The client's site cannot be opened in China without a VPN, and there is concern that the WPML plugin might be causing this issue. Additionally, the client is hesitant to update the WPML plugin for fear of crashing the site.

<br />We recommend checking with the hosting provider or server administrator to see if there are any security rules or restrictions that could be blocking access from China. WPML does not have features that restrict access from specific regions. It is also important to update the WPML and String Translation plugins to the latest versions to ensure compatibility and functionality. Before updating, create a backup of the site. If the problem persists after updating, try deactivating the WPML plugin and accessing the site from China to determine if WPML is the cause. If the issue remains, it may be necessary to review other plugins and settings for potential access restrictions and consult with the hosting provider about server-level restrictions.<br /><br />If this solution does not seem relevant to your situation, please <a href="https://wpml.org/forums/forum/english-support/">open a new support ticket</a> with us, and we will be glad to assist you further.

SITE CANNOT BE OPENED IN CHINA UNLESS I USE VPN. MAYBE IS A WPML issue?

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Tagged: Exception

This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Prosenjit Barman 1 year, 9 months ago.

Assisted by: Prosenjit Barman.

Author	Posts
November 18, 2023 at 3:44 pm #14868397
ericY-6	Hi! Our site cannot be opened in China without VPN. Even the backend of WORDPRESS. A programmer mentioned that it could be the WPML plugin so I decided to puschase it myself (in the past it was a company who designed our website and for a long time we were not able to update the plugin). Now, there seem to be an issue with update process and I am worried to update the plugin in case it crashes my site. Any idea of what to do or if the problem of not being able to open without VPN can be coming from?
November 20, 2023 at 9:33 am #14874417
Prosenjit Barman WPML Supporter since 03/2023 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Dhaka (GMT+06:00)	Hello There, Thanks for contacting WPML Support. Sorry for the delay in responding due to the weekend. Please note that WPML does not offer a feature to restrict access from specific regions or locations. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing the site from China, it's likely due to a security rule implemented by your Hosting Administrator or a security plugin on your site, which may be blocking the access. You can reach out to the Hosting or Server Administrator and ask them to check if any restrictions added to the site for any specific country. I hope they can help you better in this matter. Since you are using older versions of WPML and String Translation, it's advisable to update both. Each update brings new features, fixes, and ensures compatibility with the latest WordPress updates. Given that your current versions are significantly outdated, it's highly recommended to create a backup of your site as a precaution before proceeding with the updates. But, if the issue persists even after that, you can deactivate the plugin and try to access the site from a China location. If the issue persists even after that, it will mean something else is causing the issue. In such a case, it would be advisable to conduct a thorough check of your website's other plugins and settings. Look for any other security measures or configurations that might be restricting access. Additionally, consulting with your hosting provider could provide insights into any server-level restrictions that may be in place. Let me know the update. I will be happy to help if you need further assistance in this matter. Best regards, Prosenjit