Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google on Adding a “Still Processing” Status to XML Sitemap Statuses
Google currently does not support a “still processing” status for XML sitemaps. Webmaster John Mueller acknowledged the issue and recognized the limitations of the current “couldn’t fetch” status, which can mislead site owners. Despite discussions with internal teams, no new status updates or changes have been announced yet.
Optimixed’s Overview: Clarifying Google’s Stance on XML Sitemap Status Enhancements
Background on Sitemap Status Issues
Webmasters and SEO professionals often rely on XML sitemap statuses to understand how Google interacts with their site data. Currently, the status “couldn’t fetch” is used when Google has difficulty processing a sitemap, but this status may inaccurately suggest an access or fetch error.
Google’s Response and Considerations
- John Mueller from Google confirmed internal discussions have taken place regarding the introduction of a “still processing” or similar status.
- Such a status would help clarify when a sitemap is crawled but not fully processed, reducing confusion for site operators.
- Despite recognizing the usefulness, Google has not committed to implementing this change or provided a timeline.
Implications for SEO and Site Management
Until a new status is introduced, site owners should interpret the “couldn’t fetch” status with caution, understanding that it may not always indicate an actual access problem. Monitoring sitemap performance and using other Google Search Console tools remains essential for accurate site health assessment.
