Google Webmaster is not accepting indexes. What do I do now?

Asked 28-Jan-2022
Updated 31-Mar-2023
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If you are experiencing issues with Google Webmaster Tools (now known as Google Search Console) not accepting your website's index, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.

Google Webmaster is not accepting indexes What do I do now

Step 1: Verify ownership of your website

The first step in troubleshooting any issue with Google Search Console is to verify that you own the website in question. This can be done by adding a unique meta tag or uploading an HTML file to your website's root directory, or adding a DNS record to your domain's DNS configuration. Once you have verified ownership, you should be able to access your website's data in Google Search Console.

Step 2: Check your website's robots.txt file

If your website's index is not being accepted by Google Search Console, one possible cause is an issue with your website's robots.txt file. This file tells search engine crawlers which pages on your website to crawl and which to exclude. If your website's robots.txt file is blocking access to important pages or directories, it can prevent Google from indexing your site properly. Check your website's robots.txt file to ensure that it is not blocking access to any pages that should be indexed.

Step 3: Check for crawl errors

Another possible cause of Google Search Console not accepting your website's index is crawl errors. These occur when Google is unable to crawl certain pages on your website, either because of server errors, incorrect URL formats, or other issues. To check for crawl errors, go to the Google Search Console "Coverage" report and look for any errors or warnings. If you find any, try to fix the underlying issues so that Google can crawl and index your pages properly.

Step 4: Check for manual actions or penalties

If your website's index is not being accepted by Google Search Console, your site may have been flagged for a manual action or penalty. This can happen if Google detects that your website is violating its quality guidelines, such as by using spammy link-building practices or engaging in other black hat SEO techniques. To check for manual actions or penalties, go to the Google Search Console "Manual Actions" report and look for any notices or penalties. If you find any, you will need to address the issues and submit a reconsideration request to Google.

Step 5: Check for technical issues

If none of the above steps have resolved the issue with Google Search Console not accepting your website's index, there may be technical issues with your website that are preventing it from being properly indexed. These issues can include slow loading times, broken links, duplicate content, or other technical SEO issues. To check for technical issues, use a website auditing tool or consult with an SEO expert to identify and address any problems that may be affecting your website's indexing.

Step 6: Request a manual reindexing

If you have addressed any issues with your website that was preventing it from being properly indexed, you can request a manual reindexing from Google. To do this, go to the Google Search Console "URL Inspection" tool and enter the URL of the page you want to be indexed. Click on the "Request Indexing" button to submit the page for reindexing. Keep in mind that it may take several days or weeks for Google to reindex your pages, depending on the size and complexity of your website.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing issues with Google Search Console not accepting your website's index, it is important to follow these steps to identify and address the underlying issues. By verifying ownership, checking your robots.txt file, checking for crawl errors, checking for manual actions or penalties, addressing technical issues, and requesting a manual reindexing, you can increase your chances of having your website properly indexed by Google.