anthony pezzullo

Problem:
The client is unable to log into the WordPress admin panel due to a PHP Fatal error caused by the WPML plugin. Deactivating WPML restores access but cripples the site functionality.
Solution:
We recommend the following steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:
1. Ensure you have a backup of your website. Alternatively, perform these tests on a staging version to avoid disrupting a live site.
2. Switch to a default theme like 'TwentyTwenty' via 'WordPress Dashboard > Appearance > Themes'.
3. Deactivate all plugins except for WPML and its add-ons through 'WordPress Dashboard > Plugins'.
4. Try to log in to see if the issue persists. If it does not, reactivate your plugins one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
5. Ensure that WPML and its add-ons are up to date by checking for updates in 'WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add new > Commercial (tab)' and clicking the 'Check for Updates' button. For automated updates, visit https://wpml.org/faq/install-wpml/#automated-updates.
6. If you regain dashboard access, provide debug information following the steps at https://wpml.org/faq/provide-debug-information-faster-support/.

If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the solution seems outdated or irrelevant to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix,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 problems persist, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.