ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.3 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | FAIL | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | com,mashable!/article/google-search-back-button-hijack-demoting-penalty s443 |
| Property | Value | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| URL | https://mashable.com/article/how-to-set-a-song-as-your-ringtone-on-iphone | ||||||||||||
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-14 19:41:15 (8 days ago) | ||||||||||||
| First Indexed | 2021-09-13 23:06:44 (4 years ago) | ||||||||||||
| HTTP Status Code | 200 | ||||||||||||
| Content | |||||||||||||
| Meta Title | Google will punish sites that hijack your back button | ||||||||||||
| Meta Description | Want a custom ringtone? Well you can create your own ringtone on iPhone by following these simple steps. | ||||||||||||
| Meta Canonical | com,mashable!/article/google-search-back-button-hijack-demoting-penalty s443 | ||||||||||||
| Boilerpipe Text | Google
has made some controversial decisions related to its flagship search engine in recent years, but this one will probably be pretty popular.
The company announced in a
developer note
(via
9to5google
) that it will start punishing websites that hijack users' back buttons in their web browsers.
In case you're not familiar with this phenomenon, sometimes you'll click a link on Google and realize it's not what you wanted. When you click the back button, instead of being taken back to Google, you'll be taken to some other part of the website, or an ad, or something else you didn't want to see. This practice is also known as "history manipulation," according to our colleagues at
Lifehacker
.
"We believe that the user experience comes first. Back button hijacking interferes with the browser's functionality, breaks the expected user journey, and results in user frustration," Google
wrote in an update
to its spam policy explaining the decision.
Don’t miss out on our latest stories:Â
Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google
.
I have definitely encountered this phenomenon over the years, and clearly so have others, given that Google is doing something about it.
Anyway, as it is wont to do, Google will penalize sites that engage in this practice by limiting their visibility in search rankings beginning on June 15. It is now officially categorized as a "malicious practice" by the company.
"Pages that are engaging in back button hijacking may be subject to
manual spam actions
or automated demotions, which can impact the site's performance in Google Search results. To give site owners time to make any needed changes, we're publishing this policy two months in advance of enforcement on June 15, 2026," Google wrote.
A malicious practice is something that "[creates] a mismatch between user expectations and the actual outcome, leading to a negative and deceptive user experience, or compromised user security or privacy." As someone who has experienced back button hijacking, I would say it definitely fits the bill.
Google also had some blunt advice for sites and developers that use this practice: "You are expected to remove or disable it."
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's
Top Stories and Deals newsletters
today. | ||||||||||||
| Markdown | [The Mashable 101](https://mashable.com/mashable-101-top-creators-2025) [Creator Hub](https://mashable.com/category/creators) [Tech](https://mashable.com/tech) [Science](https://mashable.com/science) [Life](https://mashable.com/life) [Social Good](https://mashable.com/category/social-good) [Entertainment](https://mashable.com/entertainment) [Deals](https://mashable.com/deals) [Shopping](https://mashable.com/shopping) [Games](https://games.mashable.com/)
Search
Cancel
[The Mashable 101](https://mashable.com/mashable-101-top-creators-2025)
[Creator Hub](https://mashable.com/category/creators)
Tech
[Apps & Software](https://mashable.com/category/apps-software) [Artificial Intelligence](https://mashable.com/category/artificial-intelligence) [Cybersecurity](https://mashable.com/category/cybersecurity) [Cryptocurrency](https://mashable.com/category/cryptocurrency) [Mobile](https://mashable.com/category/mobile) [Smart Home](https://mashable.com/category/smart-home) [Social Media](https://mashable.com/category/social-media) [Tech Industry](https://mashable.com/category/tech-industry) [Transportation](https://mashable.com/category/transportation) [All Tech](https://mashable.com/tech)
Science
