> sitemap --validate

Free XML Sitemap Validator and Checker

Check any XML sitemap or sitemap index in seconds. Find broken structure, wrong namespace, bad dates, duplicates and mixed hosts, then export every URL to CSV.

Not rated yet · Built and tested by the SpellMistake team · Your data stays private
AT A GLANCE
  • What it doesChecks a sitemap against the protocol
  • AccuracyRule-based, follows sitemaps.org
  • Works withSitemaps and sitemap index files
  • PriceFree, no sign-up, no limit
  • Last reviewed
Your sitemap
> define

What Is an XML Sitemap Validator?

Short answer
An XML sitemap validator is a tool that checks if your sitemap follows the sitemap protocol. It reads the file, finds errors that stop search engines from reading it, and warns you about problems like duplicate URLs, wrong dates or URLs on the wrong domain.

Search engines are strict about sitemaps. A wrong namespace, a missing loc tag, an unescaped & or a file over 50 MB can make Google skip part or all of it. This validator checks every rule from the sitemaps.org protocol and Google’s guidance, then shows you a clear list of errors, warnings and every URL in the file.

Quick facts
> how --to

How to Use the XML Sitemap Validator

Check your sitemap in under a minute.
01

Enter your sitemap URL

Paste the full URL, like https://example.com/sitemap.xml, or paste the XML.
02

Run the check

The tool reads the file and checks every rule.
03

Read the results

Errors come first, then warnings and good checks.
04

Review the URL list

See every URL with its lastmod date. Export to CSV if you need it.
05

Fix and re-check

Fix the errors in your CMS or file, then check again.

Common sitemap mistakes

  • Listing redirects, 404 pages or noindex pages.
  • Mixing http:// and https://, or www and non-www.
  • Setting every lastmod to today’s date. Google may stop trusting them.
  • Spaces or & that are not encoded.
  • One file with more than 50,000 URLs.
Ready to try it? It is free and takes less than a minute.
> ls ./guide

Sitemap Checks Explained

Every check the validator runs, and why it matters.
CheckRuleLevel
Valid XMLThe file must be well-formed XMLError
NamespaceMust be http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9Error
SizeUp to 50,000 URLs and 50 MB uncompressedError
EncodingUTF-8, with spaces and & encodedWarning
LastmodW3C date format, not in the futureWarning
DuplicatesEach URL listed onceWarning
Same host and protocolAll URLs on one host, http or https, not bothWarning
> cat methodology.md

How the XML Sitemap Validator Works

Here is how the validator checks your sitemap.
  1. 01

    The file is loaded

    Your sitemap is fetched from its URL, or the XML you paste is used.

    Our server or your browser
  2. 02

    XML is parsed

    The file is read as XML. Broken tags or characters are reported with their line.

    In your browser
  3. 03

    The type is found

    The tool tells a urlset (sitemap) from a sitemapindex and checks the right rules for each.

    In your browser
  4. 04

    Rules are checked

    Namespace, limits, encoding, dates, duplicates, hosts and protocols are tested.

    In your browser
  5. 05

    Results are listed

    You get graded issues and a full URL table with CSV export.

    In your browser

Rules From the Sitemap Protocol

Checks follow the sitemaps.org protocol and Google’s documentation.
  • Each url must have a loc with a full, absolute URL.
  • Lastmod must use W3C datetime, like 2026-10-11 or 2026-10-11T09:00:00+00:00.
  • A sitemap index can list up to 50,000 sitemaps.
  • Google ignores priority and changefreq.
  • RSS and Atom feeds are allowed, but only list recent pages.
> test --report

Is the XML Sitemap Validator Accurate?

Yes. Every check is based on the sitemaps.org protocol and Google’s sitemap rules, and the same file always gives the same result.
Rule-based
accuracy level
protocol checks
Protocol
what results are based on
sitemaps.org and Google
Monthly
full re-test
against known answers
24/7
bug reports open
fixed as high priority
What we test every month

Accuracy in plain words

The validator checks the file itself. It does not open every URL inside it. To check that listed pages return 200 and are indexable, use our HTTP Status Checker or SEO Audit Tool.

Keep in mind
A valid sitemap can still list the wrong pages. Make sure it only includes pages you want indexed.
> features

Features of the XML Sitemap Validator

Everything you need to keep your sitemap clean.

Sitemap and index

Checks both sitemap files and sitemap index files.

XML errors

Finds broken tags and characters fast.

Limits check

Warns before you hit 50,000 URLs or 50 MB.

Date checks

Finds bad, future and fake lastmod dates.

Duplicates and hosts

Flags repeated URLs and mixed domains or protocols.

CSV export

Download every URL and date as a spreadsheet.

> limits --honest

Limitations of This Tool

No tool does everything. Here is what this one does not do, and what you should do yourself.
What the tool cannot do
What you should do
> whoami

Who Can Use This XML Sitemap Validator?

Anyone who manages a sitemap.

SEO specialists

Audit sitemaps for clients in seconds.

Developers

Test sitemap output before you deploy.

Site owners

Check what your SEO plugin creates.

Store owners

Keep large product sitemaps within limits.

> git log

Updates, Bug Fixes and Reviews

We test this tool every month and fix reported bugs as a high priority. Every change is listed here.
Oct 2026

XML Sitemap Validator launched

First release with sitemap and index checks, limits, date, duplicate and host checks, and CSV export.

Launch
Every month

Full re-test and rules review

We run the tool against our test cases again and check the sitemaps.org protocol and Google's sitemap docs for changes.

Monthly

Tool page last reviewed on .

Found a bug or a wrong result?

Tell us what you entered, what happened and what you expected. Our developer checks every report, fixes confirmed bugs as a high priority and tests the fix before it goes live.

> git blame

Who Built and Reviewed This Tool

The SpellMistake team built this tool from our own daily SEO work and official rules.
H
Built and tested by

Hassan

Senior Web Developer, 4+ years
Built the XML parser, the rule checks and the CSV export.
MA
Reviewed by

Muhammad Ahtesham

SEO Strategist and Founder, 4+ years
Checked every rule against the sitemaps.org protocol and Google’s docs.
A
Guide and help text

Afza

Marketing Expert and Co-founder, 4+ years
Made the labels, tips and this guide simple and easy to follow.

Our standards

This page follows our Editorial Policy and Methodology. If something here is wrong, our Corrections Policy explains how we fix it. Learn more about the SpellMistake team.

> rate --tool

Ratings From Real Users

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How useful was the XML Sitemap Validator for you?

Ratings come from real visitors. One rating per person. We never add, edit or remove ratings.

> faq

XML Sitemap Validator FAQ

Quick answers to the questions people ask most about this tool.

What does a sitemap validator do?

It checks if your XML sitemap follows the sitemap protocol and Google's rules, and lists every error and warning.

Is this sitemap validator free?

Yes. It is 100% free, with no sign-up.

What is the size limit for a sitemap?

One sitemap can have up to 50,000 URLs and be up to 50 MB uncompressed. Use a sitemap index for more.

Does Google use priority and changefreq?

No. Google ignores them. It may use lastmod if the dates are accurate.

Why does Search Console say my sitemap could not be read?

Usually because of broken XML, a wrong namespace, a redirect on the sitemap URL or a server error. Run this validator to find the cause.

Can I check a sitemap index?

Yes. The validator detects sitemap index files and checks them with the right rules.

Should my sitemap include noindex pages?

No. Only list pages you want indexed. Noindex, redirect and error pages should be left out.

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