What does "Discovered – Currently Not Indexed" mean? Google knows your page exists but hasn’t crawled or indexed it yet. This status can limit your website’s visibility in search results, affecting organic traffic.
Why does this happen?
- Crawl Budget Issues: Google limits how many pages it crawls based on your server’s capacity and site importance.
- Content Quality: Thin, duplicate, or low-value pages may not be prioritized.
- Internal Linking Problems: Orphaned pages or poor site structure make it harder for Google to find your content.
- Technical Issues: Slow servers, blocked resources, or errors can delay crawling.
How to fix it:
- Improve Content: Audit for thin or duplicate pages and enhance quality.
- Fix Internal Linking: Link important pages and simplify navigation.
- Optimize Crawl Budget: Block low-priority pages and use canonical tags.
- Address Technical Issues: Speed up your server, fix redirects, and unblock resources.
Takeaway: Focus on quality content, a clear site structure, and resolving technical issues to ensure your pages move from "discovered" to fully indexed.
[Solved] Discovered / Crawled – Currently Not Indexed Issue in Google Search Console
Common Causes of ‘Discovered – Currently Not Indexed’
Understanding why certain pages remain unindexed can reveal a mix of technical and content-related issues that impact Google’s ability to crawl and index your site efficiently.
Crawl Budget Limitations
Your crawl budget is essentially the number of pages Google is willing and able to crawl on your site within a specific time frame. If your site has more URLs than your allocated crawl budget, you might see the "Discovered – Currently Not Indexed" status pop up in Google Search Console.
Google determines your crawl budget based on two main factors: your server’s capacity to handle crawls and your site’s popularity. Large websites, especially those with thousands of dynamically generated pages, are more prone to crawl budget issues. Google often prioritizes established pages, leaving newer ones to wait in line.
Interestingly, Google’s Gary Illyes has pointed out that 90% of websites don’t need to worry about crawl budget issues. This means smaller sites are typically in the clear, while larger platforms – like e-commerce stores or news sites that churn out hundreds of pages daily – are more likely to face crawl budget challenges.
Key factors that can drain your crawl budget include:
- Subdomains
- Excessive redirects
- Duplicate content
- Nofollow links
- Orphaned pages
But crawl budget isn’t the only factor at play. Content quality also has a significant impact on indexing.
Content Quality Issues
Google prioritizes indexing pages that offer real value. Pages with thin content, duplicate information, or little relevance are often ignored.
Dan Taylor, Head of Technical SEO at SALT.agency, explains:
"How can Google determine the page quality if it hasn’t been crawled yet? The answer is that it can’t. Google assumes the page’s quality based on other pages on the domain. Their classifications are likewise based on URL patterns and website architecture."
Pages with thin content (minimal or unhelpful text), duplicate content across multiple URLs, or low-value pages (like tag pages with little unique information) are common culprits. If Google has previously crawled similar pages on your site and found them lacking, it may deprioritize crawling new ones that appear similar.
Widespread content quality issues can hurt your entire domain. If Google detects a pattern of low-quality content, it might reduce its crawl frequency for your site, leaving many URLs stuck in the "discovered" phase indefinitely.
But even high-quality content can struggle if your site’s structure is working against you.
Internal Linking and Site Structure Problems
Your site’s internal linking plays a huge role in helping Google navigate and understand the relationships between your pages. Orphaned pages (those with no internal links pointing to them) or a poorly planned site structure can cause major delays in indexing.
Without proper internal links, Google might only find these pages through external sources like sitemaps or backlinks. However, without internal signals, Google may not see them as important enough to prioritize for crawling.
Pages buried deep in your site hierarchy or requiring multiple clicks to reach from your homepage are also at risk of being overlooked. Weak internal linking not only delays crawling but also signals to Google that these pages might not be critical to your site’s overall structure.
And when structural inefficiencies combine with technical challenges, the problem only grows.
Technical or Server Issues
Technical problems are another common reason pages remain unindexed. These issues can make it harder for Google to crawl your site effectively.