[Space](https://mashable.com/category/space) [Climate Change](https://mashable.com/category/climate-change) [Environment](https://mashable.com/category/environment) [All Science](https://mashable.com/science)
Life
[Family & Parenting](https://mashable.com/category/family-parenting) [Health & Wellness](https://mashable.com/category/health-wellness) [Sex, Dating & Relationships](https://mashable.com/category/sex-dating-relationships) [Sleep](https://mashable.com/category/sleep) [Careers](https://mashable.com/category/careers) [Mental Health](https://mashable.com/category/mental-health) [All Life](https://mashable.com/life)
Social Good
[Activism](https://mashable.com/category/activism) [Gender](https://mashable.com/category/gender) [LGBTQ](https://mashable.com/category/lgbtq) [Racial Justice](https://mashable.com/category/racism) [Sustainability](https://mashable.com/category/sustainability) [Politics](https://mashable.com/category/politics) [All Social Good](https://mashable.com/category/social-good)
Entertainment
[Games](https://mashable.com/category/games) [Movies](https://mashable.com/category/movies) [Podcasts](https://mashable.com/category/podcasts) [TV Shows](https://mashable.com/category/tv-shows) [Watch Guides](https://mashable.com/category/watch-guides) [All Entertainment](https://mashable.com/entertainment)
SHOP THE BEST
[Laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops) [Budget Laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-cheap-laptops) [Dating Apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-dating-apps) [Sexting Apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-sexting-apps) [Hookup Apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-hookup-apps) [VPNs](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-vpns) [Robot Vaccuums](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuums) [Robot Vaccum & Mop](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuum-and-mop) [Headphones](https://mashable.com/article/best-noise-cancelling-headphones) [Speakers](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-portable-bluetooth-speakers) [Kindles](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-kindles) [Gift Guides](https://mashable.com/gifts) [Mashable Choice](https://mashable.com/mashable-choice) [Mashable Selects](https://mashable.com/category/mashable-selects) [All Sex, Dating & Relationships](https://mashable.com/category/sex-dating-relationships) [All Laptops](https://mashable.com/category/laptops) [All Headphones](https://mashable.com/category/headphones) [All Robot Vacuums](https://mashable.com/category/robot-vacuums) [All VPN](https://mashable.com/category/vpn) [All Shopping](https://mashable.com/shopping)
[Games](https://games.mashable.com/)
Product Reviews
[Adult Friend Finder](https://mashable.com/review/adult-friend-finder-review-dating-site) [Bumble Premium](https://mashable.com/review/bumble-premium-review) [Tinder Platinum](https://mashable.com/review/tinder-platinum-review) [Kindle Paperwhite](https://mashable.com/review/kindle-paperwhite-signature-edition) [PS5 vs PS5 Slim](https://mashable.com/article/ps5-vs-ps5-slim-differences) [All Reviews](https://mashable.com/review) [All Shopping](https://mashable.com/shopping)
[Deals](https://mashable.com/deals)
[Newsletters](https://mashable.com/newsletters)
Series
[Mashable's Best: E-readers, robovacs, laptops, earbuds, smart home and more](https://mashable.com/series/best-tech-apple-e-readers-airpods-headphones-earbuds-laptops-robovac) [In My Bag](https://mashable.com/series/in-my-bag) [Top creators, ranked](https://mashable.com/series/top-creators-youtube-instagram-tiktok-ranked) [Look Up](https://mashable.com/series/look-up) [Mashable Selects](https://mashable.com/series/mashable-selects) [Say More](https://mashable.com/series/say-more) [Safety Net](https://mashable.com/series/safety-net) [In Color](https://mashable.com/series/black-movies-tv-film-in-color) [Creator Playbook](https://mashable.com/series/content-creators-influencers-playbook) [Mashable @Home](https://mashable.com/series/at-home) [March Mindfulness](https://mashable.com/series/march-mindfulness) [Trending Now](https://mashable.com/series/trending-now) [All Series](https://mashable.com/series)
VIDEOS
[Mashable Shows](https://mashable.com/shows) [All Videos](https://mashable.com/videos)
[Home](https://mashable.com/) \> [Tech](https://mashable.com/tech)
# How to set a song as your ringtone on iPhone
Revive the lost art of the ringtone.
By
[Elena Cavender](https://mashable.com/author/elenacavender)

