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

Problem:
The client is working on a site under development and needs to stop two ACF fields from being automatically translated, which are currently locked.
Solution:
If you're experiencing this issue, we recommend you try the following steps:
1. Navigate to ACF >> Field Groups.
2. Edit the field group containing the fields you wish to update.
3. Set the “Expert” translation option for that field group.
4. Individually edit each field and set the “Translation preferences” to “Copy” if you want the same default language value to appear in secondary languages. If you prefer not to display anything in a secondary language, select the “Don't translate” option.
5. Click the Save Changes button.
6. Re-save the default language pages to apply the updated settings.
For more detailed guidance, check the documentation here: Recommended Custom Fields Translation Preferences for ACF and WPML.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case.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 the issue persists, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 1 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by eamonnT 1 week, 4 days ago.

Assisted by: Noman.

Author Posts
September 16, 2025 at 3:41 am #17404162

eamonnT

Background of the issue:
I am working on a site under development and trying to stop two ACF fields from being translated.

Symptoms:
The fields I want to stop from being translated are locked.

Questions:
how do I stop these 3 feilds being auto translated, example Finland is being translted see image how stop this,

hidden link

September 16, 2025 at 4:05 pm #17407036

Noman
WPML Supporter since 06/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Karachi (GMT+05:00)

Hi,

Thank you for contacting WPML Support. You should be able to achieve it by following the below steps:

1. Go to the ACF >> Field Groups.
2. Edit the field group in which you want to update those fields.
3. Make sure to set the “Expert” translation option of that field group.
4. Edit those fields one by one and set the “Translation preferences” to “Copy” which means it will display the same default language value into secondary language. If you don’t want to display anything in a secondary language then set the “Don't translate” option.
5. Press the Save Changes button.
6. Re-save the default language pages to apply the updated settings.

Here is a doc for more details:
https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/translate-sites-built-with-acf/recommended-custom-fields-translation-preferences-for-acf-and-wpml/

Kindly let me know the results,
Thank you

Translation preferences.jpg
Expert mode.jpg
September 17, 2025 at 2:48 am #17408064

eamonnT

great