How to Upload a Sitemap to Google Search Console (Step by Step)

This is one of the easiest wins in SEO, and people still avoid it because they think it’s scary.

It isn’t.
Before we get started though, if you are still wondering what a sitemap is and where do I find it… then go read this first: How to Find Your Sitemap (And What to Do If You Don’t Have One)

Step 1: Open Google Search Console

Go to:

• https://search.google.com/search-console

Log in with the Google account that manages your site.

Step 2: Select the Correct Property

In the top-left corner, select your website.

If you see multiple versions (http vs https, www vs non-www), choose the one you actually use.

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Step 3: Go to the Sitemaps Section

In the left-hand menu:

• Click Indexing
• Click Sitemaps

You’ll see a field that says “Add a new sitemap”.

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Step 4: Paste Your Sitemap URL

Paste only the part after your domain, for example:

• sitemap.xml
• sitemap_index.xml

Then click Submit.

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Step 5: Confirm Submission

If successful, you’ll see:

• Status: Success (or “Couldn’t fetch” initially, which often resolves)
• A timestamp
• The number of discovered URLs (after processing)

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That’s it. You’re done.

Google will now use this sitemap as a guide, not a guarantee.