Slow server responses or overloads are a frequent cause of delays. As Google’s Index Coverage Report explains:
"Typically, Google wanted to crawl the URL but this was expected to overload the site; therefore Google rescheduled the crawl. This is why the last crawl date is empty on the report."
If your server takes too long to handle Google’s crawling requests, Google may reduce its crawl rate to avoid crashing your site. While this protects your server, it also slows down the indexing process.
Websites with resource-heavy pages – like those relying on unoptimized JavaScript, CSS, or large images – can exhaust crawl budgets quickly. These elements require more resources for Google to render, leaving fewer resources available for crawling additional pages.
Other technical issues include:
- Blocked resources in your robots.txt file, which prevent Google from accessing key pages.
- Server errors that interrupt crawling.
- Hosting issues that make your site unavailable during Google’s crawl attempts.
Addressing these server and technical challenges is essential to improve crawl efficiency and ensure your pages move from "discovered" to fully indexed.
How to Diagnose ‘Discovered – Currently Not Indexed’ Issues
Once you’ve identified potential causes, the next step is to pinpoint whether crawl budget limits, content problems, or technical barriers are preventing your pages from being indexed.
Using Google Search Console
Google Search Console is your go-to tool for diagnosing indexing problems. The Page Indexing report provides a detailed view of the indexing status for all URLs Google is aware of for your website.
Start by opening the Page Indexing report to compare the counts of indexed and non-indexed pages. Pay special attention to the "Why pages aren’t indexed" table.
From there, select the "Discovered – currently not indexed" row to see a list of affected URLs. Use the URL Inspection tool for deeper insights into specific URLs. This tool offers details like the last crawl attempt, any errors encountered, and whether Googlebot can access the page.
The source value in the "Why pages aren’t indexed" table will help you figure out whether the issue stems from your website or Google. If your site is listed as the source, focus on addressing technical problems. If Google is the source, consider crawl budget constraints or content prioritization.
To dig deeper, review your server logs and analyze your site’s architecture for additional clues.
Checking Server Logs and Site Architecture
Server logs are a goldmine of information about Google’s crawling behavior. These logs record every request made to your server, including visits from search engine bots like Googlebot.
Filter your server logs for "Googlebot/2.1" and verify the requests against Google’s IP addresses to track crawl activity. This will reveal how often Googlebot visits your site and which pages it prioritizes.
Pay attention to HTTP status codes in your logs, such as 404 (Not Found), 301/302 (Redirects), and 500 (Server Errors), as these can hurt your indexing efforts. Pages returning 4XX or 5XX errors waste crawl budget and provide little value to Google.
Also, monitor response times in your logs to identify pages that load too slowly. Large file sizes or sluggish load times can drain your crawl budget unnecessarily. Metrics like "Average Bytes" and "Average Response Time (ms)" can help you track performance. Additionally, watch out for unwanted bot traffic from non-Google crawlers, which can consume your server’s resources.
Lastly, evaluate your content and internal linking to ensure you’re making the most of your crawl budget.
Checking Page Quality and Crawl Budget
Beyond technical diagnostics, it’s essential to review the quality of your content and internal linking. Google often assesses page quality based on the overall content of your domain and URL patterns, so a holistic audit is key.
Start by identifying orphan pages – those without internal links. Googlebot depends on internal links to find and prioritize pages, so pages buried deep within your site or lacking proper links are more likely to remain unindexed.
"Internal linking structures are crucial for helping Google understand the relationship and importance of pages." – Crescat Digital
Avoid overusing no-follow links in your internal linking, as this can create an inconsistent site structure and impact how Google allocates crawl budget. Make sure every important page has at least one internal link from elsewhere on your site.
To assess your crawl budget, compare the number of pages Google crawls daily against the total number of URLs on your site. Look for patterns in content quality across unindexed pages. Thin content or duplicate information can signal to Google that these pages aren’t worth crawling.
