What does the XML Sitemap Validator do?

The XML Sitemap Validator checks your sitemap.xml or sitemap index file for valid XML, correct structure, URL issues and common SEO problems such as missing lastmod tags, wrong hosts or oversized sitemaps.

Can this tool validate both sitemap.xml and sitemap index files?

Yes. It supports regular URL sitemaps using the tag and sitemap index files using the tag, showing counts for URLs and child sitemaps.

Do I need my sitemap to be publicly accessible?

No. You can either validate a live sitemap URL or paste the raw XML directly into the tool, which is useful for local or staging environments.

Is the XML Sitemap Validator free?

Yes. The XML Sitemap Validator on PowerSEOTools.online is completely free to use with no registration or usage limits.

Is it safe to paste my sitemap XML here?

Yes. The validation happens on secure servers and the content is not stored for long-term use. For extra privacy, you can also host the tool on your own server using similar logic.

XML Sitemap Validator

Validate sitemap.xml and sitemap index files for structure, size and SEO issues. Check URL counts, missing tags and host mismatches in seconds.

Sitemap URL

Enter your live sitemap URL. The tool will fetch it, follow redirects and validate the contents.

Source options

Use pasted XML instead of URL

Turn this on if your sitemap is private, on localhost or only available as a file download.

Optional: Paste sitemap XML

Source

—

URL or pasted XML

HTTP Status

—

Waiting for validation…

Content-Type

—

Reported by the server

File Size

—

Approximate uncompressed size

Sitemap Type

—

Root element

URL Entries

—

URL records in this sitemap

Sitemap Files in Index

—

For <sitemapindex> files

Issues Found

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Errors, warnings & tips

Issues & suggestions

Free Online XML Sitemap Validator

The XML Sitemap Validator from PowerSEOTools.online helps you quickly check whether your sitemap.xml or sitemap index file follows current best practices. It inspects the XML structure, counts URLs, highlights missing or invalid tags and warns you about potential SEO problems such as long sitemaps, mixed hosts or missing lastmod fields.

What This XML Sitemap Validator Checks

XML structure: Verifies that the file is valid XML and uses the correct root element (<urlset> or <sitemapindex>).
URL counts: Counts how many <url> or <sitemap> entries are present.
Invalid <loc> values: Detects empty or malformed URLs in your sitemap entries.
Host mismatches: Spots URLs pointing to a different host than the sitemap itself.
Missing metadata: Shows how many entries are missing <lastmod>, <changefreq> or <priority>.
File size hints: Warns if the file is very large compared to typical sitemap limits.

How to Use the XML Sitemap Validator

Enter your public sitemap URL in the field above and click Validate Sitemap.
Or, if the file is not publicly accessible, enable Use pasted XML and paste the raw XML into the textarea.
Review the status cards to see HTTP status, content-type and file size.
Use the Sitemap Type panel to confirm whether it is a regular sitemap or a sitemap index.
Check the Issues & suggestions section for warnings and optimisation tips.
If you see errors, fix them in your sitemap generator or CMS, then run the validator again.

Best Practices for Healthy XML Sitemaps

Keep each sitemap under 50,000 URLs and 50 MB uncompressed.
Use <lastmod> to show when content was last updated, especially for news and blogs.
Ensure all <loc> URLs are absolute and use the correct protocol (usually HTTPS).
Avoid mixing multiple domains in one sitemap unless there is a specific reason.
Update your sitemap automatically when new content is published or removed.

Combine this XML Sitemap Validator with other Website Management and SEO tools on PowerSEOTools.online – such as the HTTP Header Checker, Redirect Checker and Meta Tag Generator – for a complete technical SEO toolkit directly in your browser.