Same issue here,
I have a domain property in search console. Only added the main xml url (that can be opened in a browser normally) and my domain is my main domain in shopify. Still unable to fetch.
Topic summary
A store owner is confused because their sitemap.xml file doesn’t match their site’s visual structure. Shopify Support clarifies that Shopify uses a hierarchical sitemap structure—the parent sitemap.xml file links to subsections (products, collections, pages, blogs) rather than listing all URLs in one file.
Key guidance provided:
- Only submit the main sitemap.xml file to Google Search Console, not individual subsections
- “Couldn’t fetch” errors typically occur when submitting incorrect sitemap files
- Use the URL prefix method with full HTTPS URL, not the domain property method (which requires DNS configuration)
- Remove any extra submitted sitemaps and keep only sitemap.xml
- The sitemap cannot be manually edited as it updates automatically in real-time
Ongoing issues:
Multiple users report persistent “couldn’t fetch” or “unable to read sitemap” errors despite following the recommended steps. Several mention traffic drops and validation showing sitemaps as correct when accessed directly in browsers, yet Google Search Console still cannot fetch them. The discussion remains open with unresolved cases seeking urgent help.