“com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox” referral traffic explained

What is com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox?

Many people have sent me messages asking what com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox referral traffic is and why are com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox referrals appearing in their Google Analytics data. Some suspect that the com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox referral has something to do with referrer spam. However, that is not the case. According to various sources, Google Now For Android Version 5.12.34.16.arm is now letting users open all websites within it. The com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox URL string is also the name of the Android app APK for the Google Search app. This means that the com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox referrals you are noticing are coming from Android users who use various Google Search applications.

It all started on April 27th, 2016 when people began to notice com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox referrers in their Google Analytics reports. On April 28th various Google applications, including Google Search were updated. All of this information compiled together suggested that Google is now letting webmasters monitor web traffic from Android search applications.

So, if you notice com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox referral traffic mixed in with your Google Analytics data do not be alarmed. It’s not referrer spam. Additionally, it is suggested to use the newly acquired information to your advantage. The referrers are a great way to keep track of some Android users and those who use Android applications to locate web content.