---
title: "Submitting a Sitemap to Google using Webmaster Tools"
description: "Sitemaps can help Google and other search engines understand your website better. The first step is to create a XML sitemap. Read our article for more information on creating a XML sitemap. Remember,..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/google-tools/submitting-a-sitemap-to-google-using-webmaster-tools/
date: 2011-12-06
modified: 2021-08-16
author: "Carrie Smaha"
categories: ["Google Tools"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Submitting a Sitemap to Google using Webmaster Tools

Sitemaps can help Google and other search engines understand your website better. The first step is to create a XML sitemap. Read our article for more information on [creating a XML sitemap](/support/website/google-tools/introduction-to-google-webmaster-tools/). Remember, once the sitemap is generated you’ll need to save it to your local computer, then upload the file to the root folder of your website. Please review our article on [using File Manager in cPanel ](/support/edu/cpanel/using-file-manager-in-cpanel/)for instructions on how to upload a file. 

## Uploading the XML sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools

1. [Log into Webmaster Tools](/support/website/google-tools/introduction-to-google-webmaster-tools/).
2. Once logged into the dashboard, select the website you wish to upload the XML file for.
3. On the left side menu pane, select “**Site configuration**” and then click on “**Sitemaps**“.
4. Click on the “**Submit a Sitemap**” button.
5. Finish typing in the file path to your sitemap you uploaded. Then click “**Submit Sitemap**“. Once the sitemap is submitted you’ll see it listed on the screen. 

That’s it! Don’t be alarmed if your sitemap doesn’t change to a green check mark right away. It may take a few hours to do so.If you need further assistance please feel free to [contact our support department](/support/amp/how-to-get-great-technical-support/).