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

Problem:
The client is developing a website and wants to use WPML to translate it into Japanese. Initially, they plan to use the domain mtcsys.com.cn for the Japanese version before finalizing the content on http://www.mtcsys.jp. They are inquiring whether they can start with mtcsys.com.cn and later switch to http://www.mtcsys.jp, and how to migrate the content between these domains.
Solution:
We advised the client that they can temporarily use the mtcsys.com.cn domain during development and later switch to http://www.mtcsys.jp for the Japanese site with WPML. Here are the steps to set up the domain and prepare for the switch:
1. Set WPML to use directory mode for languages:
- Go to

WordPress Dashboard > WPML > Languages > Language URL Format

.
- Check the

Language name added as a parameter

checkbox.
- Click the

Save

button.
- Go to

WordPress Dashboard > Settings > Permalinks

.
- Click the

Save

button to flush the permalinks cache.
2. Perform the translation under mtcsys.com.cn and mtcsys.com.cn/ja.
3. Once satisfied with the setup, activate different domains per language by going to

WPML > Languages > Language URL Format

and adding the domain for Japanese.
For detailed guidance on setting up different domains per language, refer to the official WPML documentation: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/how-to-use-wpml-with-different-domains-per-language/

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 6 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 1 week, 1 day ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
June 10, 2025 at 4:58 am #17120117

mtcM

Background of the issue:
I am developing a website and want to translate it into Japanese using WPML. The original content is at hidden link, and the Japanese version will be at hidden link. I want to temporarily use the mtcsys.com.cn domain before finalizing the content on hidden link.

Symptoms:
No specific issue or error message mentioned.

Questions:
Can I first use the mtcsys.com.cn domain and then replace it with hidden link after confirming all content?
Can the content be migrated from mtcsys.com.cn to hidden link

June 10, 2025 at 7:41 am #17120546

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

Yes, you can later change the secondary domain, although it is not recommended.
Be sure to follow the official guide to set up the domains correctly: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/how-to-use-wpml-with-different-domains-per-language/

Best regards,
Carlos

June 10, 2025 at 7:45 am #17120584

Christopher Amirian
WPML Supporter since 07/2020

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Yerevan (GMT+04:00)

Hi,

Welcome to WPML support. I will answer this ticket before the ticket is assigned to one of my colleagues.

Yes, you can temporarily use the mtcsys.com.cn domain during development and later switch to hidden link for your Japanese site with WPML.

You need to first set WPML to use directory mode for languages:

- Go to "WordPress Dashboard > WPML > Languages > Language URL Format".
- Check the "Language name added as a parameter" checkbox.
- Click the "Save" button.
- Go to "WordPress Dashboard > Settings > Permalinks".
- Click the "Save" button to flush the permalinks cache.

Then you can do the translation and it will be:

mtcsys.com.cn and mtcsys.com.cn/ja (I think the default code for Japanese language is JA but don't quote me on that)

Whenever you feel that everything is working ok you will need to follow the steps below to turn the same setup to a separate domain mode to have a separate domain for Japanese:

https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/how-to-use-wpml-with-different-domains-per-language/

Thanks.

June 10, 2025 at 8:12 am #17120697

mtcM

Hi Christopher,

Thank you for your reply.
Here's my original idea:
My main site is hidden link, the temporary Japanese domain is hidden link, and the final Japanese live site will be hidden link

After reading your instructions about using subdirectories, I'm wondering if I could do this instead:
Main site: hidden link, Japanese temporary site using subdirectory: hidden link (category name), Japanese final live site: hidden link

Thank you

June 10, 2025 at 8:16 am #17120701

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Hi there,

Yes, you can also use a directory for the Japanese language. Once you finish the translation, you will need to go to WPML -> Languages -> Language URL Format -> Activate the different domains per language and add the domain for Japanese.

June 10, 2025 at 8:30 am #17120769

mtcM

Thank you for your helpful suggestion!

June 10, 2025 at 9:12 am #17121020

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

You are welcome!

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need our help in the future with WPML. We are here to help.
Have an excellent day!