Feeds Without GUIDs

Some RSS feeds do not include a <guid> for each item. In earlier versions of Aggregator, these items were skipped during import, even when they had valid <link> URLs. Aggregator 5.2.1 allows these items to import when a valid <link> is available.

Why This Happens

Aggregator uses a unique identifier to recognize each feed item and avoid importing the same item more than once. RSS feeds usually provide this identifier using a <guid> element.

However, the RSS 2.0 specification recommends <guid> but does not require it. This means some feeds include item links but no GUIDs, and in earlier versions those items were skipped.

Update to Aggregator 5.2.1 or Later

Aggregator 5.2.1 includes an update that allows items without a <guid> to import when a valid <link> is available. If feed items are being skipped for this reason, update Aggregator to version 5.2.1 or later before doing any further troubleshooting.

To check your version, go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and look for WP RSS Aggregator. If an update is available, click Update now.

Note: WP RSS Aggregator and WP RSS Aggregator – Premium must run the same version. If you use Premium, update both. For details, see Fixing the Plugin Version Mismatch Notice.

After updating, run the import again and check whether the missing items are imported.

How Aggregator Handles This in 5.2.1 and Later

In Aggregator 5.2.1 and later, items without a <guid> can still be imported when they include a valid <link>. Aggregator uses the item’s link to create a consistent identifier for that item. This helps Aggregator recognize the same item during future imports and prevents duplicates.

For example, an item like this can be imported even though it has no <guid>:

<item>
	<title>Example feed item</title>
	<link>https://example.com/example-feed-item</link>
</item>

Items That Are Still Skipped

Aggregator still skips feed items that include neither of the following:

• A <guid>
• A valid <link>

Without one of these values, Aggregator has no reliable way to identify the item or prevent duplicates, so it cannot import it.

Note: When an item is skipped for this reason, it is recorded in the debug log. Reviewing the log is the quickest way to confirm which items were skipped and why.

What to Check After Updating

Once you are on Aggregator 5.2.1 or later:

1. Run the import again for the affected source.
2. Check whether the missing items are imported.
3. If items are still missing, open the feed URL and check whether the skipped items include a valid <link>.
4. Check the debug log for skipped-item messages.

If the missing items are imported, the issue is resolved.

If Items Are Still Skipped

If items are still skipped after updating, the feed items likely include neither a <guid> nor a valid <link>. In that case, the feed itself needs to provide at least one of those values before Aggregator can import the items reliably.

If the problem continues, contact support and include:

• The RSS feed URL.
• An example item that was skipped.
• A screenshot or copy of the skipped item from the feed.
• Any related message from the debug log.