Elena Cavender
Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [\[email protected\]](https://mashable.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3d6dfd6ddd29dd0d2c5d6ddd7d6c1f3ded2c0dbd2d1dfd69dd0dcde) or follow her [@ecaviar\_](https://twitter.com/ecaviar_).
[Read Full Bio](https://mashable.com/author/elenacavender)
on
September 13, 2021
[Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fhow-to-set-a-song-as-your-ringtone-on-iphone "(opens in a new window)")
[Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fhow-to-set-a-song-as-your-ringtone-on-iphone&text=How+to+set+a+song+as+your+ringtone+on+iPhone "(opens in a new window)")
[Share on Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fhow-to-set-a-song-as-your-ringtone-on-iphone&title=How+to+set+a+song+as+your+ringtone+on+iPhone "(opens in a new window)")

***
Tired of the preset ringtones on your iPhone and want to return the good old days of custom ringtones? We've got you covered.
With iOS 14 setting a song as your ringtone on iPhone is easier than ever before. It does involve a bit of work, though.
To set a song as your ringtone it needs to saved in your Files app or must be purchased and downloaded on your phone. You can't use songs that you just have saved on Apple Music or another streaming service such as Spotify.
Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
Use this instead
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.ziffdavis.com/terms-of-use "(opens in a new window)") and [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new window)").
Thanks for signing up\!
SEE ALSO:
[Pixel 7a vs. iPhone 14 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23: Which phone is the best?](https://mashable.com/article/pixel-7a-vs-iphone-14-vs-samsung-galaxy-s23-comparison)
The easiest way to do this is to pick out your favorite song and save it to files using an mp3 converter or buy it in the iTunes Store. Then you'll have to create a loop of that song in GarageBand and export it as a ringtone. Don't worry, the process is quite easy, and we'll talk you through the steps.
First, download the song you'd like and save it to your iPhone. The easiest way to do this is probably [by downloading the song you'd like from YouTube](https://mashable.com/article/how-to-convert-youtube-video-to-mp3), and converting that to an mp3. Click the link above if you need help with that.
Follow the steps below to set a song as your ringtone on iPhone.
## How to set a song as your ringtone on iPhone:
**Total Time**
- 5 min
**What You Need**
- iPhone
- GarageBand app
**Step 1:** Download [GarageBand](https://www.apple.com/ios/garageband/ "(opens in a new window)").
**Step 2:** Open GarageBand.
**Step 3:** Swipe to "AUDIO RECORDER" and select.

Use "AUDIO RECORDER" to create your ringtone. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 4:** Tap the gray lines in the upper left hand corner.

Tap the gray lines. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 5:** Tap the blue metronome in the upper middle of the screen.
**Step 6:** Tap the gray loop in the upper right hand corner.

Tap the gray loop. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 7:** Find the song you want to use as your ringtone in "Files" or "Music" at the top of the screen.
**Step 8:** Hold down on the song and drag it into the workspace.
**Step 9:** Tap the small gray plus arrow in the upper right hand corner.

Tap the plus sign. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 10:** Change the section length from eight to thirty.

You want your section length to be thirty seconds because that is the length of a ringtone. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 11:** Hold down on the song and tap "Trim" to customize the thirty seconds of the song you want to be your ringtone.

After selecting "Trim," drag the audio around to get your desired section. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 12:** Tap the gray arrow in the upper left hand corner and select "My Songs."

When your ringtone is ready to be exported, select the gray arrow. Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 13:** To rename your song double tap it.
**Step 14:** Hold down on your song and select "Share."

Select "Share." Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 15:** Select "Ringtone."

Choose "Ringtone." Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 16:** Tap "Continue."

Select "Continue." Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 17:** Select "Export."

Select "Export." Credit: screenshot: garageband
**Step 18:** Tap the option you want the ringtone to be and select "Done."

Choose which kind of ringtone you want. Credit: screenshot: garageband

Elena Cavender
Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [\[email protected\]](https://mashable.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#33565f565d521d505245565d575641735e52405b52515f561d505c5e "(opens in a new window)") or follow her [@ecaviar\_](https://twitter.com/ecaviar_ "(opens in a new window)").

