You Can Now Pick Your Preferred News Sources on Google. Here's How

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 16:37 GMT by PC Magazine

Google Gives Users the Power to Choose Their Own News Sources
How the Latest Update Changes the Way We Get Daily Updates

In a move that could reshape the daily news‑reading habits of millions, Google has announced that users can now hand‑pick the news outlets that appear in their personalized feeds. The change, which first appeared in the Google app’s “News” tab in late August, lets users add or remove sources at the click of a button—providing a clearer path to the stories that matter most to each individual.

Why the Change Matters

For years, news consumption on Google’s platforms has largely been driven by an algorithm that pulls in headlines from a wide range of publishers, with the aim of presenting a balanced view of current events. While this approach offers breadth, it also exposes users to sensationalist or low‑quality reporting that can dominate feeds. Google’s new “Preferred News Sources” feature is an attempt to put control back into the hands of the reader, allowing them to curate their own ecosystem of reputable outlets.

The move follows a broader industry trend toward “news personalization” that includes similar features on Apple News, Amazon News, and various news aggregators. According to a recent Google support article (linking to https://support.google.com/googlenews/answer/10201973?hl=en), the update is designed to reduce “noise” while still providing a comprehensive view of the world.

How to Set Up Your Preferred Sources

Below is a straightforward, step‑by‑step guide to customizing your news feed. Whether you’re on Android, iOS, or a desktop browser, the process is similar:

1. Open the Google App
   On a smartphone or tablet, launch the Google app. On a desktop, navigate to the Google News section within the main Google page.

2. Navigate to the News Tab
   Tap the “Explore” or “News” icon at the bottom of the screen (Android) or the “News” button on the top bar (iOS and desktop).

3. Access Settings
   In the top right corner, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the News settings.

4. Add or Remove Sources
   - In the settings menu, select “Manage news sources” or “Preferred sources.”
   - Tap “Add source.” A search bar will appear; type the name of a publisher (e.g., The New York Times, BBC News, Reuters).
   - Toggle the switch next to the publisher’s name to add it to your feed.

5. Reorder Your Sources (Optional)
   Some versions of the app allow you to drag sources into a preferred order. The app will prioritize stories from the sources at the top of the list.

6. Limit the Number of Sources
   The Google support page notes that you can add up to 20 sources. If you exceed this limit, the app will ask you to remove one before adding another.

7. Review Your Feed
   Return to the News tab. Headlines from your selected outlets should now appear at the top of your feed, followed by a mix of other stories that Google’s algorithm deems relevant.

Removing a Source
If you decide a source no longer aligns with your preferences, simply go back into the “Manage news sources” section and toggle the switch off. The publisher will then be removed from your feed.

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

The Google support article explains that the new feature uses a “source‑based filtering layer” that sits between the headline feed and the underlying recommendation engine. This layer ensures that stories from your chosen publishers appear before any algorithm‑recommended headlines, while still allowing the app to fill in gaps with broader coverage when necessary.

Google says the feature is currently available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German. The rollout will likely expand to additional locales over the coming months.

Potential Drawbacks

While the ability to curate your own feed can reduce the prevalence of clickbait, it also risks creating “filter bubbles.” By isolating readers to a narrow set of outlets, Google’s own editorial and algorithmic decisions can still shape what is presented. Critics point out that a highly personalized feed might amplify confirmation bias or limit exposure to differing viewpoints.

Nonetheless, Google’s emphasis on giving users the “final say” about which stories reach them signals a shift toward greater transparency and choice in digital news consumption.

A Look Ahead

The feature is part of Google’s broader commitment to enhancing news discovery. In a recent blog post on the official Google News site, the company highlighted additional upcoming improvements—such as deeper topic‑based personalization, improved source verification, and new ways to surface community‑curated stories.

For now, users can enjoy a news feed that feels more tailored to their interests and less cluttered by irrelevant headlines. As the feature gains traction, it will be interesting to see how Google balances personalization with the responsibility of delivering a balanced, diverse range of news.

In summary: Google’s new “Preferred News Sources” feature lets users hand‑pick up to 20 reputable publishers to dominate their daily feeds, providing a cleaner, more controlled news experience. By following the simple steps above, you can quickly customize your feed and start seeing headlines that truly matter to you—without the noise that often floods free‑to‑use news aggregators.