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[Resolved] Switch "Languge name as a parameter" to "Different languages in directories"

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

Problem:
Can I switch the language URL format from "Language name as a parameter" to "Different languages in directories" after the site is complete? or should I have done that before I started building the site? Will the site break if I switch now?

Solution:
You can switch the URL format anytime you want from WPML > Languages > Language URL format.

After switching the format, you need to resave the permalinks settings in Dashboard > Settings > Permalinks. This can be done by clicking the "Save changes" button without making any changes.

Relevant Documentation:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/

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

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by hansN-10 1 year, 8 months ago.

Assisted by: Mohamed Sayed.

Author Posts
May 4, 2023 at 1:12 pm #13586851

hansN-10

Hello,

I have built my multilingual site with WPML set to "Language name as a parameter". The site is completely set up.

But now I am thinking it might be better to use "Different languages in directories".

Can I switch from one method to the other now that the site is complete, or should I have done that before I started building the site? Will the site break if I switch now?

Also, in the instructions it says: "To set up your languages in directories, Apache’s rewrite module must be enabled."

How can I tell if Apache’s rewrite module is enabled or not? My host is using LiteSpeed servers.

Thank you!
May 4, 2023 at 7:44 pm #13589881

Mohamed Sayed

Hi there,
Thanks for contacting WPML support, I will be glad to help you.

You can switch the URL format anytime you want from WPML > Languages > Language URL format.

After switching the format, you need to resave the permalinks settings in Dashboard > Settings > Permalinks. This can be done by clicking the "Save changes" button without making any changes.

Regarding the question about Apache’s rewrite module, WPML will detect if it's disabled and show you an error message once you switch the format and save the settings. Then you can contact your hosting provider to enable it. Please check here for more details: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/cannot-activate-language-directories/

Let me know please if that helps.

Regards,
Mohamed