When WordPress 5.5 launched its built-in XML sitemap feature, it seemed beneficial at first. However, it soon became apparent that it could confuse websites that already utilize an SEO plugin.
Having two separate sitemaps can create conflicting signals for search engines, potentially harming your website’s SEO performance. This is a common issue that has caused unnecessary anxiety for many site owners.
That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you disable the default WordPress sitemap. We’ll provide you with two simple methods: one using a plugin and the other with a code snippet.
The good news is that if you’re already using a robust SEO plugin like All in One SEO, this problem is often resolved automatically. In this guide, we’ll explain how to verify this and how to disable it manually if necessary.
This will ensure your site has a single, optimized sitemap that aids search engines in locating your content. First, let’s discuss why this is crucial for your website.
Reasons to Disable the WordPress Sitemap
An XML sitemap is a file that organizes all your website’s content in XML format, making it easier for search engines to discover and index your pages.
Sitemaps are highly advantageous for your website as they drive more traffic and enhance your site’s SEO rankings.
Many WordPress SEO plugins, such as All in One SEO, Yoast SEO, and XML Sitemaps, create their own sitemaps for your website, which can lead to having two sets of sitemaps for your WordPress pages.
Having duplicate sitemaps can confuse search engines, which is not beneficial for SEO. This can result in ineffective crawling or delays in getting your new content indexed.
If you aren’t using an SEO plugin for your sitemap, you’re missing out on valuable features. Many popular WordPress SEO plugins provide options like Video Sitemap, News Sitemap, and RSS Sitemap, which can help you gain an edge over your competitors in search rankings.
Now, let’s explore how to easily disable the default WordPress sitemap:
- How to Disable the WordPress Sitemap Using an SEO Plugin
- How to Disable the WordPress Sitemap Using a Code Snippet
- Common Questions About Disabling WordPress Sitemaps
- Further Resources for Managing Your Sitemap and SEO
Step 1: Disable the WordPress Sitemap Using an SEO Plugin
If you’re using any of the popular WordPress SEO plugins, they will automatically turn off the default WordPress sitemap feature and provide a more effective alternative.
In this tutorial, we’ll be using the AIOSEO plugin, which is the one we recommend at CanadaCreate.
All in One SEO is the leading SEO plugin for WordPress, designed to help you optimize your website for search engines and social media effortlessly. With over 3 million active installations, including our own website, AIOSEO is a trusted choice.
When you activate All in One SEO, the sitemap feature is automatically turned on. This disables the built-in WordPress sitemap to avoid conflicts and generates a more effective sitemap specifically for your site.
To get started, you need to install and activate the free AIOSEO plugin. For detailed instructions, check out our guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
After activation, you will need to configure the AIOSEO plugin. If you need assistance, you can follow our comprehensive guide on properly setting up All in One SEO in WordPress.
Next, navigate to the All in One SEO » Sitemaps section in the WordPress admin dashboard to check your sitemap settings.
Then, click on the ‘General Sitemap’ tab. By activating the ‘Enable Sitemap’ toggle, you instruct AIOSEO to manage your sitemaps, which will automatically disable the default WordPress sitemap.
In addition to the General Sitemap, we suggest enabling the video sitemap, news sitemap, and RSS sitemap on your website to enhance your SEO performance.
You can usually access your new AIOSEO sitemap by visiting yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml. This is the URL you should submit to Google Search Console.
Method 2: Disable the WordPress Sitemap Using a Code Snippet
You can also easily turn off the default WordPress XML sitemap by using a code snippet. Simply add the code to your theme’s functions.php file.
However, the main issue with modifying your functions.php file is that even a small error can cause your WordPress site to malfunction.
That’s why we recommend using WPCode to add custom code to WordPress. This free plugin simplifies the process of adding code snippets without the need to edit your theme’s functions.php file.
First, install and activate the WPCode Free Plugin. For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Next, navigate to Code Snippets » + Add Snippet in the left-hand menu of your WordPress dashboard. WPCode will direct you to the ‘Add Snippet’ page.
Start by locating the built-in snippet from WPCode that allows you to disable WordPress sitemaps. Once you find it, hover over the entry and click the ‘Use snippet’ button.
You will be taken to the ‘Edit Snippet’ page, where the code and other details for the snippet will be pre-filled for your convenience.
Simply switch the toggle from ‘Inactive’ to ‘Active’ at the top right corner, then click the ‘Save Snippet’ button.
After saving and activating the code snippet, it will be enabled, and the default WordPress sitemap will be turned off.
Common Questions About Disabling WordPress Sitemaps
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the management of the default WordPress sitemap and its impact on your site’s SEO.
1. What is the function of the default WordPress XML sitemap?
In version 5.5, WordPress introduced a basic XML sitemap feature to assist search engines in discovering and indexing your content. This core functionality ensures that even newly created sites have a sitemap without requiring any plugins.
2. Is it detrimental to have two XML sitemaps on a single website?
Yes, having multiple sitemaps can create issues. It may confuse search engine crawlers, potentially causing indexing delays or other unforeseen SEO complications.
3. Is the default sitemap necessary if I use an SEO plugin like All in One SEO?
No, it is not necessary. SEO plugins such as All in One SEO automatically disable the default sitemap and provide their own enhanced sitemap, which offers greater control and additional features.
4. Will turning off the default sitemap negatively impact my SEO?
Disabling the default sitemap will not negatively impact your SEO, provided you have an alternative sitemap from an SEO plugin. The aim is to maintain a single, high-quality sitemap, which can actually enhance your site’s SEO.
Further Resources for Managing Your Sitemap and SEO
If you found this guide useful, consider exploring these additional articles on sitemaps and WordPress SEO to further boost your website’s search engine performance.
- What is an XML Sitemap? How to Create a Sitemap in WordPress? – An in-depth exploration of sitemaps and their significance for your website.
- How to Submit Your Website to Search Engines – Discover the proper way to submit your new sitemap to Google and Bing for quicker indexing.
- Complete Beginner’s Guide to WordPress SEO – This detailed guide walks you through the key steps to enhance your website’s visibility on search engines.
- Top WordPress SEO Plugins and Tools You Need – Discover our recommended tools that assist in optimizing your site’s SEO, including features for sitemaps, keyword management, and more.
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