Yoast sitemap_index.xml versus sitemap.xml

  • Resolved mf01

    (@mf01)


    4 years ago

    Hello, I have a damn question.

    I have been using Yoast for a while, so my sitemap had been sitemap_index.xml.
    Prior to that I think I was using other plugin, and it was sitemap.xml.

    I tried to (or rather someone I hired) submitted a removal request for sitemap.xml on Google Search Console (GSC) about 60 days ago just to make sure my sitemap will be with Yoast.

    However, today I realized that my sitemap on GSC was back to sitemap.xml. I did not change anything. Bu I noticed that I now have XML Sitemap Generator for WordPress 4.1.1. on my dashboard. That wasn’t me who did it.

    So here is my question. Does WP force you to use XML Sitemap generator and add plugin to my dashboard automatically? Will it override Yoast sitemap?

    If so, is it an okay thing? I mean, is there difference between XML Sitemap and Yoast sitemap? I am noticing that I have a lot less number of “submitted and indexed” pages but a lot more “indexed, not submitted in sitemap” pages. Total number of the indexed pages are more or less the same.

    I felt uncomfortable to see that my sitemap was changes when I was not looking.

    The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Plugin Support Maybellyne

    (@maybellyne)

    3 years, 12 months ago

    Hello @mf01,

    Thanks for reaching out regarding your sitemap. Indeed, Yoast-generated XML sitemap uses /sitemap_index.xml/ while the third-party sitemap plugins may use /sitemap.xml/. We strongly recommend disabling the 3rd party Sitemap and using Yoast’s. When you do that you will need to delete the 3rd party sitemaps and then add Yoast’s sitemaps in the Google Search Console. Switching sitemaps is not expected to hurt the SEO of your site. If you have a 3rd party XML Sitemap and Yoast SEO sitemaps on your site at the same time, you may experience unexpected behavior.

    You can find XML Sitemap in your WordPress dashboard > SEO > General > Features. Scroll down to XML Sitemaps and ensure it is enabled and ‘Save Changes’. Next, click the question mark icon to reveal more options and then click
    See the XML sitemap.

    This help article shows you how to submit your sitemap to the Google Search Console – https://yoast.com/help/submit-sitemap-search-engines/

    Plugin Support Maybellyne

    (@maybellyne)

    3 years, 11 months ago

    Hi,

    This thread has been marked as resolved due to a lack of activity.

    You’re always welcome to re-open this topic. Please read this post before opening a new request.

    Thanks for understanding!

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

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