Have you ever tried to improve the indexing of your site with IndexNow? IndexNow plugin but then get that dreaded “Login Required 401” error? Frustrating, right? It’s not just you. The problem is common and often causes site owners to be confused and wondering about what’s wrong, and what they can do to correct the issue. But don’t fret; we’re here to help you understand the issue and help you get your website to a better place.
What is the IndexNow Plugin?
Before we get into the subject first, let’s review the basics. IndexNow is an excellent plugin. indexNow plug-in is an effective tool to inform indexing engines (like Bing and Yandex) of changes to content on your site. Instead of relying on the crawlers of search engines to find changes, IndexNow acts like a directly contacting the search engines to say, “Hey, we’ve got something new!” This is the perfect method to accelerate indexing and make sure your website’s information is up to date on the results of search engines.
However, what happens if the process is stalled? Here’s the reason why you’ll find the “Login Required 401” error is a nightmare for the even most patient owners of websites.
What is a “Login Required 401” Error?
The “401 Unauthorized Error” is when a server rejects the request because of problems with authentication. For IndexNow, this is the case. IndexNow it is usually whenever the plugin attempts to transmit information through your website’s server (or the endpoint of a search engine) however, it is blocked by the server since it does not recognize that the query is “authorized.” In essence, the plugin will be stopped at entrance and is greeted with an “Sorry, you’re not allowed here” reply.
Even though this problem may appear to be odd, the truth is that it’s result of easily-fixable settings.
Common Causes for the error 401 with IndexNow
1. Authentication Issues
The most common cause of this is that there’s a problem in the API password or other authentication details. IndexNow’s IndexNow plugin relies on an API key to verify its request. If the API key you’ve used is not valid or expired, or is incorrectly set up, the server will not let access.
2. Firewall or Security Plugins
Firewalls can be very effective in safeguarding your website, however often they are somewhat excessively secure. If you have security settings that prohibit certain kinds of requests, then the firewall’s communications with the server could be tampered with which could result in a 401 warning.
3. Server or Hosting Configuration
In some cases, it’s not even it’s the plugin, it’s the hosting system. If your server is governed by rigid restrictions for certain kinds of HTTP requests, it might refuse to accept the IndexNow plugin’s attempts at connecting.
4. URL or Endpoint Issues
The IndexNow plugin generally requires the correct URLs for endpoints (like your sitemap or engine’s endpoints). Incorrect URLs or typos within the settings can result in a failure of request.
How to Fix the “Login Required 401” Error
Good part? The solution to this problem is simpler than you imagine. This step-by-step procedure will help you get back on track:
Step 1: Double-Check Your API Key
- Log into the settings of your IndexNow setting for your plugin.
- Check that you have your API key is valid and in use. If you’re not sure, create an additional key using the dashboard on your account (such such as Bing Webmaster Tools) and change it within the application.
Pro Tips Storage of your API keys in a secure manner. Don’t divulge the API key with anyone else or put it on places that others may be able to gain access!
Step 2: Review Firewall/Security Settings
- Review your security software or firewall settings. Find any rule that could block the plugin’s HTTP request.
- If appropriate, you can whitelist IndexNow’s endspoints. Allow the requests from IndexNow to pass through without being blocked.
Examples (for firewalls, such as Cloudflare or security plugins such as Wordfence) Include the API endpoints for communication of your plugin to your whitelist setting.
Step 3: Verify Server Configurations
- Contact your hosting service provider to determine for any restrictions regarding HTTP request for GET/POST.
- Check that the server is equipped with any rate limitations or access rights that block your incoming plugin requests.
When you’re using a Managed WordPress hosting platform contact your support for hosting and let them know about your issue. They’ll usually have pre-set settings that are adjustable according to your requirements.
Step 4: Check the Endpoint URLs
- Go to the IndexNow plugin’s settings, and make sure your URLs for endpoints are correct.
- The plugin requires proper sitemaps as well as API endpoints for it to function correctly. An error in this area can create a lot of troubles.
Step 5: Update the Plugin
The outdated plugins could cause destruction. Make sure to check for any new updates for the IndexNow plugin, and then install the most recent version to make sure that your website is in sync and server configuration.
Step 6: Perform a Test Run
After you’ve made these adjustments:
- You can manually trigger your IndexNow Request (most plugins have the “Test” or “Push Now” button within their settings).
- Review your server’s logs and checking tools for a clear 200 OK. This indicates that everything is operating according to plan.
Why Fixing This Matters
An appropriately configured IndexNow plugin is more than just fixing annoying bugs, it’s a investment into your site’s efficiency in the search engines:
- Speedier indexing: Your latest blog entries, product updates or changes to your page will show up in the search results faster.
- Enhances SEO Performance: Ensuring your website’s content is updated regularly increases accessibility and value for the people who use it.
- Performance: By reducing the load on crawlers for search engines making your website more accessible to index and crawl.
Keep Your Website Search-Optimized
If you can resolve this “Login Required 401” error by resolving the issue, you’ve taken an important measure to improve your website’s capabilities and performance in search. If the process of troubleshooting seems overwhelming you, don’t worry. Many hosts and plugin creators provide support services to help you navigate the procedure.
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