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If your XML sitemap generated by the Yoast SEO plugin is returning a 404 error, there are a few common reasons this might be happening:
- Incorrect Configuration: Double-check that the Yoast SEO plugin is correctly configured on your WordPress website. Ensure that XML sitemaps are enabled and that the correct settings are applied.
- Conflicting Plugins or Themes: Sometimes, other plugins or themes can conflict with Yoast SEO, causing issues with XML sitemap generation. Try deactivating other plugins and switching to a default WordPress theme to see if the problem persists.
- Permissions Issue: Ensure that the server permissions are set correctly to allow access to the XML sitemap files. The sitemap files should have appropriate read permissions for the web server.
- Caching: If you have a caching plugin or server-level caching enabled, it’s possible that the cached version of the sitemap is being served, leading to a 404 error. Try clearing the cache or disabling caching temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
- .htaccess or Server Configuration: Check your .htaccess file and server configuration to ensure that there are no rules blocking access to XML files or interfering with the URL structure.
- URL Structure: Ensure that the URL structure for XML sitemaps matches the default structure generated by Yoast SEO. The default URL for XML sitemaps generated by Yoast is typically
/sitemap_index.xml. - WordPress Permalinks: Verify that WordPress permalinks are set correctly. Sometimes, incorrect permalink settings can cause issues with accessing XML sitemap files.
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, you may need to troubleshoot further or contact the support team for the Yoast SEO plugin for assistance.