"Temporary processing error" for sitemaps: what it means
Temporary processing error is a problem on Google's side, not in your sitemap. Run the inspection again later. In the Sitemaps report, resubmit only if Temporary error lasts for hours.
By Bruno Amorim · ·
Where you see it
Temporary processing error shows in URL Inspection, in the Sitemaps field under Discovery. Temporary error shows on a sitemap's details page in the Sitemaps report.
What it means
In URL Inspection, the Sitemaps field lists the sitemaps that point to the page. Temporary processing error means Google's reporting system had a temporary issue getting that data. It does not mean your sitemap is broken.
In the Sitemaps report, Temporary error means Google had a temporary problem processing the sitemap. Google can try again later by itself.
Common causes
- A short problem in Google's systems. This is what Google's own help says for both messages.
- In URL Inspection, the page may not be in a sitemap Google read. Then the field says No referring sitemap instead.
Find the cause
- Run the URL Inspection again later. Google says that can resolve it.
- Check the sitemap's status in Indexing > Sitemaps. If it says Success, Google reads the file fine.
- In Indexing > Pages, use the filter above the chart to pick your sitemap, and check the status of its pages there.
How to fix it
- For Temporary processing error in URL Inspection: wait, then inspect the page again. There is nothing to change in your sitemap.
- For Temporary error in the Sitemaps report: you usually do not need to resubmit. If it still shows after several hours, resubmit the sitemap.
Each message and its fix
"Temporary processing error"
URL Inspection could not load the sitemap data for this page this time.
- Re-run the inspection later.
"No referring sitemap"
Google couldn't identify a sitemap that refers to this page.
- Check that the page is in your sitemap, with the exact same address: same
https, samewww, same trailing slash. - If it is missing, add it and resubmit the sitemap.
See which of your pages Google skipped, and why. Free for up to 500 pages.
Get my free reportWhen you can ignore it
Almost always. Both messages describe a temporary problem at Google. Act only when Temporary error in the Sitemaps report lasts for several hours, or when URL Inspection keeps showing No referring sitemap for a page you know is in your sitemap.
Catch sitemap problems before they cost you pages
On paid plans, CrawlCoach downloads your sitemaps every day and reads Search Console's sitemap data for each fix list. When a sitemap stops loading, Search Console reports errors in it, or Google stops reading it, the fix goes in your fix list with the steps and a link to the right guide. See plans and prices.
Questions
Do I need to fix my sitemap when I see Temporary processing error?
No. Google's help says its reporting system had a temporary issue getting the sitemap data, and that re-running the inspection might resolve it.
What is the difference between Temporary processing error and No referring sitemap?
Temporary processing error means Google could not load the data this time. No referring sitemap means Google found no sitemap that lists the page. The second one can be a real gap in your sitemap.
Sources
Checked on October 8, 2026. Search Console's wording can change after that date.
See which of your pages Google skipped
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Related sitemap errors
- Old Last read or pendingGoogle re-reads a sitemap on its own schedule. A Last read date that does not move after you change pages, or a sitemap with no Last read date, needs a check.
- Success, but pages not indexedSuccess means Google read your sitemap. It does not mean Google indexed the pages in it. Filter the Page indexing report by your sitemap to see why each page is left out.
- Couldn't fetchCouldn't fetch means Google could not download your sitemap file at all. Open the address yourself, run a live test in URL Inspection, fix what blocks it, and resubmit.