Missing or invalid date in XML Sitemap
Google Search Console may flag your sitemap for a missing or invalid date in your sitemap. In this article, we’ll explain how you can fix this error.
How to fix missing date on the sitemap index
An empty or missing date in the sitemap index typically means the individual sitemap is not available. Opening the individual sitemap with the missing date will display a 404 error. Please customize the sitemap and remove post types or taxonomies you dont’ use on your site.
How to fix missing date on individual sitemaps (excluding the video sitemap)
An empty or missing date on an individual sitemap typically indicates an invalid timestamp in your database. Adding, updating and removing a minor change will refresh the date.
- Open the post with the invalid date in the editor
- Edit the content
- Update the post to save changes
- Remove the minor change you made in step 2
- Update the post to save changes
- Clear your cache
How to fix missing date on the video sitemap
An invalid date in the sitemap typically indicates a miscommunication between our plugin and the WordPress database. Removing, updating and re-adding the video will refresh the date.
- Open the post displaying the invalid date in the editor
- Remove the video
- Update the post to save changes
- Re-add the video
- Update the post to save changes
- Clear your cache
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