This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client wanted to set up a multilingual website using WPML with different domains per language and was following the WPML documentation on how to use different domains per language. The hosting provider set up a Frame Forward instead of a parked domain (Alias), and the client was unsure if this was correct and requested a more specific setup description.
Solution: We advised the client that the effectiveness of WPML's different domains per language feature largely depends on the hosting service. We recommended contacting the hosting provider directly with our documentation to understand the necessary steps on their end. We also suggested a simple check to ensure the domain is correctly set up: visiting the domains or subdomains before configuring WPML should display the same site content on all domains without any redirections. If this is not the case, the client should contact their hosting provider for further assistance.
We provided a link to a technical explanation of how a domain can be parked for Namecheap, one of the hosting providers: https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/9728/29/how-to-set-up-parked-domains/. We explained that we do not include this type of information in our documentation because each hosting provider handles it differently. We asked the client to request their hosting provider to add the parked domain without performing the frame forward.
If the solution provided here is outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent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 you still need assistance, please open a new support ticket with us.
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I have requested the provider what is stated over over there: Asked for a parked domain (Alias).
What they write back to me know is that they have setup a Frame Forward. Is this correct?
Apparently from what I have found it is not really easy for WPML to describe what exactly needs to be done. Like what records specifically need to be added to the DNS if that is possible or where the change must be made on the server.
Is it possible to describe specifically what and how something needs to be setup?
I've gone through the documentation. Could you specify which part isn't clear? I'm here to help. 🙂
WPML offers this feature, but its effectiveness largely depends on your hosting service rather than WPML itself.
We suggest reaching out directly to your hosting provider with our documentation. They'll understand the necessary steps on their end.
To ensure your domain is correctly set up, here's a simple check: Visit your domains or subdomains before configuring WPML. If set up correctly, you'll see the same site content on all domains without any redirections.
For instance, with WPML not active, visiting “example.com” and “example.de” should display identical content. If this isn't the case, please contact your hosting provider for further assistance. Sometimes, speaking with a different representative can offer more help.
The part not clear is:
When using separate domains: I want to add a parked domain (alias) to my existing domain. My existing domain is “example.com”. I want to park the “example.de” domain.
I’ve informed my provider of all theming available from WPML and they have created a frame forward.
Can you describe exactly what needs to be changed. Is it only adding a CNAME record to the DNS or is it something else?
This is a more technical explanation of how a domain can be parked: hidden link
We have chosen to omit this type of information from the documentation as we have found that each hosting provider does things differently.
Can you please ask your hosting provider to add the parked domain without performing the frame forward? Even without WPML, it seems problematic as the domain itself is pointing to a blank page.
"Frame forwarding is a type of domain parking that allows you to specify a URL that contains the source for an HTTP request to your parked domain"
Cloud86.nl is my provider. I have forwarded them the info you have provided. Let me see if this helps them. I must add that the domain is purchased from another provider and that I have changed the nameservers to cloud86. Would that be an issue?
Sorry, as usual I pressed send to quick...and then started reading in more detail what you had written. One thing to note is that the provider is making use of PLESK. On Plesk there is an option Add domain Alias, which comes pretty close to what you describe. Is this what needs to be done? But then only the web service forward.
I haven't tried this yet, because I am concerned about the search engine issues.
Hi, I was travelling for a few days and could not reply.
I had contacted the provider last week. During the call they have removed the FRAME FORWARD.
Then based on the information from namecheap where is stated:
4. In the Domain text box, enter the domain name to add as an alias and ensure that the "Share document root (/home/username/public_html) with “domain.tld”." option is selected.
They have pointed the domain magiclovecompany.com to the same folder as the original language domain.
However as you can probably can see when you type in the URL the domain is still redirecting.
I'm waiting now for the provider to see if they know what to do next. If you have any suggestion, please let me know.
Yes, I can confirm there is a redirect on the domain.
This should work even without WPML, a quick way to check is with WPML deactivated both domains should resolve to the homepage of the site without a redirection to the original domain.
I've been in touch with the provider. They had assigned the same document root to both domains. However that gives still a re-direct.
The provider is asking now what exactly needs to be done. When the CNAME record needs to be set, how does it need to be set.
Also this Alias, they ask what is to be done to set the alias.
Can you give this information? I have asked this already in the beginning, I just can't understand why it is not possible to give a technical description of how the settings should be. The reference to namecheap settings did not help either, because that is specifically related to that provider. Also here I don't understand why only an example of namecheap can be given.
I really hope that I get a good description of the changes/settings required.
The reason we do not share the technical steps is because hosting providers need to do this from their side as it is not controlled by WPML, and they typically tend to know what is required to do which is why our documentation points towards that solution.
I will update you here once I have some feedback from our dev team.
I received in the mean time the following from the provider, which describes for Plesk how the settings should be. Unfortunately it is still not working for me.....
Provider Reply:
The settings in Plesk are correct, see also this extensive video to check this; hidden link
But for further support, WPML can help with the operation of their plugin.
Yours sincerely,
It is solved now.
I have followed exactly what is in the youtube video: hidden link
I did not make any changes to the DNS settings. Only have the root folder to be the same as for the original language.
In WPMP I setup the second language in a different domain, as is also shown in the video.
I created a translated home page.
Next I cleared all my browser cache and webserver cache.
And then it worked.
So for others who are not making use of namecheap, but have another provider, the statement that you need to have a parked domain (alias) means that both domains need to point to the same wordpress installation.
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