Mounted challenge with Google Search Console customers and permissions

A few months ago we reported on a Google Search Console Problem with user permissions. Well, that problem is now fixed, according to Google’s Caio Barros. The problem appeared to be a problem with communicating true access rather than an error with access.

Previously, there was an issue in the Search Console user interface where full users could see their status as delegated owners under Settings> Confirmation of ownership. He said, “If when you verify ownership, you see your status as a delegated owner, but you can’t see the Users and Permissions option, then your user is likely a full user and not a delegated owner.”

Now, Google has tweaked the details in the Search Console so that they are clear. Caio said, “This issue should now be resolved.” He explained, if you are a full user but you do not have ownership (i.e. you do not have permission to add and remove users), you will see a message like this:

This message should clearly identify the actual user permissions.

If you are the owner and want to delegate ownership to someone else, you no longer need to go to Webmaster Tools. There is an option directly in the user management. Just set the user permission to “Owner”:

In this case, the user will see their confirmation of ownership as a delegated owner. You’re still not a verified owner, but you can manage users and permissions:

Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.