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[Resolved] Accessibility issue with WPML language switch menu

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

Problem:
The client reported accessibility issues with the WPML language switcher on their website, specifically concerning WCAG errors related to ARIA roles. The issues included incorrect roles for

  • elements and inappropriate role attributes for elements.
    Solution:
    We resolved these accessibility issues in the latest version of WPML (4.9.0). To update, follow these steps:
    1. Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin in your site’s admin and click the Commercial tab.
    2. Click the Check for updates button.
    3. Select WPML 4.9 from the list and click Install.
    Please ensure to back up your site before updating. More details on WPML 4.9.0 can be found here: WPML 4.9.0 Changelog.

    If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at WPML Known Issues, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket.

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

    Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.

    Tagged: ,

    This topic contains 17 replies, has 0 voices.

    Last updated by Itamar 9 hours, 51 minutes ago.

    Assisted by: Itamar.

    Author Posts
    January 28, 2026 at 3:30 pm #17771136

    Atul Shinh

    Hi Itamar,

    I have tested this on local environment using chrome extension and I can say that there is no accessibility issue found as per highest standards in the new menu code.

    Thanks for your support. Do you have any tentative date when the stable version will be released?
    January 28, 2026 at 5:30 pm #17771524

    Itamar
    WPML Supporter since 02/2016

    Languages: English (English )

    Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)

    Hi,

    Thanks for confirming that the issue is fixed with WPML 4.9.
    I think the stable version will be released next month, but I don't have an exact date to give you.

    Regards,
    Itamar.
    February 11, 2026 at 2:01 pm #17813013

    Itamar
    WPML Supporter since 02/2016

    Languages: English (English )

    Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)

    Hi,

    I have an update.

    This issue has been resolved in the latest version of WPML (4.9.0).
    Please also note that we have new versions for Strings Translation (3.5.0), Media translation (3.1.0), and WCML (5.5.4). If you don't see the new versions on your site, please follow this:

    1. In your site’s admin, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin and click the Commercial tab.

    2. Click the Check for updates button.

    3. Select WPML 4.9 from the list and click Install.

    Before updating our plugins, please take a backup of your site.

    **** Important! Please make a full site backup (files and DB) before you proceed with those steps****

    More about WPML 4.9.0 in this post we published:
    https://wpml.org/changelog/2026/02/wpml-4-9-better-automatic-translation-and-compatibility/?utm_source=at&utm_medium=emails&utm_campaign=wpml-4-9

    I'm closing this ticket.
    Please don't hesitate to contact us again with any WPML-related issues or questions.

    Best Regards,
    Itamar.