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

Problem:
The client is unable to keep the Automatic image and media detection feature enabled in WPML. After enabling it and reloading the page, the setting does not persist, and the Media Translation option remains disabled.
Solution:
We recommend increasing the WordPress memory limit to at least 256MB. You can do this by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

/* Memory Limit */<br />define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Add this code above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */. After increasing the memory limit, please follow these steps:
1. Create a full site backup.
2. Flush any existing cache.
3. Deactivate all plugins, including WPML plugins.
4. Activate a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty.
5. Reactivate the WPML plugins.
6. Enable the automatic image and media detection feature.
7. If the issue is resolved, reactivate your original theme and other plugins.
If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the solution becomes outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 the problem persists, please open a new support ticket.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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Last updated by Carlos Rojas 5 months, 4 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
October 9, 2025 at 6:29 am #17469474

Ferran

Background of the issue:
I am trying to enable Automatic image and media detection in WPML. When I enable it and reload the page, it doesn't stay enabled. A message on the back office continuously appears: 'New in WPML 4.8 - Automatic image and media detection. WPML can now automatically detect what types of texts (alt, caption, title) your images use. Enable this option to avoid duplicate fields in the translation editor and missing translations for your images.' Link to a page where the issue can be seen: hidden link

Symptoms:
The Media Translation option does not stay enabled after reloading the page. Instead of seeing the Media Translation option enabled, it remains disabled.

Questions:
Why doesn't the Media Translation option stay enabled after I reload the page?
How can I ensure the Automatic image and media detection feature remains active?

October 9, 2025 at 12:30 pm #17471289

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

1.- Please increase the WP memory Limit. Minimum requirements are 128Mb: https://wpml.org/home/minimum-requirements/
You can add this to wp-config.php to increase WP memory:`

/* Memory Limit */
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

- Add it above the line /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */

You can double-check the WordPress memory limit in WPML -> Support

2.- Once the WordPress memory limit is increased, I recommend following these steps to avoid a third-party functionality blocking the new WPML media functionality:
- Create a full site backup
- Flush any cache memory that might exist
- Deactivate all plugins, including the WPML ones
- Activate a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty
- Activate the WPML plugins
- Activate the automatic image and media detection
- If the issue disappeared, re-activate the theme and the rest of the plugins

Can you tell me the results of the steps described above?
Regards,
Carlos