---
title: What if no sitemap is found?
description: "### What if no sitemap is found? If the Sitemap Checker can't find your sitemap automatically, here's what's happening and how to fix it: **Why this happens:** - Your sitemap isn't in a standard location - Your sitemap isn't declared…"
url: "https://ssh-assistant.com/docs/what-if-no-sitemap-is-found/"
updated: "2025-12-10"
category: Site Load Tester / Sitemap Checker
---

# What if no sitemap is found?

### What if no sitemap is found?

If the Sitemap Checker can't find your sitemap automatically, here's what's happening and how to fix it:

**Why this happens:**

- Your sitemap isn't in a standard location
- Your sitemap isn't declared in robots.txt
- Your sitemap has a custom filename or path
- You don't have a sitemap yet

**What the tool checks:** The tool automatically searches these common locations:

- /sitemap.xml
- /sitemap_index.xml
- /sitemap-index.xml
- /wp-sitemap.xml (WordPress)
- /sitemap/sitemap.xml
- /sitemaps/sitemap.xml

It also checks your robots.txt file for sitemap declarations.

**How to fix it:**

1. **If you have a sitemap with a custom location:**
   - Enter the full sitemap URL directly (e.g., [https://example.com/custom/my-sitemap.xml](https://example.com/custom/my-sitemap.xml))
   - The tool will analyze it immediately
2. **If you're not sure if you have a sitemap:**
   - Check with your CMS or SEO plugin (Yoast, Rank Math, etc.)
   - Look in your robots.txt file at [https://example.com/robots.txt](https://example.com/robots.txt)
   - Most modern websites generate sitemaps automatically
3. **If you don't have a sitemap:**
   - WordPress: Install an SEO plugin (Yoast SEO, Rank Math)
   - Other platforms: Check your CMS documentation
   - Custom sites: Use a sitemap generator tool or plugin

**Best practice:** Declare your sitemap location in robots.txt:

```
Sitemap: https://example.com/sitemap.xml
```

This helps both search engines and tools like ours find your sitemap easily.