[Home](https://mashable.com/) \> [Tech](https://mashable.com/tech)
# Google will punish sites that hijack your back button
Google is tackling a problem that we've all dealt with on the internet.
By
[Alex Perry](https://mashable.com/author/aperry)

Alex Perry
Tech Reporter
Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at [yelix.bsky.social](http://yelix.bsky.social/).
[Read Full Bio](https://mashable.com/author/aperry)
on
April 14, 2026
[Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fgoogle-search-back-button-hijack-demoting-penalty "(opens in a new window)")
[Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fgoogle-search-back-button-hijack-demoting-penalty&text=Google+will+punish+sites+that+hijack+your+back+button "(opens in a new window)")
[Share on Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fgoogle-search-back-button-hijack-demoting-penalty&title=Google+will+punish+sites+that+hijack+your+back+button "(opens in a new window)")

This is nice. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
***
[Google](https://mashable.com/category/google) has made some controversial decisions related to its flagship search engine in recent years, but this one will probably be pretty popular.
The company announced in a [developer note](https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/04/back-button-hijacking "(opens in a new window)") (via [9to5google](https://9to5google.com/2026/04/13/google-search-back-button-hijacking/ "(opens in a new window)")) that it will start punishing websites that hijack users' back buttons in their web browsers.
In case you're not familiar with this phenomenon, sometimes you'll click a link on Google and realize it's not what you wanted. When you click the back button, instead of being taken back to Google, you'll be taken to some other part of the website, or an ad, or something else you didn't want to see. This practice is also known as "history manipulation," according to our colleagues at [Lifehacker](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-navigate-away-from-a-website-that-disabled-the-b-1849070714#:~:text=While%20the%20internet%20isn't,page%20you're%20already%20on. "(opens in a new window)").
"We believe that the user experience comes first. Back button hijacking interferes with the browser's functionality, breaks the expected user journey, and results in user frustration," Google [wrote in an update](https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/04/back-button-hijacking "(opens in a new window)") to its spam policy explaining the decision.
*Don’t miss out on our latest stories: [Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=mashable.com)**.*
SEE ALSO:
[Google Chrome now has vertical tabs, and you should give them a try](https://mashable.com/article/google-chrome-vertical-tabs)
I have definitely encountered this phenomenon over the years, and clearly so have others, given that Google is doing something about it.
Anyway, as it is wont to do, Google will penalize sites that engage in this practice by limiting their visibility in search rankings beginning on June 15. It is now officially categorized as a "malicious practice" by the company.
"Pages that are engaging in back button hijacking may be subject to [manual spam actions](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9044175#back-button-hijacking&zippy=%2Cback-button-hijacking "(opens in a new window)") or automated demotions, which can impact the site's performance in Google Search results. To give site owners time to make any needed changes, we're publishing this policy two months in advance of enforcement on June 15, 2026," Google wrote.
A malicious practice is something that "\[creates\] a mismatch between user expectations and the actual outcome, leading to a negative and deceptive user experience, or compromised user security or privacy." As someone who has experienced back button hijacking, I would say it definitely fits the bill.
Google also had some blunt advice for sites and developers that use this practice: "You are expected to remove or disable it."
*Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's [Top Stories and Deals newsletters](https://mashable.com/newsletters)* *today.*
Topics [Apps & Software](https://mashable.com/category/apps-software) [Google](https://mashable.com/category/google)

Alex Perry
Tech Reporter
Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at [yelix.bsky.social](http://yelix.bsky.social/ "(opens in a new window)").

