Google Search Console Ownership Tokens: What They Are, Why They're a Security Risk, and How to Clean Them Up

Most people see the "unused ownership token detected" warning in Google Search Console and move on. They shouldn't. That token could mean a former agency, a platform you migrated away from, or a Google service you stopped using still has verified access to your most sensitive SEO data. This guide explains what ownership tokens are, how they get onto your site without your knowledge, what the real risks are, and exactly how to audit and clean up your Search Console property — step by step.