How to Fix the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” Issue in Google Search Console

Managing a website whether a blog, e-commerce store, SaaS product, or news portal means making sure your content is properly indexed by Google. Without indexing, even the most valuable pages won’t appear in search results.

One common and confusing issue in Google Search Console is the status: “Crawled – currently not indexed.” This indicates that while Googlebot has visited the page, it chose not to index it yet. For SEO professionals and content creators, this can be frustrating.

In this guide, we’ll explain what this status means, why it happens, and how to fix it so your content gets the visibility it deserves.

What Does “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” Mean?

In Google Search Console (GSC), the “Crawled – currently not indexed” status means that Google has visited (crawled) your page but chosen not to index it at least for now. This isn’t due to a technical error or a crawl issue; rather, it's a deliberate decision by Google's algorithms, often based on the considered content value, relevance, or quality.

In simple terms, Google saw your page but didn’t think it was worth showing in search results yet.

You can view this status in GSC by navigating to: Pages → Not Indexed → Crawled – currently not indexed

This issue is commonly seen on:

Understanding this status is the first step in diagnosing why your content isn’t being indexed and how to fix it.

Why Is This a Problem?

When a page is not indexed, it won’t appear in Google search results no matter how valuable or optimized it is. That means zero organic traffic from Google, which can directly impact your site's visibility, lead generation, or sales.

If you’re investing time and resources into content creation, SEO, or development, having pages sit unindexed is a missed opportunity. It’s like building a storefront that no one can find.

Addressing this issue is important to make sure your website remains discoverable, competitive, and aligned with SEO best practices especially in a search-driven digital landscape.

Reasons Why Google Doesn’t Index Your Crawled Pages

Even after Googlebot crawls a page, it may choose not to index it due to various content, structural, or technical reasons. Below are the most common ones:

1. Low-Quality or Thin Content

Google picks content that is unique, helpful, and in-depth. Pages with minimal information, poor structure, or little user value are often excluded from the index.

2. Duplicate or Near-Duplicate Content

If a page closely resembles another page on your site or elsewhere on the web, Google may view it as redundant and choose not to index it.

3. Weak Internal Linking

Pages that are not properly linked from other parts of your site may be treated as unimportant. Google relies on internal links to discover and prioritize content.

4. Technical or UX Issues

Problems like soft 404s, mobile usability errors, or slow page speed can discourage indexing, even if the page is technically accessible.

5. Recently Published or Low Crawl Priority

On new or large websites, some pages may be crawled but delayed for indexing as Google evaluates their relevance or due to crawl budget limits.

Step-by-Step Fix Strategy

If your page is stuck in the “Crawled – currently not indexed” status, here’s a practical 6-step action plan to help you diagnose and resolve the issue:

Step 1: Audit Content Quality

Evaluate whether your page delivers real value to users. Use tools like Surfer SEO, Clearscope, or manual checks to ensure the content is:

Step 2: Improve Internal Linking

Ensure your page is well-integrated within your site structure. Use tools like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb to identify orphan pages and link them from:

Step 3: Inspect the Page in Google Search Console

Use the URL Inspection Tool in GSC to review:

Once fixes are made, click “Request Indexing” to prompt a re-crawl.

Step 4: Optimize Technical SEO

Ensure your page meets technical best practices by addressing:

Step 5: Promote the Page

Boost visibility and authority by promoting your page through:

Step 6: Monitor and Iterate

After applying the changes, wait 7–14 days and check the indexing status again. If the page is still not indexed, re-evaluate content quality, structure, and linking. Continue refining until it meets Google’s indexing criteria.

When to Give Up on Indexing

Not every page on your website needs to be indexed and that’s okay. In some cases, trying to force indexing may actually dilute your site’s SEO strength. Consider deliberately using a noindex tag of a page:

Instead of spreading your efforts thin, focus on optimizing and indexing pages that truly add value for users and align with search intent. Prioritize quality over quantity.

Conclusion

The "Crawled – currently not indexed" status in Google Search Console can be frustrating, but it’s not a dead end, it's a signal. It indicates that while Google has seen your page, it hasn’t found enough value to include it in the search index just yet.

The key to resolving this issue lies in understanding why your page isn’t being indexed whether it’s due to thin content, technical problems, poor internal linking, or simply being new. By following a structured fix strategy auditing content, improving links, resolving technical flaws, and promoting your page you increase the likelihood of earning a spot in Google’s index.

Remember, indexing is not automatic or guaranteed. It must be earned through quality, relevance, and strategic site management. Focus your SEO efforts where they count most, and over time, you’ll build a site that’s not only crawlable but consistently visible in search.