1.7 XML sitemapsHighVerified
Sitemap contains noindex/canonicalised URLs
Putting a noindexed or non-canonical URL in the sitemap contradicts the page directives. The sitemap says index me, the page says do not, and Google has to reconcile the conflict.
What it is
Non-indexable URLs listed.
Why it matters
Contradictory signals undermine trust in the sitemap.
How to fix it
List only indexable canonicals.
How to find it on your site
- For each sitemap URL, check its robots directives and canonical.
- Flag any that are noindex or canonical to a different URL.
- Remove them so the sitemap lists only canonical, indexable pages.
- Re-generate to keep it consistent.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Conflicting sitemap and page-level signals waste crawl and can confuse canonical selection. They should always agree.
Impact
Medium-high. Direct.
Evidence
Only indexable canonical URLs belong in sitemaps. Google Search Central, Build and submit a sitemap; Google Search Central, Consolidate duplicate URLs (canonicalization)
Sources