[Resolved] Setup different domain per language (En/ZhCn)
This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client is setting up different domains per language for their WordPress site using WPML. The primary domain is set for English, and a subdomain is intended for Chinese. However, the client encounters an error message stating 'The domain you have entered is invalid' when trying to use the subdomain for Chinese. Additionally, there is confusion about whether using 'http://' instead of 'https://' could pose a security risk. Solution: We advised the client that the HTTP setting is automatically set on the left, and it should not be added twice. It's fine to enter the subdomain as 'zhcn.starrealties.com' without 'https://' in the site settings, as it might still redirect correctly on the front-end. We also suggested checking if the subdomain redirects properly by translating a page for testing purposes and then attempting to access the translation to see if the subdomain is being used for the secondary language. If issues persist, we recommended providing temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to the site for further investigation, ensuring that all site details are kept private and secure, as outlined in our Privacy and Security Policy.
If this solution does not resolve the issue or seems irrelevant due to updates or different circumstances, please check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. We highly recommend opening a new support ticket if further assistance is needed.
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Background of the issue:
I am trying to set up different domains per language for my WordPress site using WPML. The primary domain hidden link is for English, and I want to use the subdomain hidden link for Chinese.
Symptoms:
While entering the subdomain hidden link for Chinese, I got an error message 'The domain you have entered is invalid.'
Questions:
Why am I getting the error message 'The domain you have entered is invalid' when setting up the subdomain hidden link for Chinese?
if i enter the subdomain "zhcn.starrealties.com" without the "https:", the setting is not complained, but it is default to the hidden link URL, I'm not confident whether this would create a security vulnerability. Please let me know whether it safe to move to the next step for WPML setup. Thank you in advance.
1. Can you please let me know of a page that you translated (the URL of it, because on the site, I see only the english flag in the footer language switcher area), so that I can test with that?
2. I would like to request temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to your site to take a better look at the issue. You will find the needed fields for this below the comment area when you log in to leave your next reply. The information you will enter is private which means only you and I can see and have access to it.
Our Debugging Procedures
I will be checking various settings in the backend to see if the issue can be resolved. Although I won't be making changes that affect the live site, it is still good practice to backup the site before providing us access. In the event that we do need to debug the site further, I will duplicate the site and work in a separate, local development environment to avoid affecting the live site.
- Please make a backup of the site files and database before providing us access.
- If you do not see the wp-admin/FTP fields this means your post & website login details will be made PUBLIC. DO NOT post your website details unless you see the required wp-admin/FTP fields. If you do not, please ask me to enable the private box.
Want to see what is going on, I selected "setup later for the 2nd language".
From the WP Dashboard, I selected WPML>>Language, I did see "Language URL format". After trying to use hidden link, the system kept showing "not valid" red message.
Mihal, I still need your suggestion on the multilang website implementation.
Actually, My website is in a prototype stage, developed for a real estate agent in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Summary:
Primary domain: starrealties.com, English
The website is WP based app, showing the Board listings and Realty related information (pages or posts for news, statistics, knowledge):
○ The real estate listings (English version) are imported from the Board into WP Database via IDX Bridge APIs and displayed via Estatik plugin/widget.
○ Also, the listings in the WP Database should be dynamically updated in every 5-30 minutes , assumed that a cron job in the backend server.
Subdomain: cn.starrealties.com, Chinese
The website is WP based application:
• The information {posts and pages for news, statistics, knowledge articles} on this site are not merrowed to those on the primary domain
• The listings should be merrowed/duplicated as those on the primary domain just in different language.
Possible Solutions:
1. The English version is displaying fine on the primary domain, I just setup a language switcher with forced URL link to Chinese website. I do not need to install the WPML.
2. Import the IDX listings from the board into the subdomain WP database
3. Install the WPML for partial content translation, there is no requirement to marrow to diff URLs.
4. Setup English language switcher or Link
5. Translate the subdomain's real estate listings, widges, strings and plugins into Chinese.
Mihal, would you please comment this imp idea? How do you dynamically translate the listings which are newly added or deducted from the DB? Do you have demo websites for real estate listings display via IDX technology such as Estatik plugin?
Mihal. would like to know, those QA postings are privately viewable between us, or it is publicly available to your login clients or public internet surfers.
Possible Solutions 2: the current ticket related settings
• primary-domain gets WP and Estatik installed for English
• sub-domain, zhcn.starrealties.com is a dummy domain for Chinese (no WP installed), but pointing to p-domain, based on the wpml instruction:
1. Install WPML on p-domain
2. Translate theme, plugins, strings and all listings into Chinese
Not sure how to add a post in Chinese,
the url will be, hidden link{permlink}/{postname} ?
BTW, I found that my subdomain at my host company is not currently in "https" SSL enforced status. I talked to my web support and is waiting for the result.
Is this https related with the error in domain setup？ do i need a WPML key for the Chinese sub domain?
How to handle the dynamically added new property listings on the flying?
Sometimes, the "not valid" note can be just a false-positive notification.
Did you get the chance to translate something, even for testing purposes, so that you can then try to access the translation and see if the subdomain is being used for the secondary language?
PS: This ticket is public (when you initially create it, you have the option to make it private, too) but all the URLs that are NOT from our documentation, are automatically hidden from the public so only you and me can see them.
do not know how to submit my WP Admin info. I setup a ticket:
Thank you Osama, I did see an image form after clicking the link provided.
My question is What's the best way for me to securely submit an IMAGE FORM to your support team??
I am currently talking Mihal for WPML configuration issues, who is asking for the WP admin login info.
I've had several exchanges with your team regarding the submission process for the messages. i am actually still not sure how.
I need your experience to give me a direction on my project.
Configuration 1: subdomain for another language (mirrored solution)
• Starrealties.com : WP based, English version, Real estate search via IDX data from local board, Englist posts and pages
• zhcn.starrealties.com : not https enabled, no WP installed. Dummy server, pointed to Starrealties.com
The installation for WPML on the primary domain got "not valid" error initially yesterday. However it passed "magically" today （image attached）.
Tried basic translation on one page or post to Chinese, and the translation job was working as descripted.
But do not know how to use the url (subdomain) to show the translated post.
Tried to create a post in Chinese, also do not know how to retrieve the post.
Mihal, did I miss some things?
Demanded Configuration 2: one domain for one language (no mirrored independent server)
• Starrealties.com : WP based, English version, Real estate search via IDX data from local board, Englist posts and pages
• Cn.starrealties.com: WP based, Chinese version, Real estate search via IDX data from local real estate board, the major real estate listings should be translated at the beginning, updated listings should be translated on the fly.
Since there is no much requirement to mirror posts and pages between the domains, the major translation job in the listings is originally in English. Please be noticed that the listings keep changing in real time (new listings, sold listings, and so on).
I would prefer to install WPML on cn.starrealties.com and complete the listings translation to Chinese in the subdomain.
When WPML CMS is activated, the homepage or other pages will be crashed.( images attached)
Do not know where the archer page is located?
How to translated the Estatik plugin's listing data?
How about a zoom meeting for online remote control with me?
I am happy to take a look at the initial issue with the subdomain and see if there is any way I can help with this.
I am re-enabling the private fields and you will see them below this box, that's where you can privately add the site and the credentials.
I will be waiting for your response.
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