TL;DR
This article provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for users struggling with the “add me to search” feature. This feature allows individuals to create a public “people card” that appears in Google search results. If it is not working, it is likely due to one of four key reasons: 1) You are in an ineligible region or using an unsupported language. 2) You are violating Google’s strict content policies for the “add me to search card.” 3) Your Google account settings are incorrect (e.g., you are using a Workspace account or Web & App Activity is off). 4) You are not using the correct method on a mobile device to trigger the prompt. We provide a step-by-step guide to fixing these issues and successfully creating your add me to search card.
It is a frustrating experience. You have heard about the powerful “add me to search” feature—a way to create your own virtual business card that appears when people Google your name. You try it, but… nothing. The prompt does not appear, your card does not show up, or it gets disapproved. You are left wondering, “Why is add me to search not working for me?” The good news is that the problem is almost always a fixable one. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons this feature fails and how to solve them.
What is the “Add Me to Search” Feature, Anyway?
Before we troubleshoot, let’s be clear on what this feature is and what it is not. The “add me to search” feature (officially called “people cards”) is a mobile-only feature that allows individuals to create their own profile card that appears in Google search results. It is a simple, effective way to control your personal brand online, allowing you to highlight your website, social profiles, location, and a short bio.
This is NOT a Google Business Profile
This is the most common point of confusion.
- A “people card” is for individuals (freelancers, professionals, influencers, job-seekers).
- A Google Business Profile (GBP) is for businesses (a store, a restaurant, an agency, a service-area business).
If you are trying to use the “add me to search” prompt to create a profile for your “Cupcake Shop,” it will be rejected. You must use Google Business Profile for that. The “add me to search” feature is exclusively for personal branding.
Top Reasons Your “Add Me to Search” Isn’t Working
If you are on your phone and the prompt is not appearing, one of these is likely the culprit. Let’s diagnose the problem.
Problem 1: You Are in an Ineligible Region or Language
This is the most common, non-negotiable issue. As of 2025, the “add me to search” feature is not available globally. It is primarily active in:
- India
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Pakistan
- Egypt
If you are not in one of these regions, the feature will not work for you. Furthermore, your Google account’s language must be set to English or a specific, supported regional language.
The Fix: Unfortunately, if you are outside these regions, there is no fix. You must wait until Google rolls it out to your country.
Problem 2: You Are Violating Content Policies
Google is extremely strict about the content on an “add me to search card.” This is not a sales page; it is an informational profile. Your card will be rejected or will not work if:
- It’s Promotional: Your bio cannot contain spammy or promotional language (e.g., “Best freelancer in town, cheapest prices!”).
- It’s Inaccurate or Deceptive: You cannot impersonate someone else or provide misleading information.
- It’s Low-Quality: Using a low-resolution or inappropriate profile picture (like a logo) will get your card rejected. You must use a clear headshot.
- It’s for a Business: As mentioned, you cannot create a card for your brand.
The Fix: Review your content. Rewrite your bio to be purely descriptive (“I am a freelance writer specializing in tech”) rather than promotional (“Hire me for your writing needs”). Swap any logos for a professional headshot. This is a key part of managing your “add me to search card.”
Problem 3: Your Account Settings are Incorrect
The feature is tied directly to your personal Google account and its settings. This is a common fix for “add me to google search” issues.
- You’re Using a Google Workspace Account: The “add me to search” feature is intended for personal Google accounts. It will not work with a Google Workspace (formerly GSuite) account (e.g., you@yourcompany.com).
- Web & App Activity is Off: Your Google account must have “Web & App Activity” turned on for this feature to work.
The Fix: Log out of all accounts and log back in only with your personal @gmail.com account. Then, go to your Google Account settings > “Data & privacy” > “Web & App Activity” and ensure it is turned on.
Problem 4: You Are Using the Wrong Method
You cannot create your card from a desktop computer. This is a mobile-first feature.
The Fix: You must use the Google app or a mobile browser on your smartphone. You must be logged into your eligible Google account. And you must type the exact phrase “add me to search” into the search bar. This is the only way to trigger the “Get Started” prompt.
How to Create Your “Add Me to Search Card” (The Right Way)
Let’s assume you have fixed your issues. Here is the correct, step-by-step process.
- On your mobile device, open the Google app or your mobile browser.
- Log in to the personal, non-Workspace Google account you want to use.
- In the search bar, type the exact query: “add me to google search.”
- You should see a prompt at the top of the results that says “Add yourself to Google Search” with a “Get Started” button. Tap it.
- Fill out all the information. Be accurate and professional.
- Photo: A high-quality, clear headshot of yourself.
- Name: Your real name.
- Location: The city and region where you are based.
- Bio: A short, descriptive summary of who you are and what you do.
- Website/Social Links: Add links to your personal website, LinkedIn, or other professional profiles.
- Preview your “add me to search card” to see how it will look.
- Tap “Save.”
What to Do After You Hit “Save”
- Be Patient: It can take a few hours or even a few days for your card to be indexed and start appearing in search results when your name is Googled.
- Verify It: After a day or two, use your mobile device (while logged in) to search for your name. You should see your new “add me to search card.”
- Edit or Remove: If you need to make changes, just search “add me to google search” or “edit my people card” while logged in, and the edit prompt will appear.
- Check Policies: If your card is saved but not appearing after several days, it has likely been flagged for a policy violation. Re-read the content policies, remove any promotional language, and save it again.
This entire process is about controlling your personal “Knowledge Panel” and is a key part of personal profile SEO.
Conclusion
The “add me to search” feature is a powerful and free tool for individuals to manage their personal brand and online identity. If “add me to search” is not working for you, the problem is almost always a fixable issue related to your location, your content, your account settings, or your device. By following this troubleshooting guide, you can establish your digital presence.
While this feature is for individuals, we at Wildnet Marketing Agency specialize in the business equivalent: getting your company to dominate the SERPs. If you are struggling with your business’s visibility, are you ready to get a professional to fix it?
FAQs
Q.1 Why can’t I find the “add me to search” prompt?
Ans. The most likely reasons are: 1) You are not in a supported country (like India, Kenya, etc.), or 2) You are on a desktop computer, not a mobile device. 3) You are using a Google Workspace (GSuite) account, not a personal one.
Q.2 How long does it take for my “add me to search card” to appear?
Ans. After you save your card, it typically takes a few hours to a few days for Google to index it and for it to start appearing in search results for your name.
Q.3 Can I use the “add me to google search” feature for my business?
Ans. No. This is a common mistake. The “add me to google search” feature is strictly for individuals. If you attempt to create a card for your business, it will be removed for violating policies. Businesses must use Google Business Profile.
Q.4 My “add me to search card” was disapproved. Why?
Ans. Most likely for a policy violation. You probably used promotional language (like “best,” “cheapest”) in your bio, or you used a logo or low-quality image instead of a clear headshot.
Q.5 Is this the same as a Google Knowledge Panel?
Ans. No. A Knowledge Panel is a large, automated info-box that Google creates for notable entities (like celebrities, large corporations, or public figures). The “add me to search card” is a smaller, simpler profile that you create for yourself.
Q.6 How can I edit my “add me to search card” after it’s live?
Ans. On your mobile device, while logged into the same Google account, simply search for “edit my people card” or “add me to google search.” The prompt to edit your card will appear.
Q.7 Does this feature help with my business’s SEO?
Ans. Indirectly. While the “add me to search” card is for you personally, it helps build your personal E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust). If you are the public-facing expert for your business, a strong, professional people card can add to your overall credibility.
