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check_circleWP Rocket•webwordpresserrorerrorrocketwp rocketwarningcache•star_halfUncommon•warningModerate

Preload failed: sitemap not found

WP Rocket tries to preload pages using the sitemap generated by Rank Math. When the sitemap file is missing or unreadable the preload process stops and the admin notice appears.

The error occurs because WordPress does not deliver a valid sitemap_index.xml. Reasons include disabled sitemap module, broken rewrite rules, cache interference, or a compatibility issue between WP Rocket and Rank Math.

Symptoms

[dashicons-warning]
WP Rocket admin notice
The dashboard shows Preload failed: sitemap not found.
[dashicons-no]
Sitemap URL returns 404
Opening https://example.com/sitemap_index.xml shows a 404 page.
[dashicons-admin-site]
Google Search Console error
Console reports Sitemap not found or empty.

Common Causes

Rank Math sitemap disabled
The sitemap module is turned off, so no XML file is generated.
Missing rewrite rules
Server does not map sitemap_index.xml to WordPress, resulting in 404.
Caching blocks sitemap
Cache plugin serves an empty file or blocks the request.
Compatibility bug in WP Rocket
Preload code fails when RankMath helper class is not loaded.
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