Microsoft has announced that their legacy Bing Webmaster Tools SOAP/POX APIs will retire on 31st August 2026. Website owners, developers, or agencies continuing to use the older API methods are advised to switch over to the JSON/HTTP (REST) API before the deadline.
While the news does not concern the Bing Webmaster Tools interface directly, it will certainly impact those that make use of the API.
Key Takeaways
- Date of Retirement – 31st August 2026. Bing Webmaster Tools’ legacy SOAP/POX APIs will cease to be supported.
- APIs Being Retired – Legacy SOAP/POX HTTP APIs.
- APIs to be Used – JSON/HTTP RESTful API.
- API Keys – No changes will be needed to your current keys.
- Rate Limits & Permissions – These will also remain the same.
- Migrating – It is advised to make any changes well before the deadline to ensure smooth transition.
What is Changing?
As of 31st August 2026, Microsoft will cease supporting requests being made through the legacy SOAP and POX/HTTP API endpoints. Tools or services that continue to make use of these methods after the date will stop functioning unless migrated over to the supported REST (JSON/HTTP) APIs.
Microsoft has stated that all functionalities provided through the retiring APIs will be available through the supported ones, with further development being carried out in the future.
What is Remaining the Same?
Luckily, there isn’t much that has changed that would require immediate action.
Microsoft has confirmed the following will remain the same:
- The available API methods
- Your API key
- Rate limits and quotas
- Permissions
The REST APIs also continue to be actively maintained and developed, meaning most developers only have to update their request methods. In most cases, it shouldn’t be necessary to rewrite your integration from scratch.
Why it Matters for SEOs
While many website owners will not be directly impacted by the changes, as they are unlikely to be interacting with the Bing Webmaster Tools outside of the web interface, larger agencies or organizations may be impacted. The removal of the older API methods may disrupt certain web apps or dashboards that make use of Bing’s webmaster tools.
Some examples of this may include:
- Automated Bing dashboards
- SEO software or dashboards
- Bing-specific reporting tools
- URL management tools
- Enterprise SEO platforms
- Internal developer tools
These tools or services may stop functioning correctly if they are making requests to the Bing Webmaster Tools through the legacy SOAP/POX API endpoints.
Who Should be Concerned?
If you fall into any of the following categories, you may want to consider consulting with a web developer or your software provider.
- You maintain any custom Bing Webmaster Tools integrations or applications
- You develop or maintain SEO software or dashboards
- You have any automated Bing indexing tools or processes
- You utilise enterprise SEO dashboards or tools
- You maintain agency reporting dashboards
If you’re unsure if the changes announced by Microsoft will impact your business or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and consult with your web developer or software provider.
What Can be Done?
Microsoft has advised that all users begin the process of migrating to the newer RESTful JSON/HTTP API well before the deadline of 31st August 2026. Developers should use this as an opportunity to review their current Bing Webmaster Tools integration before making any changes.
Some suggested steps may include:
- Reviewing your current Bing Webmaster Tools implementation
- Making a note of any SOAP or POX API requests
- Making changes to any requests being made through the deprecated API methods
- Testing any changes before implementing them
- Confirming all reports and tools are continuing to function correctly
With enough forethought, most businesses should be able to complete their transition before the deadline with little to no disruption.
Our Thoughts
At 4Core Digital, we see this move as another step forward in Microsoft’s efforts to improve Bing Webmaster Tools. Over the last year, Bing has made several notable updates to the service, including the addition of improved AI-powered reports and regular performance updates. By retiring older API technologies, Microsoft can focus future development on a singular modern standard.
By retiring older API technologies, Microsoft can focus future development on a singular modern standard.
In most cases, businesses or website owners that use Bing Webmaster Tools through the web interface are unlikely to be directly impacted by the changes. However, larger agencies, enterprises, or organisations that make use of software or services utilising the Bing Webmaster Tools APIs should make plans to migrate their systems before the deadline approaches.
As the search engine landscape rapidly evolves, with artificial intelligence and alternative search engines becoming more prevalent, it is crucial to ensure that your SEO procedures are up to date. Maintaining a Bing Webmaster Tools integration with your website or client websites is one way to ensure you are staying ahead of the game.
Source
This information has been collated from various official and unofficial sources, including Search Engine Roundtable.