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Resolving 404 Errors in XML Sitemap Generator for Google After Plugin Updates

27 threads Sep 10, 2025 Plugin → Xml sitemap generator for google

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Many users of the 'XML Sitemap Generator for Google' plugin have reported encountering 404 errors when trying to access their sitemaps after updating to versions beyond 4.1.13. This issue can be frustrating, as it directly impacts how search engines like Google crawl and index your site. This guide will explain the common causes and provide practical solutions to resolve these 404 errors.

Why Do These 404 Errors Happen?

Based on community reports, the 404 errors appear to be primarily caused by conflicts introduced in newer plugin versions (starting around 4.1.3). These conflicts often arise from changes in how the plugin handles URL routing or interacts with other software. Common triggers include:

  • Plugin Conflicts: Changes in the sitemap plugin's code can conflict with other plugins, particularly those that modify login URLs or security layers (e.g., the WPS Hide Login plugin was specifically mentioned as a cause).
  • Hosting Environment: Certain server configurations or caching mechanisms may not be fully compatible with the new plugin code, leading to the sitemap URLs not being properly recognized.
  • Internal Code Changes: Updates to the plugin, such as the renaming of methods for integration (e.g., GetInstance to get_instance), can break functionality if other plugins or custom code rely on the old structure.

How to Fix the 404 Sitemap Errors

If your sitemap is returning a 404 error, try these solutions in order.

Solution 1: Clear All Caches

Before making any other changes, thoroughly clear all caching layers. This includes your WordPress caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache), your server-level cache (if applicable, like Varnish or Nginx fastcgi cache), and your browser cache. After clearing, check if the sitemap URL loads.

Solution 2: Identify a Plugin Conflict

This is the most common fix according to user experiences. Temporarily deactivate all other plugins except 'XML Sitemap Generator for Google'. Then, check if the sitemap loads correctly. If it does, reactivate your plugins one by one, checking the sitemap after each activation, until you find the one causing the conflict. Several users found that security or login-related plugins were the culprit.

Solution 3: Revert to a Stable Version (4.1.13)

If the conflict test does not work, the most widely reported and successful workaround is to downgrade to version 4.1.13. This version is known to be stable and free of the 404 issue for most users. Here’s how to do it safely:

  1. Go to the 'Advanced' section of the plugin's page on the WordPress.org repository: https://wordpress.org/plugins/google-sitemap-generator/advanced/.
  2. Scroll down to the "Please select a specific version to download" section.
  3. Select "4.1.13" from the dropdown menu and click the Download button.
  4. In your WordPress dashboard, deactivate and delete the current version of the plugin. Your sitemap settings are stored in your database and will not be lost.
  5. Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin and upload the downloaded 4.1.13 ZIP file.
  6. Activate the plugin. Your previous settings should be restored automatically.

Solution 4: Check for a Core Fix in a Newer Version

The 'XML Sitemap Generator for Google' team has acknowledged these issues in various threads and has released updates attempting to fix them. For example, version 4.1.17 was specifically noted to include a "Fixed 404 issue" changelog entry. If you are on an older problematic version, carefully updating to the very latest version might resolve the problem. Always do this on a staging site first if possible.

Conclusion

Dealing with a broken sitemap can be stressful for site owners. The 404 errors stemming from updates to the 'XML Sitemap Generator for Google' plugin are most often resolved by identifying a conflicting plugin or by temporarily rolling back to the stable version 4.1.13. The plugin's development team is aware of these past issues and has worked to address them in subsequent releases. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can restore your sitemap functionality and ensure search engines can properly crawl your website.

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