Finally, review your site’s architecture to ensure there are clear pathways connecting all pages. A strong internal linking strategy that highlights cornerstone content and distributes link equity effectively will help Google prioritize the right pages for crawling and indexing.
How to Fix and Prevent "Discovered – Currently Not Indexed"
Once you’ve identified the root causes of indexing delays, it’s time to take action. Below are strategies to address and prevent these issues, focusing on both content and technical improvements to ensure your pages get indexed.
Improving Content Quality and Relevance
Google prioritizes indexing pages that provide real value to users. To meet this standard, start with a content audit. Look for thin, duplicate, or auto-generated content that doesn’t offer much to your audience. Replace or improve these pages with content that’s original and genuinely helpful. Avoid relying on machine-translated text, spun articles, or poorly written AI-generated material. For pages that don’t add value, consider applying a noindex tag to keep them from diluting your site’s overall quality. The better your content, the more likely Google will recognize its relevance and index it.
Fixing Internal Linking and Navigation
A well-organized internal linking structure is essential for guiding Google through your site. Link unindexed pages to high-authority pages on your site to signal their importance. Make sure every important page can be reached within three clicks from your homepage. Use descriptive anchor text to clarify what each link is about, both for users and search engines. Additionally, review your navigation menus and footer links to ensure your most valuable content is easy to find. These steps not only improve user experience but also make it easier for Google to crawl and understand your site.
Fixing Technical and Server Issues
Technical issues can prevent Google from crawling and indexing your pages. Start by reviewing server logs for any signs of overload or downtime, and aim to keep response times under one second. Fix redirect chains and loops by linking directly to the final destination page. Optimize resources like JavaScript and CSS by prioritizing critical rendering paths and deferring non-essential scripts. Also, double-check your server configurations to ensure Googlebot isn’t being blocked. These adjustments can significantly improve how efficiently Google crawls your site.
Managing Crawl Budget Better
Efficient crawl budget management is especially important for large websites. To prioritize your most important pages, consolidate duplicate content and use canonical tags to point to the primary version of a page. Block unnecessary pages, like admin panels or search results, using your robots.txt file. Ensure that deleted pages return proper 404 or 410 status codes, and fix any soft 404 errors. Update your sitemap to include only your high-priority pages, and use 304 status codes for unchanged pages to conserve crawl budget. These steps help Google focus its resources on indexing your key content.
Using "Request Indexing" in Google Search Console
Google Search Console’s "Request Indexing" feature can be a helpful tool for speeding up the indexing process, but it should be used sparingly. Focus on submitting critical pages, especially those with recent updates or time-sensitive information, that remain unindexed despite addressing content and technical issues. Before submitting, ensure the page meets all quality and technical standards; otherwise, the request may not be successful. Use the URL Inspection tool to monitor results. If problems persist, dig deeper into potential issues. However, remember that fixing core content and technical challenges is a more reliable long-term solution than relying heavily on manual indexing requests.
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Causes and Fixes Comparison Table
The table below summarizes common causes for "Discovered – Currently Not Indexed" issues, along with their symptoms and recommended fixes. This handy guide can help you quickly identify and address the root problems.
| Cause | Typical Symptoms | Recommended Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Content Quality Issues | Thin content pages, duplicate content, auto-generated or poorly translated content, low-value pages | Perform a content audit, enhance page depth and uniqueness, consolidate or improve thin pages, and apply noindex tags to pages with minimal user value. |
| Internal Linking Problems | Orphaned pages, few or no internal links, overuse of nofollow links | Add contextual links from authoritative pages, ensure important pages are linked, and replace nofollow links with followed links where necessary. |
| Crawl Budget Limitations | Large sites with many unindexed pages, excessive redirects, or slow-loading pages | Block low-value pages via robots.txt, use canonical tags for duplicates, and resolve redirect chains to streamline crawling. |
| Server and Technical Issues | Slow response times (over 1 second), server outages, blocked Googlebot access, soft 404 errors | Monitor and improve server performance, fix response time issues, check server settings, and ensure proper 404/410 status codes for deleted or missing pages. |
| Poor Site Architecture | Complex navigation, broken link hierarchies, important pages buried deep within the site structure | Simplify navigation, create a clear site hierarchy, and use descriptive anchor text to make important pages more accessible. |
Understanding the difference between "Discovered – Currently Not Indexed" and "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" is key to prioritizing your fixes. According to Google’s documentation:
"Typically, Google wanted to crawl the URL but this was expected to overload the site; therefore Google rescheduled the crawl. This is why the last crawl date is empty on the report."
