Split: Footer settings not syncronized

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

Problem:
The client reported an issue where the footer settings were not synchronized between the English and German versions of their website. The English page displayed the correct footer, while the German page showed a different one, despite the footer being correctly displayed on other German pages.

Solution:
We advised the client to check the WPML > Settings > Custom Field Translation for a field that controls the footer template. If found, this field should be set to 'copy' to ensure the footer settings are synchronized across languages. After adjusting this setting, the client should reapply the translation to the page.

Additionally, if the settings are grayed out, the client can click the "lock" symbol to make changes. This issue might occur because the original settings were set to "Copy once," allowing different settings per language.

If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the solution seems outdated or irrelevant, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming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.

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This topic is split from https://wpml.org/forums/topic/ubersetzung-is-komplett-wird-aber-nicht-angezeigt/

Tagged: Documentation request

This topic contains 5 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by matthiasG-45 3 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Andreas W..

Author	Posts
March 14, 2025 at 5:53 am #16814438
matthiasG-45	After closer checking this page there is still a problem. The footer in Englisch is correct (default footer), in German another footer is shown. I wonder why the footer settings are mot synchronized in the translation. Please compare the footers of hidden link vs hidden link If this needs to be handled as separate support case please feel free to split this case here.
March 14, 2025 at 5:58 am #16814446
Andreas W. Supporter Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	In this case, you must either translate the widgets using WPML > String Translation or create a widget for each language. Instructions: https://wpml.org/de/documentation-3/ratgeber-zum-loslegen/ubersetzung-von-widgets/ Problem: The options in the original widgets don't seem to be saved correctly. See screenshot. If you go to Appearance > Menus, then there are no menus. I would recommend creating them again.
March 15, 2025 at 2:09 pm #16819922
matthiasG-45	No, the problem is not the translation of the widgets. This footer in question is displayed correctly on other pages in English AND German so there is no general problem with the footer. The problem is: 1. I select another footer in the original (English) page hidden link 2. this setting is no synchronized in the German page hidden link 3. the English page and the German pages show different footers again: this very footer is displayed on other German pages corrected, e.g. hidden link nothing wrong with that footer or any translations of included widgets/menus synchronization of footer to translated page does not work, this is the problem maybe there needs again a WPML setting be checked, as it was the reason for not synchronizing the The7 menu options?
March 15, 2025 at 2:11 pm #16819927
Andreas W. Supporter Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	Thank you for the clarification! Please revise WPML > Settings > Custom Field Translation and check for a field that controls the footer template. If you find such field, set it to copy. Now apply the translation of you page again and the setting should get copied. If this does not solve the issue, you still could try to select the template manually on the translated page using the WordPress Editor.
March 15, 2025 at 2:25 pm #16819958
matthiasG-45	I think I found the related settings, they are copied only once, which explains the effect I see. But the settings are grayed out. How can I change them? Please refer to the attached image.
March 15, 2025 at 3:06 pm #16820080
Andreas W. Supporter Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	You can click the "lock" symbol and then should be able to change the settings. It looks like the author decided to use "Copy once" so that users can use different settings per language on the WordPress Editor.
March 15, 2025 at 3:27 pm #16820150
matthiasG-45	Very good, unlocking it did the trick. I updated the store page, and the German translation of it shows now the correct footer, which means the footer settings are synchronized. So yes, this is solved, thanks.