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

Problem:
You are using WordPress with ACF Pro and WPML, and you have an ACF Relationship field named 'posts_to_display_in_grid' that allows multiple post types. The field is set to copy translations in WPML. While the order changes in the English (default language) backend and frontend are reflected correctly, changes made in the French backend do not persist, and the order reverts to English after saving. Additionally, the order on the French frontend does not match the backend.
Solution:
This issue appears to be related to a known problem documented on the WPML errata page. We recommend applying the workaround provided there. Please visit the following link for detailed instructions: WPML Errata Page.
If you need to apply a specific code, use the following:

add_filter( 'acf/load_value/type=relationship', 'format_order' );
function format_order( $value ){
 
$lang = apply_filters( 'wpml_current_language', null );
    foreach ($value as $key => $id) {
        $type = get_post_type($id);
        $value[$key] = apply_filters( 'wpml_object_id', $id, $type, true, $lang);
    }
return $value;
}

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket at WPML Support Forum.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Itamar 2 weeks, 1 day ago.

Assisted by: Itamar.

Author Posts
December 17, 2025 at 1:32 pm #17671154

jamesI-2

We are using WordPress with ACF Pro and WPML.

We have an ACF Relationship field named:

posts_to_display_in_grid

The field allows multiple post types (not fixed to a single CPT)

The related post types (e.g. People, Stories, etc.) are translatable

The field translation preference in WPML is set to Copy

Default language: English

Secondary language: French

Expected Behavior

The relationship field order should be managed from English (default language)

The same order should appear:

in the French backend

on the French frontend

French translations should inherit the English relationship field values when set to Copy

Actual Behavior

When the relationship order is changed and saved in English:

The order is correctly updated

The updated order is reflected in French backend

When attempting to reorder or remove items in French and clicking Update:

The changes do not persist

The relationship field reverts back to the English order after save

On the frontend (French):

Looping directly over the ACF Relationship field does not preserve order

Order differs from what is selected in the backend

December 17, 2025 at 3:05 pm #17671681

Itamar
WPML Supporter since 02/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)

Hi,

I'm consulting our second-tier supporters about this case. It is unclear to me whether the suggested workaround from the errata is still valid. I'll keep you updated on any new once I have them.

I appreciate your patience.
Itamar.

December 19, 2025 at 12:54 pm #17677929

jamesI-2

Hi Itamar,

Thanks for consulting to second-tier supporter. If you get anything from them let me know.

Thanks

December 24, 2025 at 1:56 pm #17686701

Itamar
WPML Supporter since 02/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)

Hi,

I'm sorry for the late reply here.

The suggested workaround on the following errata page should still be valid.

https://wpml.org/errata/advanced-custom-field-related-posts-in-relationship-and-post-object-field-dont-keep-custom-order-in-translation/

Please try it and check if it helps in your case.

Regards,
Itamar.