Yoast SEO meta box is blank

If the Yoast SEO meta box is blank, like the image below, on your posts, pages or custom post types, you know there’s something wrong. If the meta box is missing entirely, please go to the Yoast SEO meta box is missing article for help.

Screenshot showing a blank Yoast SEO meta box
Blank Yoast SEO meta box

Possible causes

JavaScript is disabled

The Yoast SEO meta box relies on JavaScript to perform all its tasks. If JavaScript is disabled, Yoast SEO cannot function properly. Please follow the tutorial on enable-javascript.com to enable JavaScript in your browser. This should solve the problem.

There is a JavaScript error

Browsers are pretty sensitive to JavaScript errors. If any plugin throws a JavaScript error, your browser will stop executing JavaScript altogether. This means that other plugins can stop Yoast SEO from working properly. Luckily, your browser is very good at locating those problems. You can learn how to check for JavaScript errors with our How to find JavaScript errors article.

Antivirus is blocking Yoast SEO

Some antivirus software (e.g., Avast Antivirus) has a feature called Script scanning. It is supposed to block malicious scripts but has also been reported to block important Yoast SEO files.

You can add your URL to the Script exclusions to prevent this feature from blocking Yoast SEO. For more information, please refer to your antivirus FAQ page (e.g., Avast’s FAQ at avast.com/faq.php.)

Outdated plugins, themes, and WordPress

Please confirm that you have the most recent versions of your plugins (Yoast included), theme, and WordPress.

None of the above

If none of the above works to resolve the issue, please perform a conflict check

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