Why is the sitemap not being read on Google Search Console?

Topic summary

Google Search Console (GSC) is not reading a Shopify store’s sitemap after ownership was verified via the URL prefix method. Submitting the standard sitemap URL (/sitemap.xml) returns “Sitemap could not be read.”

Actions and checks:

  • Submitted https://doodad.co.in/sitemap.xml as advised; GSC still shows the same error.
  • Reviewed sitemap “checkpoints” per community guidance; no errors found in the sitemap file.
  • Multiple submission attempts made without success.

Artifacts:

  • Screenshots show GSC’s “Sitemap could not be read” status and a separate sitemap validation indicating no errors.

Community input:

  • One reply suggested the correct sitemap URL (already tried).
  • Another member requested an update, reporting the same issue and seeking the fix.

Status and open questions:

  • No resolution reported; issue remains ongoing.
  • Cause of the GSC error is unclear despite a seemingly valid sitemap.
  • Request for alternate solutions or next steps (beyond re-submitting /sitemap.xml) remains unanswered.
Summarized with AI on December 13. AI used: gpt-5.

Did you sort this out? I am having the same issue and have been going in circles for weeks. Let me know what fixed it please!! :folded_hands: