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

Problem:
The client wants to delete the WPML plugin but keep the translated pages, as the website is not very active and seldom has new content.
Solution:
We recommend against deleting WPML if you want to keep your translations. Instead, you can:
1. Deactivate WPML to ensure it doesn't consume any resources from your website.
2. Create a backup of your website, delete WPML, reinstall it, and check if the translations are still there.
Additionally, we provided links to resources that might be helpful:

For a complete reset of WPML, you can refer to our documentation:
WPML Reset Documentation
Always ensure to have a full website backup before making any changes to avoid accidental data loss.

If this solution doesn't look relevant, please open a new support ticket.

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 3 voices.

Last updated by Mihai Apetrei 1 year, 5 months ago.

Assisted by: Mihai Apetrei.

Author Posts
November 27, 2023 at 9:59 am #14928589

nildeR-2

I would like to delete the wpml plugin BUT keep the translated pages, the website is not very active and there is seldom new content so we don't need the WPML functionalities.
I haven't found any helpful support posts.
How is it best that I proceed?

November 27, 2023 at 2:10 pm #14930901

Christopher Amirian
WPML Supporter since 07/2020

Languages: English (English )

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

Hi there,

I will add the first reply before this ticket is assigned to one of my colleagues.

Deleting WPML will not guarantee the translations to stay there. The tables will be there but it will be a risky move.

I have two suggestions:

1- Instead of deleting WPML just deactivate it and keep it there, when it is deactivated it will not take up any resources from your website.

2- Test by having a backup of the website, then delete wpml, install it again and check if the translations are there for your case.

But in general, we do not recommend the deleting approach.

Thanks.

November 27, 2023 at 2:32 pm #14931273

Mihai Apetrei
WPML Supporter since 03/2018

Languages: English (English )

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

Hi there.

I am also adding here a ticket that you can take a look at to see what happens when you disable WPML:
https://wpml.org/forums/topic/disable-wpml/

Also, here are some custom search URLs where you can find tickets with the same request more or less:

- hidden link

- hidden link

In case you ever want to fully reset WPML, we also have this amazing documentation below:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/deleting-languages-and-plugin-data-by-doing-a-wpml-reset-on-your-site/

I hope that you will find all that information helpful.

And yes, as my colleague recommended, it is best to first create a full website backup before taking any steps further just so that you can be safe in case you remove something from the database by mistake (for example deleting a translation).

Have a lovely rest of the day and an amazing week ahead!

Mihai