WPML does not work as I expect.

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

Problem:
The client is using a Gutenberg-based WordPress site and wants to use WPML solely for language connections without using WPML's Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) or Classic Translation Editor. They aim to manually translate pages using the Gutenberg editor, manage SEO independently per language, and maintain correct hreflang implementation and URL structure. However, they face issues with WPML loading previous translation memory, unwanted link synchronization, and errors related to 'missing required links'.
Solution:
To achieve the desired setup of using WPML only for language connections and manually managing translations in Gutenberg:
1. Edit the default language page, find the Language section on the right side, and select the WordPress editor. In the popup, choose to make this change for this page or the entire website.
2. After switching, open the translated page and edit it directly in Gutenberg. WPML will not overwrite or sync content automatically, allowing full manual control.
3. If a page was previously translated using ATE/Classic and contains unwanted data, the best approach is to delete the translated page (move to trash and permanently delete), then create a new translation manually.
Note: Automatic link/content synchronization only occurs when using WPML editors. When using the WordPress editor, pages behave independently, but WPML will still maintain the language connection (URL + hreflang), without syncing content.
For further guidance on using different translation editors for different pages, refer to the documentation here: https://wpml.org/documentation/translating-your-contents/using-different-translation-editors-for-different-pages/

If this solution does not fully address your issue or seems outdated, we recommend opening a new support ticket. We also highly suggest 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.

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Tagged: Documentation request

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Last updated by Dražen 2 weeks, 6 days ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author	Posts
March 23, 2026 at 12:40 pm #17918551
marinaH-5	Hello, I am working on a Gutenberg-based WordPress site and I need to use WPML only for language connection (hreflang, language URLs, and relationships between pages) — not as a translation editor. My requirements are: I want to disable Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) completely I want to disable Classic Translation Editor I want to manually translate pages using the native WordPress Gutenberg editor I need to: copy Gutenberg blocks manually edit content freely insert my own internal links manage SEO (Yoast) independently per language At the same time, I want to keep: correct hreflang implementation language relationships between pages /de/, /fr/, /es/ URL structure automatic language switching between connected pages The problem Even after disabling ATE and using manual editing: WPML still loads previous translation memory / segments Old translated fields and broken links keep reappearing Resetting translations does not fully clear stored data The system continues forcing link synchronization and "missing required link" errors My questions How can I completely disable both ATE and Classic editors permanently? How can I reset translation memory and stored segments for specific pages? Is there a way to use WPML in a "manual translation mode only", where: translated pages are independent Gutenberg pages no automatic link or content synchronization is enforced How can I prevent WPML from injecting or restoring old translation data? Why does resetting or deleting translations not fully clear previous translation states? Expected workflow I want a workflow like this: Create translation → empty page Edit translation manually in Gutenberg Keep only language connection (hreflang + URL structure) No automatic content or link handling If this setup is not fully supported, please clarify the recommended configuration or confirm limitations. Thank you.
March 24, 2026 at 6:36 am #17920144
Dražen Supporter Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+02:00)	Hi, Thank you for the detailed explanation, I understand the workflow you’re aiming for. What you want is possible, but it requires switching away from the WPML Translation Editors and using the WordPress (Gutenberg) editor instead. Here’s how to achieve that setup: - Edit the default language page and in the right side find Language section, select WordPress editor. In popup select to make this change only for this page or all website - Once switched, you can open the translated page and edit it directly in Gutenberg. From that point on, WPML will not overwrite or sync content automatically, you are fully in manual mode. - If the page was previously translated using ATE/Classic and you want to remove data the best approach is to delete the translated page (move to trash and permanently delete) - Then create a new translation manually Important notes regarding your questions: Automatic link/content synchronization happens only when using WPML editors. When using the WordPress editor, pages behave independently. WPML will still keep the language connection (URL + hreflang), but content will not be synced. Documentation for reference: https://wpml.org/documentation/translating-your-contents/using-different-translation-editors-for-different-pages/ Let me know if you need help switching a specific page or verifying your setup. Regards, Dražen