***
Recommended For You
['Bridgerton' Season 4 soundtrack, song-by-song](https://mashable.com/article/bridgerton-music-season-4-soundtrack-songs-covers)
"Bad Idea, Right?" indeed.
02/26/2026
By [Shannon Connellan](https://mashable.com/author/shannon-connellan)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/bridgerton-music-season-4-soundtrack-songs-covers)
***
[Score a free Apple iPhone 17e from T-Mobile — how to claim your free iPhone this weekend](https://mashable.com/article/march-13-free-iphone-tmobile-deal)
Shopping for a new iPhone? Why not get it for free with service from one of the country's strongest cell carriers?
03/13/2026
By [Lauren Allain](https://mashable.com/author/lauren-allain)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/march-13-free-iphone-tmobile-deal)
***
[Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new \$599 phone good enough?](https://mashable.com/article/iphone-17e-versus-iphone-17)
How much are you saving (and sacrificing) if you pick the newly announced iPhone 17e over the regular version?
03/04/2026
By [Chance Townsend](https://mashable.com/author/chance-townsend)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/iphone-17e-versus-iphone-17)
***
[Finish all your home projects with \$70 off the 298-piece Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set](https://mashable.com/article/feb-24-craftsman-mechanics-tool-set)
This all-in-one set has a tool for every job.
02/24/2026
By [Brittany Vincent](https://mashable.com/author/brittany-vincent)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/feb-24-craftsman-mechanics-tool-set)
***
[The Lego Art Love set is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon ahead of Valentine's Day](https://mashable.com/article/jan-16-lego-art-love-deal)
Score \$16 off this popular set for a limited time.
01/16/2026
By [Hannah Hoolihan](https://mashable.com/author/hannah-hoolihan)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/jan-16-lego-art-love-deal)
***
Trending on Mashable
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 14, 2026](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-april-14-2026)
Everything you need to solve 'Connections' \#1038.
17 hours ago
By [Mashable Team](https://mashable.com/author/mashable-team)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-april-14-2026)
***
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 14, 2026](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-april-14-2026)
Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" \#1760.
17 hours ago
By [Mashable Team](https://mashable.com/author/mashable-team)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-april-14-2026)
***
[How to watch Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid online for free](https://mashable.com/article/barcelona-atletico-madrid-2026-champions-league-live-stream-for-free)
Access free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.
04/08/2026
By [Joseph Green](https://mashable.com/author/joe92)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/barcelona-atletico-madrid-2026-champions-league-live-stream-for-free)
***
[Jon Stewart weighs in on Trump's angry Truth Social posts attacking the Pope](https://mashable.com/video/jon-stewart-trump-the-pope)
"I am really starting to sour on this president..."
9 hours ago
By [Sam Haysom](https://mashable.com/author/sam-haysom)
[ ](https://mashable.com/video/jon-stewart-trump-the-pope)
***
[NYT Strands hints, answers for April 14, 2026](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-april-14-2026)
Every hint, nudge and outright answer you need to complete today's NYT Strands puzzle.
17 hours ago
By [Mashable Team](https://mashable.com/author/mashable-team)
[ ](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-april-14-2026)
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
Use this instead
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.ziffdavis.com/terms-of-use "(opens in a new window)") and [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new window)").
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox\!
- [TECH](https://mashable.com/tech)
[Android](https://mashable.com/category/android) [Antivirus](https://mashable.com/category/antivirus) [Apple](https://mashable.com/category/apple) [Artificial Intelligence](https://mashable.com/category/artificial-intelligence) [Cameras](https://mashable.com/category/cameras) [Creative Software](https://mashable.com/category/creative-software) [Cryptocurrency](https://mashable.com/category/cryptocurrency) [Desktops](https://mashable.com/category/desktops) [Gaming Consoles](https://mashable.com/category/gaming-consoles) [Headphones](https://mashable.com/category/headphones) [Laptops](https://mashable.com/category/laptops) [Microsoft](https://mashable.com/category/microsoft) [Mobile](https://mashable.com/category/mobile) [Productivity](https://mashable.com/category/productivity) [Smart Home](https://mashable.com/category/smart-home) [Social Media](https://mashable.com/category/social-media) [Speakers](https://mashable.com/category/speakers) [Tablets](https://mashable.com/category/tablets) [Tech Industry](https://mashable.com/category/tech-industry) [TikTok](https://mashable.com/category/tiktok) [Transportation](https://mashable.com/category/transportation) [TVs](https://mashable.com/category/tvs) [VPN](https://mashable.com/category/vpn) [Wifi/Routers](https://mashable.com/category/wifirouters)
