO attack.

Can disavowing hurt my site?

Yes. Disavowing legitimate links can absolutely damage rankings.

Does link order matter in the file?

No. Never has.

Is the tool obsolete now?

For the vast majority of websites, yes. It still exists for edge cases—not everyday SEO.

A Quick History Lesson

2012: Penguin launches, chaos ensues, disavow tool appears.

2016: Penguin shifts from penalties to devaluation.

2024: SpamBrain becomes highly effective at ignoring spam links.

2025: Bing scraps its disavow tool entirely. Google keeps theirs – for emergencies only.

Translation? Disavowing links today is about as relevant as directory submissions and keyword stuffing – unless you’re dealing with a genuine penalty.

Bottom Line

If you don’t have a manual action and you’re not drowning in spam, stop worrying about disavow files. Put that energy into earning real links, publishing solid content, and doing SEO that actually moves the needle. And if someone’s pitching you a “toxic backlink cleanse” in 2026? Nod, close the tab, and move on. Now breathe. Google’s got this. Go do real SEO.