Definition
The Google Custom Search Engine (CSE) API sunset is Google's phased shutdown of the Programmable Search Engine JSON API, closing new signups in 2026 and requiring all existing users to migrate by January 1, 2027.
In Depth
Google discontinued the 'Search the entire web' option for Programmable Search Engines in March 2026, and new search engines now require at least one specific site configured. The Custom Search Site Restricted JSON API already ceased traffic on January 8, 2025. Google recommends Vertex AI Search as the replacement, but it requires full Google Cloud setup, enterprise pricing, and supports only up to 50 domains for site-restricted search. For teams running 60K+ queries/month on CSE, the migration involves either committing to Google Cloud enterprise contracts or switching to third-party SERP APIs. Third-party options: Scavio ($0.005/query, 250 free/mo), Serper (2,250 free/mo, $0.30-1.00/1K), SerpAPI (from $75/mo). The migration deadline is hard: no extensions have been announced.
Example Usage
A SaaS company running 60K CSE queries/month for site search discovers the shutdown notice. They evaluate Vertex AI Search ($$$, complex setup) vs Scavio ($300/mo for 60K queries at $0.005 each). Migration takes one weekend: swap the REST endpoint, map response fields (CSE 'items' to Scavio 'organic_results'), update the API key. No downtime.
Platforms
Google Custom Search Engine API Sunset is relevant across the following platforms, all accessible through Scavio's unified API: