In short. Enable the Sitemap module under Rank Math SEO, configure content in Sitemap Settings, save changes, and open /sitemap_index.xml on the website's domain.
Definition: As of October 2026, Rank Math enables sitemaps through its Sitemap module, with content controls under Sitemap Settings. A sitemap is a file containing information about a website's pages and other files that search engines read to support crawling.
Key facts
- Rank Math's tag sitemap guide places the Sitemap module in the list of modules under WordPress Dashboard → Rank Math SEO.
- The sitemap settings documentation provides separate Include in Sitemap switches for Posts and Pages.
- Rank Math's Advanced Mode documentation says Easy Mode exposes only Links Per Sitemap and Include Featured Images in the General section.
- The sitemap troubleshooting guide describes sitemap generation as dynamic when the module is enabled.
Where is the activation switch?
With Rank Math installed and activated, the WordPress administration menu leads to Rank Math SEO. Rank Math's module activation instructions direct administrators to enable Sitemap in the available modules list.
For access to all sitemap options, Rank Math's Advanced Mode guide gives the path WordPress Dashboard → Rank Math SEO → Dashboard, followed by Advanced Mode in the top right corner. This mode exposes additional settings, including Include Empty Terms for categories and other groups of content called taxonomies.
Which sitemap settings need attention?
Rank Math's configuration guide places the controls under Rank Math SEO → Sitemap Settings. Posts and Pages each have an Include in Sitemap switch.
In General, Links Per Sitemap caps items per sitemap page. Images in Sitemaps controls image inclusion; Include Featured Images controls featured image inclusion.
After configuration, Save Changes at the bottom right stores the settings. The same guide says a confirmation message appears at the top after the page refreshes.
How is the generated sitemap checked?
Rank Math's configuration documentation identifies the sitemap index, a file listing the site's individual sitemaps, at this path on the website's domain:
/sitemap_index.xml
Opening that address allows the index and its linked sitemaps to be checked. If it returns a 404 error, Rank Math's troubleshooting instructions recommend saving WordPress Settings → Permalinks again, even without changing a setting. The same guide identifies caching conflicts as another possible cause of sitemap problems.
Related terms
- XML sitemap
- How do I exclude individual posts from Rank Math sitemaps?
- How do I include images in Rank Math sitemaps?
- Does submitting a sitemap ensure indexing?
FAQ
Do I need to upload an XML file manually?
Rank Math's troubleshooting guide says it creates the sitemap dynamically when you enable the module. It also warns that a physical sitemap file can interfere with its runtime output.
Why are some settings missing?
Rank Math's Advanced Mode documentation says you need Advanced Mode for the full set of sitemap options. The Attachments section also depends on disabling Redirect Attachments under General Settings → Links.
Does enabling the sitemap ensure Google indexes the pages?
Google's sitemap overview explains that a sitemap helps Google find URLs, while crawling and indexing every listed item remain uncertain.
Sources
- Rank Math, "How to Configure Sitemaps in Rank Math", undated
- Rank Math, "How to Enable Sitemaps for Tag Archives", undated
- Rank Math, "Rank Math’s Advanced Mode", undated
- Rank Math, "Rank Math Sitemap Issues and Their Fixes", undated
- Google Search Central, "Learn about sitemaps", 10 December 2025
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