Search Console: When sitemap index shows 0

Description and use

The author found that the Search Console sitemap dashboard’s indexed count can lag behind actual indexing. By using URL Inspection and submitting both sitemap.xml and rss feeds, pages were confirmed indexed and new posts indexed faster.

Problem

The Search Console sitemap screen displayed "Submitted: 52" and "Indexed: 0" despite successful sitemap submissions, causing confusion about actual indexing status.

Outcome

The author learned that the sitemap dashboard’s indexed count is an indirect indicator and can lag behind actual indexing. By using URL Inspection and submitting both sitemap.xml and rss feeds, pages were confirmed indexed and new posts were indexed faster.

Workflow

• Submit sitemap.xml and rss feeds in Search Console
• Verify API sitemaps().list() returns 200 OK
• Use URL Inspection tool to check individual URLs
• If needed, use Request Indexing button (max 10 per day)
• Repeat dual sitemap submission for new content

Evidence

For several weeks, my sitemaps screen displayed "Submitted: 52" and "Indexed: 0".

Source

The results showed 55 items for sitemap.xml and 11 for rss, both returning HTTP 200 status codes.

Source

When I did this for my posts at /8, /18, and /44, the result was clearly "URL is on Google" or "Submitted and indexed."

Source

Google explicitly warns that "submitting multiple times does not change priority," so there is no point in spamming the button.

Source