issue with WPML Media Translation

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

Problem:
You are experiencing an issue with WPML Media Translation where newly uploaded images are only available in the default language (German) and do not appear in English. This issue started after a recent update and affects only new uploads, not existing media.
Solution:
To restore the previous behavior where one upload is available in all languages, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to WPML → Settings → Media Translation.
2. Change the automatic process setting from ON to OFF.
3. In the manual section, enable the options to duplicate existing media and duplicate featured images.
4. Edit your page in the default language.
5. In the right sidebar, ensure that the media duplication options are enabled (duplicate featured image / media attachments).
This should allow media to be available across languages without the need to re-upload.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 problem persists, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum for further assistance.

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Tagged: Exception

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Last updated by Dražen 3 weeks, 2 days ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author	Posts
April 19, 2026 at 6:15 pm #17978907
andreasS-136	Hello WPML Support, I am experiencing an issue with WPML Media Translation that started approximately 2–3 weeks ago, most likely after an update (WPML and/or theme – I am using Avada). Problem description: Previously, when uploading images in the default language (German), they were automatically available in English (media duplication worked as expected). Since recently, newly uploaded images are ONLY available in German and do NOT appear in English. Older images (uploaded before ~3 weeks) are still correctly available in both languages. Current behavior: In WPML → Media Translation, I can see the images in German. For English, only a “+” icon appears (no duplication exists). Automatic duplication no longer happens. There is no visible “media duplication” or “synchronize media” option in WPML settings anymore (possibly due to UI changes?). WPML Troubleshooting options (assign language information, fix translation status, etc.) did NOT resolve the issue. Important details: Theme: Avada WPML Media Translation plugin is active Issue affects only NEW uploads, not existing media Media Library appears to be language-separated now I did not intentionally change any relevant settings Questions: Has WPML changed the default media handling behavior recently (automatic duplication removed or modified)? How can I restore the previous behavior where one upload is available in all languages? Is this a known issue with Avada + WPML Media Translation? Is there a way to bulk-duplicate existing media across languages without manual duplication? This issue is currently forcing me to re-upload images per language, which is not a viable long-term solution. Thanks in advance for your help.
April 22, 2026 at 6:29 am #17985961
Dražen Supporter Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+02:00)	Hello, Please check the following: - Go to WPML → Settings → Media Translation - Set automatic process from ON to OFF - In the manual section, enable the options to duplicate existing media and duplicate featured images - Edit your page in the default language - In the right sidebar, make sure the media duplication options are also enabled (duplicate featured image / media attachments) This should restore the behavior where media is available across languages without re-uploading. Let me know if it works on your side. Regards, Drazen