Featured image not updating in translation

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

Problem:
The client changed the featured image in the original language of an ACF custom post type, but after editing and saving the translation, the new featured image did not appear in the translated version.
Solution:
If you're experiencing this issue, we recommend you try the following steps:
1. Make a small change to the post content (for example, update the description).
2. Change the featured image.
3. Update the post (you can revert the changes afterward if needed).
4. Open and complete the translation again.
These steps help refresh the translation job.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case.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.

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

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Tagged: Exception

This topic contains 6 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by benR-2 1 week, 4 days ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author	Posts
May 18, 2026 at 3:11 pm #18043628
benR-2	I changed the featured image (ACF custom post type) in the original language. Then I edited the translation and saved. The featured image has not changed. I can see the new featured image in the original language but not in the translated one. Media Translation settings is set to "Automatically detect best options for translating image texts". Post Types Translation: media is set to Translatable.
May 18, 2026 at 9:11 pm #18044256
Andrey WPML Supporter since 06/2013 Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский ) Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)	Thank you for contacting WPML support. Could you please confirm if you have tried the following steps? 1. Make a small change to the post content (for example, update the description) 2. Change the featured image 3. Update the post (you can revert the changes afterward if needed) 4. Open and complete the translation again These steps help refresh the translation job.
May 19, 2026 at 6:18 am #18044555
benR-2	Yes, I tried that. The text content updates, the featured image does not.
May 19, 2026 at 5:44 pm #18046789
Andrey WPML Supporter since 06/2013 Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский ) Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)	I need to request temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to your site—preferably to a test site where the problem has been replicated if possible—in order to be of better help. When you log in to leave your next reply, you will find the needed fields below the comment area. The information you will enter is private, meaning only you and I can see and access it. Please provide a link to the page where I can test this. Also, if the featured image is being uploaded from a custom location (not the default WordPress option), could you please share a screenshot showing exactly where and how you are uploading it?
May 26, 2026 at 8:55 am #18059941
benR-2	I have the project on localhost. Can I send you a package?
May 26, 2026 at 3:32 pm #18061538
Andrey WPML Supporter since 06/2013 Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский ) Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)	Yes, of course. You can use the Duplicator plugin to create a package, or alternatively the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. My next message will be set as private, so you can safely share the link to the package there.
June 3, 2026 at 2:25 pm #18079106
Andrey WPML Supporter since 06/2013 Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский ) Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)	Thank you for providing the package. Please try the following steps. 1. Add the following configuration in WPML → Settings → Custom XML Configuration <wpml-config> <custom-fields> <custom-field action="copy">_thumbnail_id</custom-field> </custom-fields> </wpml-config> 2. Update your tour in the default language (make a small change) 3. Check the results
June 5, 2026 at 7:33 am #18083055
benR-2	This solves my problem. Thank you.