Default language mapping

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

Problem:
The client is experiencing an issue where the default language setting in WPML does not take effect, and they continue to see the message 'Your default language must be mapped' despite having saved the settings.
Solution:
1. We recommended the client to navigate to WPML > Languages > Edit Language to verify if the language had been correctly mapped.
2. We suggested checking for any errors while saving changes and to ensure that no third-party plugins were interfering with WPML, potentially preventing the option from saving. If unsure, we advised backing up the site and temporarily deactivating third-party plugins to test.
3. Upon further investigation, we discovered that all Translation Engines were turned off. We turned them back on for the client and asked them to check if the issue was resolved.

If this solution does not resolve your issue, or if it seems outdated or irrelevant to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix,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. Should the problem persist, please do not hesitate to open a new support ticket with us for further assistance at WPML support forum.

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Tagged: Documentation request

This topic contains 6 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Kor 1 week, 6 days ago.

Assisted by: Kor.

Author	Posts
May 30, 2025 at 12:51 am #17090167
jeffreyG-8	Background of the issue: I am trying to map the default language for my site hidden link using WPML. Symptoms: The setting does not seem to take effect and I keep seeing 'Your default language must be mapped'. Questions: How do I correct this problem?
May 30, 2025 at 1:00 am #17090218
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for contacting us. Could you please navigate to WPML > Language > Edit Language and let me know if you've mapped the language? Also, are you getting any errors when you try to save changes? Also, please backup and try deactivating 3rd party plugins that might be conflicting with WPML(preventing the option from saving). Let me know how it goes.
May 30, 2025 at 1:03 am #17090220
jeffreyG-8	Hi Kor Yes, I have tried that and saved without issue, but the message still shows. I tried to upload a video capture, but it's not allowing. Is there another way I can share the video with you?
May 30, 2025 at 1:04 am #17090221
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for your reply. You can upload your video to Google drive or dropbox and share the link here with me.
May 30, 2025 at 1:11 am #17090223
jeffreyG-8	Hi Kor You can download/view the video here - hidden link
May 30, 2025 at 1:13 am #17090224
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for your reply. I can see the issue now. I will need to closely examine your website. Therefore, I will require temporary access (WP-Admin and FTP) to a test site where the problem has been replicated, if possible. This will enable me to provide better assistance and determine if any configurations need to be modified. Please note that it is important to have a backup for security purposes and to prevent any potential data loss. You can use the UpdraftPlus plugin (https://wordpress.org/plugins/updraftplus/) to fulfill your backup requirements. Your upcoming reply will be treated with confidentiality and will only be visible to you and me. ✙ To resolve the issue, I may need your consent to deactivate and reactivate plugins and the theme, as well as make configuration changes on the site if necessary. This emphasizes the significance of having a backup.
May 30, 2025 at 8:21 am #17090902
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for your reply. I've checked and it looks like you've turned off all the Translation Engines as shown in the attached screenshot. I've turned it back on for you and could you check now?