- [SCIENCE](https://mashable.com/science)
[Animals](https://mashable.com/category/animals) [Climate Change](https://mashable.com/category/climate-change) [Environment](https://mashable.com/category/environment) [NASA](https://mashable.com/category/nasa) [Rocket Launches](https://mashable.com/category/rocket-launches) [Space](https://mashable.com/category/space)
[GAMES](https://games.mashable.com/)
[Arcade](https://games.mashable.com/category/arcade) [Card](https://games.mashable.com/category/card) [Casino](https://games.mashable.com/category/casino) [Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections) [Daily](https://games.mashable.com/category/daily) [Puzzles](https://games.mashable.com/category/puzzles) [Strands](https://mashable.com/category/strands) [Word](https://games.mashable.com/category/word) [Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)
[SOCIAL GOOD](https://mashable.com/category/social-good)
[DEALS](https://mashable.com/deals)
[How we Select Deals](https://mashable.com/about/deals-coverage-explained)
- [ENTERTAINMENT](https://mashable.com/entertainment)
[DC Comics](https://mashable.com/category/dc-comics) [Disney](https://mashable.com/category/disney) [HBO](https://mashable.com/category/hbo) [Hulu](https://mashable.com/category/hulu) [Marvel](https://mashable.com/category/marvel) [Movies](https://mashable.com/category/movies) [Music](https://mashable.com/category/music) [Peacock](https://mashable.com/category/peacock) [Pixar](https://mashable.com/category/pixar) [Podcasts](https://mashable.com/category/podcasts) [Streaming](https://mashable.com/category/streaming) [TV Shows](https://mashable.com/category/tv-shows) [True Crime](https://mashable.com/category/true-crime)
[LIFE](https://mashable.com/life)
[Careers](https://mashable.com/category/careers) [Digital Culture](https://mashable.com/category/digital-culture) [Education](https://mashable.com/category/education) [Family & Parenting](https://mashable.com/category/family-parenting) [Health & Wellness](https://mashable.com/category/health-wellness) [House & Home](https://mashable.com/category/house-home) [Mental Health](https://mashable.com/category/mental-health) [Sex, Dating & Relationships](https://mashable.com/category/sex-dating-relationships) [Sleep](https://mashable.com/category/sleep)
- [SHOP THE BEST](https://mashable.com/roundups)
[All Beauty](https://mashable.com/category/beauty) [All Earbuds](https://mashable.com/category/earbuds) [All Kitchen](https://mashable.com/category/kitchen) [All Robot Vacuums](https://mashable.com/category/robot-vacuums) [Bluetooth Speakers](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-bluetooth-speakers) [Budget Laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-cheap-laptops) [Dating Apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-dating-apps) [E-Readers](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-e-readers) [Gift Guides](https://mashable.com/gifts) [Headphones](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-noise-cancelling-headphones) [Hookup Apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-hookup-apps) [iPads](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-ipads) [Kindles](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-kindles) [Laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops) [Mashable Choice](https://mashable.com/mashable-choice) [Mashable Selects](https://mashable.com/category/mashable-selects) [Speakers](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-portable-bluetooth-speakers) [Sexting Apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-sexting-apps) [Macbooks](https://mashable.com/roundup/the-best-macbooks) [Robot Vaccuums](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuums) [Robot Vaccum & Mop](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuum-and-mop) [VPNs](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-vpns) [Windows Laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/the-best-windows-laptops)
- [REVIEWS](https://mashable.com/review)
[Adult Friend Finder](https://mashable.com/review/adult-friend-finder-review-dating-site) [Bumble Premium](https://mashable.com/review/bumble-premium-review) [Kindle Paperwhite](https://mashable.com/review/kindle-paperwhite-signature-edition) [PS5 vs PS5 Slim](https://mashable.com/article/ps5-vs-ps5-slim-differences) [Tinder Platinum](https://mashable.com/review/tinder-platinum-review)
[EVENTS](https://mashable.com/article/how-to-set-a-song-as-your-ringtone-on-iphone)
[Black Friday](https://mashable.com/category/black-friday) [CES](https://mashable.com/category/ces) [Cyber Monday](https://mashable.com/category/cyber-monday) [Prime Day](https://mashable.com/category/prime-day) [Samsung Galaxy Unpacked](https://mashable.com/category/samsung-unpacked) [WWDC](https://mashable.com/category/wwdc)
[VIDEOS](https://mashable.com/videos)
***
- [About Mashable](https://mashable.com/about/mashable-staff-masthead)
- [Editorial Standards](https://mashable.com/about/editorial-standards)
- [Contact Us](https://mashable.com/about/contact-us)
- [We're Hiring](https://www.j2global.com/careers/jobs/?brand=Mashable "(opens in a new window)")
