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[Resolved] WPML for multilingual subdomain

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

Issue:
If you are setting up a multilingual website on a subdomain and plan to move it to a main domain later, and you are concerned about the permalink structure when using WPML with directories in different languages.
Solution:
We can confirm that you can configure WPML on the subdomain without problems. For the default language, you can use something like 

subdomain.domain.com

and for other languages, subfolders like 

subdomain.domain.com/it

. When migrating your site from the subdomain to the main domain, we recommend using the Duplicator plugin, which will take care of the URL replacement process. After the migration, you must register WPML on your new site and enter the new key by following these steps :
1. Log in to your WPML account.
2. Go to the 'Sites' page (https://wpml.org/account/sites/).
3. Delete your old site/domain.
4. Add your new site to get a new WPML key, which you can add to your site under Plugins > Add New > Commercial.
Also, make sure your future hosting package meets the minimum WPML requirements, which you can find here: https://wpml.org/home/minimum-requirements/ .
If you use Duplicator, you will see how changing URLs in the database works during the migration. The person in charge of migrating your site should be familiar with the WordPress migration procedure.

This solution may not be relevant if it is already outdated or does not apply to you. If so, we recommend opening a new support ticket. We also suggest that you review known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, check the version of the permanent solution and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If you need further help, feel free to contact us on the WPML support forum.

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

Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Mihai Apetrei 1 year, 3 months ago.

Assisted by: Mihai Apetrei.

Author Posts
February 28, 2024 at 2:27 pm #15354344

dominikG-19

Hello everyone,
I am currently setting up a multilingual website on a subdomain for a client. Later, the WordPress installation is to be transferred to a new domain. Does it make sense to set up WPML on the subdomain or only after the domain has been moved to the main domain?

We are planning to set up WPML with directories in 3 different languages and I am a bit worried about the permalink structure.

I'm keen to know what's your advice here.

Kind Regards,
Jonas
February 28, 2024 at 9:57 pm #15355925

Mihai Apetrei
WPML Supporter since 03/2018

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+03:00)

Hi Jonas.

You can definitely set the site up on a subdomain and you can use something like "subdomain.domain.com" for the main WordPress setup (default language) and then you can have the other languages on subfolders like subdomain.domain.com/it".

The language URL format is called "different languages in directories":
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/#different-languages-in-directories

Then, for migrating your site from the subdomain to the main domain, my recommendation is to use the following plugin:
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/duplicator/

Documentation can be found here: hidden link

Here is a small tutorial on how to use Duplicator:
hidden link

This plugin should easily take care of the URL-replacing process.

After migration, register WPML in your new site and enter the new key:
Please Login to your WPML account >> go to the "Sites" page (https://wpml.org/account/sites/) >> Remove your old site/domain from there >> and add your new site >> it will give you a new WPML key which you can add back in your site in Plugins > Add new > Commercial.

I don't know if you will be changing hosting plans/companies, too, but if you are, it is also important to make sure that both your future hosting package will respect the minimum WPML recommendations.

You can find them right here:
https://wpml.org/home/minimum-requirements/

I hope that you will find this information helpful 🙂

Kind regards,
Mihai Apetrei
February 29, 2024 at 7:12 am #15356381

dominikG-19

Hello Mihai,

thank you for the great answer!

My only problem is that I have set up the subdomain like this "domain2.live-website.com" and it needs to be transferred to "www.domain.de" in the end.

The hosting area won't be changed.

Will this domain structure generate problems later?

Thanks for your help!
Jonas
February 29, 2024 at 4:44 pm #15359532

Mihai Apetrei
WPML Supporter since 03/2018

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+03:00)

Hi Jonas,

No, it shouldn't create any problems.

When you are migrating the site, you will also change the URLs in the database.

If you are going to use Duplicator, you will see how that works. Or, the person that is taking care of these things from your side should know more about the WordPress migration procedure of a site so don't worry.

Mihai