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This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
You are setting up WPML on a new WordPress site and encounter a notice about the REST API being unreachable, followed by a setup halt at step 4 during AI translation. Additionally, you receive a REST API response indicating a 403 forbidden error.
Solution:
We recommend checking our errata page for known issues related to the REST API. Specifically, there might be a workaround that addresses the problem of non-authenticated requests being blocked, which could be causing the 403 error. Please visit the following link and follow the instructions provided:
WPML REST API issue and workaround

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If problems persist, please open a new support ticket for further assistance.

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Last updated by Dražen 1 month, 2 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author Posts
September 25, 2025 at 3:17 am #17430443

data-marketing-innovationD

Background of the issue:
I am trying to set up WPML on a fresh copy of WordPress. Notice popup about REST API. check hidden link is reachable but still got this notice. then chose to skip to try set up but stuck at step4 AI translation cannot continue

Symptoms:
The setup is stuck at step 4, AI translation. The page stops loading, and I cannot continue. Additionally, I received a REST API response: 403 forbidden.

Questions:
Why is the setup stuck at step 4, AI translation?
How can I resolve the REST API response: 403 forbidden error?

September 25, 2025 at 5:35 am #17430541

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+02:00)

Hello,

it looks like a know issue we have, please check next errata and follow workaround from there:

- https://wpml.org/errata/warning-about-wordpress-rest-api-if-non-authenticated-requests-blocked/

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,
Drazen