This highlights the importance of tackling crawl-related barriers first. While improving content quality is important, resolving crawl budget and technical issues often delivers quicker results for URLs marked as "Discovered."
To get started, focus on technical improvements like server performance and internal linking. Once these are addressed, you can move on to enhancing the content of high-priority pages. Optimizing crawl efficiency is critical for ensuring your most valuable content is indexed effectively. Use the troubleshooting steps outlined above to implement these fixes systematically.
Key Takeaways
The "Discovered – Currently Not Indexed" status means Google is aware of your pages but hasn’t deemed them a priority for indexing. Recognizing this distinction is key to crafting an SEO strategy that ensures your content gets noticed.
To improve indexing, start with high-quality content. Thin, duplicate, or low-value pages are less likely to be indexed, so regular content audits are necessary to identify and enhance pages that aren’t performing well.
Address technical issues first for quicker results. Problems like server performance issues, crawl budget limitations, or broken internal links can block even the best content from being indexed. Fixing these issues often yields faster improvements than focusing solely on content updates.
Internal linking plays a big role in indexing. A clear linking structure helps both users and search engines navigate your site. Pages with few or no internal links, often called orphaned pages, are less likely to be indexed.
Optimize your crawl budget by using robots.txt to block low-value pages and redirecting resources to your most important content.
Sites that frequently publish fresh content tend to perform better in Google’s eyes. On the other hand, irregular updates can lead to delays in indexing. Stick to a consistent publishing schedule and monitor your site’s technical health regularly.
FAQs
How can I tell if my website has crawl budget issues, and what can I do to improve it?
If you suspect your website might be dealing with crawl budget issues, the first step is to check your crawl stats in Google Search Console. Pay attention to any crawl anomalies, errors, or an unusually low level of crawl activity. Another useful approach is analyzing server logs – this helps you understand how Googlebot is crawling your site and pinpoint any areas where it might be running into trouble.
To make the most of your crawl budget, focus on a few essential actions: highlight your most important pages, fix crawl errors, eliminate duplicate content, and optimize your site’s structure for easier navigation. These steps make it simpler for search engines to explore and index your site, which can lead to better visibility in search results.
What technical issues might stop my pages from being indexed, and how can I fix them?
Common Technical Issues That Block Indexing
Sometimes, technical hiccups can prevent search engines from indexing your pages. A few frequent culprits include using a ‘noindex’ meta tag or HTTP header, which explicitly tells search engines to skip certain pages. Other problems might stem from crawl errors, such as broken links, sluggish page load times, or restrictions set in the robots.txt file.
To tackle these issues, begin by reviewing and removing any ‘noindex’ tags from the pages you want search engines to index. Repair any broken links and work on speeding up your site’s load time. Double-check your robots.txt file to ensure it isn’t unintentionally blocking key pages. Finally, submit an updated sitemap to guide search engines in crawling and indexing your site more efficiently.
Fixing these technical roadblocks can go a long way in boosting your site’s visibility in search results and ensuring your content reaches the right audience.
How does internal linking help with website indexing, and what are the best ways to optimize it?
Internal linking is a crucial part of website indexing. It helps search engines find and understand your site’s structure, improving crawlability and ensuring priority pages get indexed. This can directly impact your site’s SEO performance.
To make the most of internal linking, aim for a well-organized site structure with logical hierarchies. Use links to connect related content, give visibility to less prominent pages, and establish pillar pages as central hubs for key topics. These practices not only help search engines navigate your site but also make it more user-friendly.
