1.1 Robots & directives (HTTP + HTML)HighVerified
Meta robots and X-Robots-Tag conflict
When the HTML tag and the HTTP header disagree, Google applies the most restrictive instruction. So a permissive meta tag does not save a page if the header says noindex.
What it is
HTML and header directives disagree.
Why it matters
Google applies the most restrictive, so an unintended noindex/nosnippet can win.
How to fix it
Reconcile the two sources to a single intended directive.
How to find it on your site
- Read both the meta robots tag in the HTML and the X-Robots-Tag header with curl -I.
- Write down each directive side by side.
- Remember the most restrictive directive wins, not the one you prefer.
- Make the two agree, and set the intended behaviour in one place.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Because the restrictive side wins, conflicts almost always resolve against visibility. I reconcile them so nothing is suppressed by accident.
Impact
High, restrictive rule may suppress a wanted page. Direct (documented precedence).
Evidence
With conflicting robots rules, the most restrictive applies. Google Search Central, Robots Meta Tags Specifications