Quick Reference
Element Code: IN-015
Issue: Canonical URL has noindex directive
Impact: Conflicting signals may prevent any version from indexing
Fix: Remove noindex from canonical target or change canonical
Detection: Screaming Frog, Sitebulb
What Is This Issue?
Canonicalizing to a noindex page sends contradictory signals: "this is the main version" but also "do not index it." Search engines may ignore the canonical or not index either page.
Why This Matters for Your Website
This conflict often results in both pages being deindexed or inconsistent indexation behavior.
How to Fix This Issue
- Remove noindex: If the canonical should be indexed
- Change canonical: Point to an indexable URL
- Review strategy: What is the intended behavior?
Tools for Detection
- Screaming Frog: Shows noindex status of canonical targets
TL;DR (The Simple Version)
Your canonical points to a page with noindex. This is contradictory. Either remove noindex from the target page or point the canonical to an indexable page.
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