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

Problem:
You are unable to add the language switcher to a menu either through WPML settings or by manually adding the block element.
Solution:
We recommend adding the language switcher directly to the template. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this here: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-switcher-options/#add-language-switcher-template
Additionally, to identify if there is a conflict causing this issue, please follow these steps:
1. Temporarily disable all plugins except for WPML.
2. Switch to a default theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Five.
3. Check if the issue still occurs.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, the solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case.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 at WPML support forum for further assistance.

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

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Andrey 1 week, 1 day ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author Posts
March 26, 2026 at 11:34 am #17928771

marcialB

I can't add the language switcher to a menu, neither via the WPML settings (no menus available for whatever reason) nor can I add the block element manually.

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March 26, 2026 at 3:09 pm #17929683

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for contacting WPML support.

As shown in your screencast, the language switcher needs to be added to the template using the following method:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-switcher-options/#add-language-switcher-template

Since you are working on a test site, could you please try the following steps to rule out any conflicts?
• Temporarily disable all plugins except WPML
• Switch to a default theme (such as Twenty Twenty-Five)
• Check if the issue still occurs

This will help determine whether the problem is caused by a third-party plugin or the current theme.

April 2, 2026 at 1:02 pm #17946090

marcialB

Hi Andrey

Got it. I was trying to add the language switcher to the navigation. But instead I had to add it to the header template.

That's somewhat confusing because in the past the language switcher was bound to the menu. Now it is not. Luckily that's way better than before.

Thanks for your help.

Best,
Marcial

April 2, 2026 at 1:29 pm #17946208

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for your feedback, Marcial.

Have a nice rest of the week!