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

Problem:
The client encountered an issue where WPML would not update using a production key on a test site, and after updating with a new key, the Translation Manager disappeared from the admin panel.
Solution:
If you're experiencing similar issues, we recommend following these steps:
1. Ensure you back up your site for safety.
2. Insert the following code into your

functions.php

file:

function add_wpml_manage_translations_cap() {<br />    $role = get_role('administrator');<br />    if ($role) {<br />        $role->add_cap('manage_translations');<br />    }<br />}<br />add_action('init', 'add_wpml_manage_translations_cap');

3. Visit the frontend of your site to trigger this code.
4. Reload the backend to check if the Translation Manager reappears.
5. Once confirmed, remove the code added in step 2.

This solution might be irrelevant if it's outdated or not applicable to your case. 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 issue persists, please open a new support ticket.

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

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Noman 2 months, 2 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Noman.

Author Posts
March 5, 2025 at 8:35 am #16777005

andrewE-3

Background of the issue:
We encountered an issue while updating WPML on our test site hidden link. The plugin does not update unless a different key is entered. We assume that the key was originally taken from the production site, as the test version was created by fully copying the production site hidden link. However, WPML refuses to update using the production key and requires a new one.

Symptoms:
After entering a new key and updating the plugins, the Translation Manager disappeared. It is no longer visible in the admin panel, and its functionality is unavailable.

Questions:
Why is WPML not updating with the production key?
Why does the Translation Manager disappear after changing the key and updating the plugins?

March 5, 2025 at 11:37 am #16778179

Noman
WPML Supporter since 06/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Karachi (GMT+05:00)

Hi,

Thank you for contacting WPML Support.

1. The site key is linked to the site URL, so if the URL changes, you need to generate a new site key to properly register WPML to that site and get automatic updates from dashboard.

2. For Translation Management missing problem, could you please try to follow the below steps:

2.1. Take a backup of your site first for safety reasons.
2.2. Update WooCommerce Multilingual & Multi Currency plugin to the latest 5.4.0. You can update it from Plugins >> Add New Plugin > Commercial tab. You may need to press the “Check for updates” button if the updated version is not visible.
2.3. Clear all sorts of site/server/CDN cache and see if this resolves the issue.
2.4. If the issue persists, please try to follow the below steps on staging/test site to isolate the cause of this issue:
- Deactivate all plugins except WPML and its add-ons.
- Switch to the default WP theme like 2024.
- If the issue is gone, reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the one causing the issue.

Kindly let me know the results,
Thank you for your cooperation

March 11, 2025 at 6:15 am #16799424

Noman
WPML Supporter since 06/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Karachi (GMT+05:00)

Our 2nd tier support further debugged this issue and suggested below steps to fix it:

1. Take a backup of your site first for safety reasons.
2. Add the below code in functions.php file:

function add_wpml_manage_translations_cap() {
    $role = get_role('administrator');
    if ($role) {
        $role->add_cap('manage_translations');
    }
}
add_action('init', 'add_wpml_manage_translations_cap');

3. Visit the frontend once so that it will trigger this code.
4. Please reload the backend and see if the issue is solved.
5. Now, you can remove the code which is added in step #2.

Could you please check and confirm?

Thank you for your cooperation