Other check
Sitemap
Uses the sitemap listed in robots.txt, or /sitemap.xml when none is listed, and checks it is an XML <urlset> or <sitemapindex>.
- Category
- Other
- Importance
- Medium importance
- Check id
- sitemap
How the result is decided
- PassA valid XML sitemap.
- WarningNo sitemap at /sitemap.xml and none listed in robots.txt.
- FailThe file exists but isn’t a valid sitemap, or the sitemap listed in robots.txt returns an error.
- InfoThe sitemap couldn’t be loaded.
“Info” results don’t count toward the score.
Why it matters
A sitemap helps search engines find every page you want indexed, including ones that few links point to.
How to fix it
Most CMSs and SEO plugins generate one. Make it list only live, final URLs, add a Sitemap: line to robots.txt and submit it in Search Console.
After the fix, open the page’s report and choose Run again to confirm it passes.