- [Newsletters](https://mashable.com/newsletters)
- [Sitemap](https://mashable.com/sitemap)
***
***
***
©2005–2026 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.
Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission.
- [About Ziff Davis](https://www.ziffdavis.com/about "(opens in a new window)")
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new window)")
- [Terms of Use](https://www.ziffdavis.com/terms-of-use "(opens in a new window)")
- [Advertise](https://ziffmedia.com/ "(opens in a new window)")
- [Accessibility](https://www.ziffdavis.com/accessibility "(opens in a new window)")
- [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https://dsar.mashable.com/)
- AdChoices | ||||||||||||
| Readable Markdown | [Google](https://mashable.com/category/google) has made some controversial decisions related to its flagship search engine in recent years, but this one will probably be pretty popular.
The company announced in a [developer note](https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/04/back-button-hijacking "(opens in a new window)") (via [9to5google](https://9to5google.com/2026/04/13/google-search-back-button-hijacking/ "(opens in a new window)")) that it will start punishing websites that hijack users' back buttons in their web browsers.
In case you're not familiar with this phenomenon, sometimes you'll click a link on Google and realize it's not what you wanted. When you click the back button, instead of being taken back to Google, you'll be taken to some other part of the website, or an ad, or something else you didn't want to see. This practice is also known as "history manipulation," according to our colleagues at [Lifehacker](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-navigate-away-from-a-website-that-disabled-the-b-1849070714#:~:text=While%20the%20internet%20isn't,page%20you're%20already%20on. "(opens in a new window)").
"We believe that the user experience comes first. Back button hijacking interferes with the browser's functionality, breaks the expected user journey, and results in user frustration," Google [wrote in an update](https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/04/back-button-hijacking "(opens in a new window)") to its spam policy explaining the decision.
*Don’t miss out on our latest stories: [Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=mashable.com)**.*
I have definitely encountered this phenomenon over the years, and clearly so have others, given that Google is doing something about it.
Anyway, as it is wont to do, Google will penalize sites that engage in this practice by limiting their visibility in search rankings beginning on June 15. It is now officially categorized as a "malicious practice" by the company.
"Pages that are engaging in back button hijacking may be subject to [manual spam actions](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9044175#back-button-hijacking&zippy=%2Cback-button-hijacking "(opens in a new window)") or automated demotions, which can impact the site's performance in Google Search results. To give site owners time to make any needed changes, we're publishing this policy two months in advance of enforcement on June 15, 2026," Google wrote.
A malicious practice is something that "\[creates\] a mismatch between user expectations and the actual outcome, leading to a negative and deceptive user experience, or compromised user security or privacy." As someone who has experienced back button hijacking, I would say it definitely fits the bill.
Google also had some blunt advice for sites and developers that use this practice: "You are expected to remove or disable it."
*Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's [Top Stories and Deals newsletters](https://mashable.com/newsletters)* *today.* | ||||||||||||
| ML Classification | |||||||||||||
| ML Categories |
Raw JSON{
"/Internet_and_Telecom": 899,
"/Internet_and_Telecom/Web_Services": 533,
"/Internet_and_Telecom/Web_Services/Web_Design_and_Development": 285,
"/Computers_and_Electronics": 110
} | ||||||||||||
| ML Page Types |
Raw JSON{
"/Article": 995,
"/Article/How_to": 698
} | ||||||||||||
| ML Intent Types |
Raw JSON{
"Informational": 998
} | ||||||||||||
| Content Metadata | |||||||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||||||
| Author | Elena Cavender | ||||||||||||
| Publish Time | 2021-09-13 23:00:00 (4 years ago) | ||||||||||||
| Original Publish Time | 2021-09-13 23:00:00 (4 years ago) | ||||||||||||
| Republished | No | ||||||||||||
| Word Count (Total) | 2,080 | ||||||||||||
| Word Count (Content) | 379 | ||||||||||||
| Links | |||||||||||||
| External Links | 0 | ||||||||||||
| Internal Links | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Technical SEO | |||||||||||||
| Meta Nofollow | No | ||||||||||||
| Meta Noarchive | No | ||||||||||||
| JS Rendered | Yes | ||||||||||||
| Redirect Target | null | ||||||||||||
| Performance | |||||||||||||
| Download Time (ms) | 98 | ||||||||||||
| TTFB (ms) | 87 | ||||||||||||
| Download Size (bytes) | 47,222 | ||||||||||||
| Shard | 151 (laksa) | ||||||||||||
| Root Hash | 7998629827906806751 | ||||||||||||
| Unparsed URL | com,mashable!/article/how-to-set-a-song-as-your-ringtone-on-iphone s443 | ||||||||||||