Understanding the X-Source-Info Header in IndexNow with WordPress

[Ingwar]

When integrating your WordPress site with IndexNow for faster search engine indexing, you might encounter the X-Source-Info HTTP header. This header, while appearing simple, contains important metadata about how the indexing request was generated. This article breaks down its structure and meaning, clarifying some common points of confusion.

What is the X-Source-Info Header?

The X-Source-Info header is a custom HTTP header used specifically in communications between a website (in this case, a WordPress site) and the IndexNow service. Its primary purpose is to provide context about the source and method of the IndexNow submission. It tells IndexNow:

1. What software generated the request? (WordPress)
2. Was it automated or manual?

The Structure of the Header Value

The header value typically looks like this:

X-Source-Info: https://wordpress.com/9.9.9/false

This string, while resembling a URL, is not a clickable link or a web address. It's a composite value containing three distinct pieces of information, separated by forward slashes (/). Think of it as a mini-data structure encoded as a string. Let's break down each component:

1. https://wordpress.com (WordPress Identifier): This part is a conventional identifier signifying that the submission originated from a WordPress installation. Crucially, this does not mean the request came from the WordPress.com hosted service. It applies equally to any WordPress site, including self-hosted installations. It's a generic identifier for the WordPress platform itself.

2. 9.9.9 (Version Number): This segment represents a version number. While it might look like a standard software version (e.g., of WordPress or a plugin), its practical significance within the context of IndexNow is minimal. It likely serves internal tracking or compatibility purposes for IndexNow or WordPress developers but generally doesn't affect how your URLs are indexed.

3. false or true (Submission Type): This is the most important part for IndexNow. It indicates whether the submission was:

   • false: An automated submission. This typically happens when a post is published, updated, or deleted, and a plugin or core WordPress functionality automatically notifies IndexNow.
   • true: A manual submission. This would indicate that a user explicitly triggered the IndexNow submission, likely through a user interface within a plugin or a dedicated tool.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the X-Source-Info header is important for several reasons:

• Avoiding Misinterpretation: The header value is not a URL, despite its appearance. Recognizing this prevents confusion and incorrect attempts to treat it as a web address.
• Source Attribution: Search engines like Bing and Yandex use this information to understand that the submission came from a WordPress site and whether it was automated. This helps them process the request appropriately.
• Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing issues with IndexNow, examining this header in your server logs can help you identify the source and type of submission, aiding in debugging.
• Transparency: The false/true flag clearly distinguishes between system-generated and user-initiated indexing requests.

Example Scenario

A self-hosted WordPress blog using an IndexNow plugin publishes a new post. The plugin automatically sends a request to IndexNow. The X-Source-Info header might look like this:

X-Source-Info: https://wordpress.com/9.9.9/false

This tells IndexNow: "This is an automated indexing request from a WordPress site (regardless of hosting), and you can ignore the specific version number."

Key Takeaways

• The X-Source-Info header is a specialized communication mechanism between WordPress and IndexNow.
• The https://wordpress.com part is a generic identifier for any WordPress installation, not just WordPress.com.
• The version number is generally not important for IndexNow processing.
• The false/true flag indicates automated versus manual submissions.
• The entire header value is a structured string, not a URL.

Important Note

The X-Source-Info header, as described here, is a specific implementation detail observed in WordPress integrations with IndexNow. It's not part of the core, officially documented IndexNow protocol. Always refer to the latest official documentation from IndexNow and your CMS provider (WordPress, in this case) or plugin developer for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Edited February 13 by Ingwar