# search_engine on GET /v3/keywords-explorer/matching-terms is deprecated

Ahrefs API deprecated GET /v3/keywords-explorer/matching-terms, query parameter search_engine without giving a shutdown date yet.

The search_engine query parameter on GET /v3/keywords-explorer/matching-terms is deprecated without a shutdown date. Ahrefs API announced this removal on May 18, 2026. Calls using this parameter fail.

## What to use instead

Stop sending search_engine.

- API: Ahrefs API (api.ahrefs.com)
- Kind: Parameter removal
- Announced: May 18, 2026
- Takes effect: no date given yet
- Calls after that day: fail
- Calls it hits: `GET /v3/keywords-explorer/matching-terms`, `query parameter search_engine`
- Source: [Announcement](https://docs.ahrefs.com/api/docs/changelog)
- Verified: November 6, 2026, against Ahrefs API's own pages
- Page: https://www.okapi.bot/providers/ahrefs-api/breaking-changes/search-engine-on-get-v3-keywords-explorer-matching-terms-is-deprecated/

## Ahrefs API's words

> The search_engine parameter has been removed from the KE

Okapi finds the calls this change hits in your repo and opens the pull request with the fix: https://github.com/apps/okapi-agent