Bing Webmaster Tools verification error

Question

Hello,

I need help with verifying my website bezvadary(.)cz in Bing Webmaster Tools.

I selected the XML file verification method and downloaded the file BingSiteAuth.xml from Bing Webmaster Tools. I uploaded this file to the root directory of my website, so it is available here:

https://bezvadary(.)cz/BingSiteAuth.xml

The file is accessible in the browser and opens correctly. However, when I click the Verify button in Bing Webmaster Tools, I get the following error message:

“Error: An unexpected error occurred.”

I have already cleared the website cache and browser cache and tried the verification again, but the issue still remains.

Could you please check why the website cannot be verified even though the XML verification file is available on the website?

Thank you for your help.

Best regards, Martin Švehla

Answer 1

Hi Martin Švehla,

I completely understand how confusing this is when the file opens fine but verification still fails. Based on what you described and similar cases, there are two main possibilities: either Bing can’t validate the file exactly as expected, or the error is coming from Bing’s side rather than your setup.

Since you’ve already covered the obvious checks, this doesn’t look like a simple “file missing” issue. The AI answer has also outlined the standard reset steps and alternative verification methods, so here are just a few additional checks that can sometimes be overlooked:

• Check the actual HTTP response:
  • Open Developer Tools > Network tab > reload BingSiteAuth.xml
  • Confirm Status = 200 OK and no redirect (301/302)
• Double-check URL consistency: test http vs https, and www vs non‑www.
• Review hosting/security layers:
  • Temporarily disable Cloudflare, hosting firewall, or security plugins (if any)
  • Check robots.txt and access rules to confirm Bingbot isn’t being blocked.

For direct assistance, you’ll need to escalate through the official support channels. Verification issues are tied to backend systems, which can’t be resolved within a public user‑to‑user forum like Microsoft Q&A. Only Bing Places support can proceed further: 

1. Sign into https://www.bing.com/forbusiness/contactSupport
2. Select your region and language (example below)
3. Click Chat now and explain your issue.

Overall, given the “unexpected error” message you’re seeing, there is a chance the issue is on the Bing side rather than your configuration. In similar reports, retries or waiting can sometimes resolve it without any change.

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Answer 2

The XML verification method requires that Bing can correctly detect and validate the BingSiteAuth.xml file, but the “Error: An unexpected error occurred.” message indicates a problem on the Bing Webmaster Tools side rather than with browser access alone.

Take these steps to isolate and work around the issue:

1. Re‑add the site in Bing Webmaster Tools
   1. Sign in to Webmaster Tools.
   2. Remove the existing bezvadary.cz property (if present).
   3. Add the site again and choose the XML File method.
   4. Download a fresh BingSiteAuth.xml file and overwrite the existing one on the site root.
   5. Wait a few minutes and then click Verify again.
2. Confirm the file is exactly as provided by Bing
   • Ensure the filename is exactly BingSiteAuth.xml (case‑sensitive on some hosts) and is placed at the root so that the URL path matches what Bing shows on the Add & verify site page.
   • Make sure the file contents are unchanged (no extra whitespace, BOM, or HTML added by the CMS or hosting platform).
3. Try an alternative verification method If the XML method continues to trigger the same “unexpected error,” use another supported method instead:
   • Meta tag verification: Add the meta tag provided on the “Verify Ownership” page into the <head> of the home page and then click Verify. For WordPress and similar CMSs, this is often the simplest workaround and is documented in the Bing Webmaster guidance for meta‑tag verification.
4. Use Bing Webmaster Tools help and support
   • If all verification methods fail with the same “unexpected error,” use the Bing Webmaster Tools Help and How-To Center to review verification guidance and, if needed, contact support so they can check the property and error on the Bing side.

Once verification succeeds by any method (XML or meta tag), the site will be considered verified and can be managed normally in Bing Webmaster Tools.

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References:

• Force Bing Webmaster Tools to index your site (optional)
• Verifying WordPress sites on Bing Webmaster
• Help with Bing Webmaster Tools