I am experiencing a critical issue with WPML when using Elementor.
Problem description hidden link
When translating pages using the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE):
Button URLs (Elementor buttons) are missing in the translation editor
If I manually add the URL in the translation, it gets removed again after updating the page
This happens consistently across multiple pages
Example:
Original (DE): Button link is set correctly
Translation (EN): Button link field is empty
After manual fix → saved → edit page again → URL is gone
Additional issue
I identified that Elementor stores content in _elementor_data.
However:
This field is set to "copy once"
It is locked (not editable) in WPML settings
I cannot change it to "translate"
Because of this:
WPML does not properly handle dynamic content like button links
Manual fixes are overwritten
Expected behavior
Elementor button URLs should be correctly transferred or translated
Changes in translation should persist
_elementor_data should either:
be correctly handled automatically, or
be configurable
Environment
WPML (latest version)
Elementor (latest version)
Theme: Saasive (ThemeForest)
Advanced Translation Editor enabled
Automatic translation enabled
What I already tried
Re-saving pages
Clearing cache (WordPress, Cloudflare)
WPML troubleshooting tools
Re-triggering translations
No change.
Question
Is this:
A known compatibility issue with Elementor or this theme?
A limitation of WPML with _elementor_data?
Or is there a required configuration to properly translate Elementor button links?
At the moment, WPML is not usable for production, as critical links are lost during translation.
Please provide a proper fix or recommended configuration.
The _elementor_data field is correctly set to “copy once” and should not be changed, this is expected behavior.
To better understand what’s happening in your case, could you please share a short video or screenshots showinghow the button link is added in Elementor (default language)-
Also, please confirm are you using Elementor dynamic links (e.g. linking to a page/post), or are you adding a manual URL (full http link)?
If you are using dynamic links, WPML should automatically adjust them to the translated page.
If you are using manual URLs, they need to be translated via the WPML editor, you need to search and translate them.
Once I see the exact setup, I’ll be able to guide you more precisely.
Best regards,
Dražen
The topic ‘[Closed] WPML + Elementor: Button URLs not saved / reset after translation + locked custom fields’ is closed to new replies.
