---
title: Sitemap files return 404 on staging
description: "On your staging site, some XML sitemap files return a 404 error. **Why this happens.** Staging sites are hidden from search engines with noindex tags, and…"
url: "https://homerunner.io/docs/why-do-xml-sitemap-files-return-404-errors-on-my-staging-site/"
updated: "2026-10-26"
category: Setup and plugins
---

# Sitemap files return 404 on staging

On your staging site, some XML sitemap files return a 404 error.

**Why this happens.** Staging sites are hidden from search engines with noindex tags, and noindexed content is excluded from sitemaps. As a result, some SEO plugin sitemap files can return 404s.

**What to expect.** As part of go-live, sitemaps are verified to be populated when search-engine visibility is switched on.