How to Detect Pages Excluded by robots.txt
To detect pages excluded by robots.txt, use tools like Google Search Console, crawl diagnostics, and site auditing software to identify blocked URLs and optimize crawl accessibility.
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Key Takaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is robots.txt?
Yes. If another page links to a disallowed page, it may still be indexed—Google just won’t crawl its content.
Can a disallowed page still appear in Google search results?
Yes. If another page links to a disallowed page, it may still be indexed—Google just won’t crawl its content.
Will blocking pages in robots.txt improve SEO?
Sometimes. Blocking low-value or duplicate content helps optimize crawl efficiency, but blocking high-value pages can harm rankings.
How do I check if Google is blocking my page?
Use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console to see crawl and indexing status, including robots.txt blocks.
What’s the difference between robots.txt and meta robots?
Robots.txt blocks crawling; meta robots control indexing. Use them together for finer control.
Step by Step Plan
Access Google Search Console
Use the Coverage report and URL Inspection Tool to identify pages marked as 'Blocked by robots.txt'.
Use an SEO Crawling Tool
Run a crawl with tools like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb to simulate bot access and detect blocked URLs in real-time.
Inspect Your robots.txt File
Review the file manually or with a validator to see which paths are explicitly disallowed.
Inspect Your robots.txt File
Use Google's 'robots.txt Tester' or manually test URLs to confirm their blocked status.
Compare Indexed vs. Blocked Pages
Cross-check indexed pages in Google with your disallowed list to spot misconfigurations or crawl anomalies.
Comparison Table
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