Redirect to default language directory

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

Problem:
How to always redirect to the default language directory.
Solution:
Create a page for the root url of the website, WPML -> Languages -> Language URL format.
Create a redirect template and use it on the root url page.

Relevant Documentation:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/directory-default-language/#redirect-the-root-domain-to-the-default-language-directory

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: Documentation request

This topic contains 6 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by krisztianK 1 year, 11 months ago.

Assisted by: Eran Helzer.

Author	Posts
May 25, 2023 at 9:00 am #13714011
krisztianK	Dear Christopher, Unfortunately, i have noticed the homepage default redirection is also incorrect! If I type hidden link does not redirect to hidden link - although the latter URL no longer returns a 404 error. What should I do? Thank you! best regards, Mihály
May 26, 2023 at 9:19 am #13721577
Eran Helzer Supporter Languages: English (English ) Hebrew (עברית ) Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+03:00)	Hi, Thank you for contacting support. I see you selected to Use directory for default language, which is the first step to what you want to achieve. The next step will be to add a page for the root url. That page will use a template that will immediately redirect to the home page, with the directory. Please see the documentation for more details: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/directory-default-language/#redirect-the-root-domain-to-the-default-language-directory If you have any more questions or need any further help, don't hesitate to ask.
May 26, 2023 at 11:07 am #13722645
krisztianK	Hi Eran, Thank you! I have just followed your recommendation. Unfortunately, nothing has changed. I have created a template file in our child theme's folder according to the support article: template-wpml-redirect.php <?php /* Template Name: WPML - Root redirect Source: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/directory-default-language/#redirect-the-root-domain-to-the-default-language-directory */ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ){ die(); } wp_redirect( home_url() ); exit; ?> However, the redirection to the /hu/ URL is still not working. What should I do next? Best regards, Mihály
May 29, 2023 at 8:33 am #13729755
Eran Helzer Supporter Languages: English (English ) Hebrew (עברית ) Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+03:00)	Hi, I see you followed the documentation, which should have achieved your request. I can't know for certain why it didn't without further investigation. In order to do that I will need access to your website, preferably a staging one where the issue is replicated. Please make sure you backup your website before proceeding. If it is a production website, I will be extra careful, and let me know if I do not have permission to change any settings. Your next reply will be private so you can share sign in details. Thanks
May 31, 2023 at 12:23 pm #13747521
Eran Helzer Supporter Languages: English (English ) Hebrew (עברית ) Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+03:00)	Hi, I just visited your website and I believe I have an answer. First I tried going to the home page and as you said it does not redirect. Then after logging in I tried again and this time the redirect did work. I checked and saw that you are using WP Rocket for caching. I believe that you have a cached version of the page before you changed it to use the redirect template. The reason it works after logging in is that WP Rocket has a setting to use cache for logged in users which you left disabled. The reason the cache doesn't use the new version is that the cache time-to-live is unlimited. To fix this you need to reload your cache so that it uses the update page. hidden link I added a short video for clarity. hidden link? Please update me if this resolves your issue. Regards, Eran
June 1, 2023 at 6:49 am #13751091
krisztianK	Dear Eran, You have given me an idea... I have switched on the "Never cache this page" option of WP Rocket on WPML's Root redirect. I have cleared all the cache, and now it works as it should. Thank you for your time and for helping me think through this again! Best regards, Mihály
June 1, 2023 at 6:52 am #13751115
krisztianK	That's great to hear! I'm glad your issue has been resolved. Thank you and have a great day!