WordPress core’s XML sitemap URL is wp-sitemap.xml, not sitemap.xml
And like the default robots.txt file and all WordPress permalinks, wp-sitemap.xml is a virtual file: there’s no physical file to delete.
Something else is creating your sitemap.xml file (physical or virtual): and that’s not WordPress doing it.
Thread Starter
rqcmt
(@rqcmt)
Hi @gappiah
Thank you for your response.
I understand that sitemap.xml is a virtual file.
However, if something else was generating it, I have deleted it.
Currently, I have changed the theme to the original Twenty Twenty and have not activated any plugins. In this state, do you know why I cannot access sitemap.xml?
Thread Starter
rqcmt
(@rqcmt)
Hi @farooqpk
Thank you for the various information.
I can imagine that if I reinstall, the sitemap.xml will be built correctly.
The goal is to regenerate without reinstalling. I’ll try based on the advice you provided.
do you know why I cannot access sitemap.xml?
You can’t, because that’s the wrong URL.
As George mentioned, yours will be under wp-sitemap.xml
Thread Starter
rqcmt
(@rqcmt)
Thank you everyone.
The issue was caused by a plugin. I fixed the plugin and the problem is now resolved.
It’s a good reminder to always go back to the basics.
