# How to fix "Discourage search engines" in WordPress

> One checkbox in Settings → Reading adds noindex to every page. It is meant for sites under construction and is often left on after launch.

WordPress & WooCommerce · HTML version: https://getreport.app/learn/wordpress-search-visibility

## WordPress search visibility

Passing looks like: Search engines are not discouraged in Settings → Reading.

**Why it matters.** The WordPress setting adds a site-wide noindex, nofollow tag. It is meant for sites under construction and is often left on after launch, which removes the whole site from Google.

**How to fix it.**

1. In wp-admin go to Settings → Reading and untick "Discourage search engines from indexing this site".
2. Then request indexing in Google Search Console; pages usually return within days to weeks.

Check your own page: https://getreport.app/