If you have noticed a huge decrease in the XML sitemap index numbers showing in your Google Search Console account, you are not the only one. There is a reporting issue currently affecting the numbers.
The decrease began on July 13th and has continued to slide since then. Glenn Gabe shared this image showing the dramatic drop he saw.
Gary Illyes confirmed that it is a reporting issue with the number, and they will be rolling out a fix within the next few days.
@jenstar Yes, there's a reporting issue with the number of indexed URLs from sitemaps. The fix will roll out the next few days.
— Gary Illyes (@methode) July 17, 2015
It doesn’t appear that all sites are affected, but if you have noticed the drop, it should show back to normal in a few days.
Update: The reporting bug has been fixed.
Jennifer Slegg
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Hinglishpedia says
Hi today my sitemap also decrease after 300+ post … yesterday it show 298 submitted 296 indexed… but now today is shows 302 Submitted 153 Indexed.
can it will be fix automatically after some days…
Nichealeia says
I also notice my sitemaps url decrease on May 13, 2016. What should I do? Thanks
Jennifer Slegg says
This is a known bug as well, so nothing to worry about if it all looks good when you do a site: search.