How to Fix Missing Keywords in Rank Math: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Fix Missing Keywords in Rank Math

If you use Rank Math SEO for WordPress, you may have noticed that sometimes your keywords don’t show in the Posts list. It’s frustrating, but don’t worry—this is a common issue, and you can fix it without breaking your site. I’ll walk you through everything step by step.

Why Keywords Might Not Show

Before we jump into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand why this happens:

• Database tables missing or corrupted – Rank Math stores your SEO info in its own database tables. If they’re broken, keywords won’t appear.
• Plugin conflicts – Sometimes other plugins interfere with Rank Math’s admin display.
• Theme conflicts – Themes like Blocksy can sometimes cause JavaScript errors in the admin area.
• Cache issues – Browser or server cache can prevent updated info from showing.
• Plugin bugs – Occasionally, a new Rank Math version introduces a bug.

Step 1: Check Rank Math Database Tables

1. Go to Rank Math → Status & Tools → Database Tools.
2. Click Re-create Missing Database Tables.
3. Wait 30–60 seconds for Rank Math to rebuild the indexes.
4. Refresh your Posts list to see if your keywords appear.

This fixes most cases where keywords disappear after an update.

Step 2: Reset Rank Math Index

If keywords still don’t appear:

1. Go to Rank Math → Status & Tools → General Settings.
2. Look for SEO Analysis or Re-index Posts.
3. Click Update SEO Scores or Re-index.
4. Wait a minute and refresh your posts page.

Make sure to clear any cache after this step.

Step 3: Check for Theme Conflicts

Sometimes the issue isn’t Rank Math—it’s your theme.

1. Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.
2. Check your posts list.
   • If keywords appear, your theme (e.g., Blocksy) is conflicting.
   • If still missing, the problem is likely Rank Math itself.

Step 4: Enable Debug Mode

1. Open your wp-config.php file.
2. Add or edit these lines: define('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
3. Visit your posts list again, then check wp-content/debug.log for Rank Math-related errors.

This helps you identify JavaScript or database issues preventing keyword display.

Step 5: Reinstall Rank Math

If nothing works:

1. Export your Rank Math settings first.
2. Delete Rank Math from WordPress.
3. Reinstall and import your settings.
4. Run Re-create Missing Database Tables and Re-index Posts again.

Step 6: Consider Rolling Back to a Previous Version

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins → Rank Math → Rollback (if available).
2. Select the previous stable version and click Rollback.
3. Clear caches and re-index your posts.

Always backup your site first before rolling back.

Summary Table: Fixing Missing Keywords in Rank Math

Step	What to Test / Do	Why It Helps
1	Check Rank Math Database Tables	Ensures Rank Math has all required tables created correctly. Missing or corrupted tables can prevent keyword data from being stored.
2	Reset Rank Math Index	Forces Rank Math to rebuild SEO score and keyword index so posts show correct keyword data in the All Posts list.
3	Check for Theme Conflicts	Some custom themes override Rank Math columns or scripts. Switching to a default theme helps identify conflicts quickly.
4	Enable Debug Mode	Shows hidden PHP or JavaScript errors that may block Rank Math’s data-sync routines.
5	Reinstall Rank Math	Fixes corrupted plugin files or incomplete updates that can cause metadata not to sync properly.
6	Consider Rolling Back to a Previous Version	If the problem began after a recent update, rolling back may restore normal keyword display.
7	Clear All Caches (LiteSpeed, Object, CDN)	Removes stale cached data so Rank Math can re-fetch and display the correct main keyword and SEO score.

Extra Tips

• Clear browser and site cache after every step.
• Deactivate other plugins temporarily to check for conflicts.
• Check Rank Math support forums for issues with your specific version.
• Don’t skip updates for too long—older versions may lack security fixes.

Quick Takeaway

Missing keywords in Rank Math can be caused by database issues, theme/plugin conflicts, or bugs. Following these steps usually fixes the problem:

1. Re-create database tables
2. Re-index posts / update SEO scores
3. Test theme conflicts
4. Enable debug mode
5. Reinstall Rank Math if needed
6. Roll back to a previous version if necessary

Patience is key—sometimes WordPress needs a minute or two to process all changes.

This approach works for beginners and advanced users alike. Follow it carefully, and your keywords should appear again, helping you stay on track with your SEO.

FAQ: Fix Missing Keywords in Rank Math

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