Free XML Sitemap Validator
Check any XML sitemap or sitemap index for XML errors, wrong namespace, size limits, bad lastmod dates, broken or redirected URLs and robots.txt listing – with step-by-step fixes.
What is a XML Sitemap Validator?
An XML sitemap validator checks that your sitemap follows the sitemaps.org protocol and that every listed URL is worth crawling. Google ignores sitemaps with XML errors and loses trust in sitemaps full of redirects, 404s or wrong dates.
This validator reads the file like a search engine does, then samples real URLs from it to catch broken and redirected pages that other validators miss.
What the XML Sitemap Validator checks
Every problem comes with plain-English steps to fix it, and every result is added to your downloadable Technical SEO report.
Finds your sitemap from robots.txt or common locations.
Well-formed XML, correct root element and namespace, 50,000 URL and 50 MB limits.
Checks every child sitemap in an index.
Tests listed URLs for 404s, server errors and redirects.
Validates lastmod (W3C format, no future dates), priority and changefreq.
Confirms the sitemap is listed in robots.txt.
How to use the XML Sitemap Validator
Click Load Example above to see a real result first.
Enter your sitemap URL
Or just your homepage – the tool finds the sitemap for you.
Keep URL sampling on
It tests up to 15 listed URLs for errors and redirects.
Click “Validate Sitemap”
Get a health score and a list of problems.
Fix and re-submit
Follow the steps, then resubmit the sitemap in Google Search Console.
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | Why it matters | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| “Couldn’t fetch” in Search Console | Google cannot read the file. | Make sure the URL returns 200 and real XML, not an HTML page. |
| Invalid XML | The whole sitemap is ignored. | Escape & as & and remove output before <?xml. |
| Broken or redirected URLs | Wastes crawl budget. | Remove them or replace them with final URLs. |
| Wrong lastmod | Google stops trusting your dates. | Use real modification dates in W3C format. |
| URLs from another domain | Ignored by Google. | Only list URLs from the same host. |
Frequently asked questions
Why does Search Console say "Couldn’t fetch"?
Usually the sitemap URL redirects, returns an error, or a security/cache plugin blocks bots. Open it in a private browser window and run this validator.
What is a sitemap index?
A file that lists several sitemaps. Rank Math and Yoast use /sitemap_index.xml with separate sitemaps for posts, pages and categories.
Should noindex pages be in the sitemap?
No. A sitemap should only contain pages you want indexed.
Do I need to list the sitemap in robots.txt?
It is optional for Google if you submit it in Search Console, but it helps Bing, other engines and AI crawlers find it.
How often should I validate my sitemap?
After any big site change, migration or plugin change, and about once a month for active sites.
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Built and maintained by the AM Digital Marketing Agency SEO team. Last updated: .
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