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Fixing the 'AMP URL is Self-Canonical' Error in WordPress

21 threads Sep 9, 2025 Plugin → Amp

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If you've received a "Referenced AMP URL is self-canonical AMP" or "Alternate page with proper canonical tag" error in Google Search Console after installing the AMP plugin, you're not alone. This is a common issue that can prevent your main content from being indexed correctly and may even cause your AMP pages to appear in desktop search results. Let's break down what this means and how to fix it.

What is the "Self-Canonical" Error?

A canonical tag (rel="canonical") tells search engines which version of a URL is the "master" copy that should be indexed. For an AMP page, this tag should always point to the standard, non-AMP version of the page.

The error occurs when the AMP page's canonical tag incorrectly points to itself (the AMP URL) instead of the original page. For example:

Incorrect (Self-Canonical):
<link rel="canonical" href="https://yoursite.com/post-title/amp/">

Correct:
<link rel="canonical" href="https://yoursite.com/post-title/">

When this happens, search engines may index the AMP version as the primary content, which is not the intended behavior.

Why Does This Happen?

Based on common user reports, this problem is frequently caused by conflicts with other plugins, most notably SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins can sometimes overwrite the canonical tag generated by the AMP plugin. Other potential causes include specific theme configurations or custom code that modifies link elements.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix the Issue

1. Identify the Problem

First, confirm the issue. View the source code of one of your AMP pages (e.g., yoursite.com/post-name/amp/). Search for "canonical" and check if the href attribute points to the AMP URL or the standard URL.

2. Check for Plugin Conflicts (The Most Common Fix)

The most prevalent solution from the support threads is to investigate conflicts with SEO plugins.

  • Update Your Plugins: Ensure your AMP plugin and all other plugins, especially your SEO plugin, are updated to their latest versions.
  • Check SEO Plugin Settings: Many modern SEO plugins have specific settings for AMP. Navigate to your SEO plugin's settings and look for an "AMP" or "Advanced" section. Ensure that the option to control canonical tags on AMP pages is disabled, allowing the AMP plugin to handle them.
  • Conflict Test: Temporarily deactivate your SEO plugin (and any other plugins that modify output) and check the AMP page's source code again. If the canonical tag is now correct, you've identified the conflict. Reactivate the plugin and adjust its settings accordingly.

3. Validate Your AMP Setup

Use the AMP Validator or the "AMP Test" tool in Google Search Console to check for other validation errors on your pages. Fixing these broader issues can sometimes resolve canonical problems.

4. Re-submit to Search Console

After making corrections, use the "Validate Fix" or "Request Indexing" feature in Google Search Console for the affected URLs. It can take some time for Google to recrawl your pages and clear the errors.

Will This Hurt My SEO?

The "Alternate page with proper canonical tag" status in Search Console is often just an informational message, not an error. It indicates Google sees your AMP page as an alternate version of your canonical page, which is technically correct. The real problem is the "self-canonical" error, which can misdirect indexing. Fixing the canonical tag ensures your original content is prioritized for indexing, which is crucial for maintaining search rankings.

Important Note on Indexing

It is normal for both your AMP (.../amp/) and non-AMP URLs to be listed in Google Search Console. They are treated as two versions of the same content, not as duplicate content, so this should not negatively impact your SEO when set up correctly.

If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, it is recommended to seek further assistance on the official 'AMP' plugin support forums, where volunteers can help diagnose more complex scenarios.

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