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[Resolved] Translations marked as missing (+) even though they exist

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

Problem:
You are trying to translate a blog post into Spanish and Italian. The translations are already done and saved, but in the WP admin post list, WPML still shows a (+) symbol instead of the pencil, suggesting the translation is missing. When clicking the (+), it opens the existing translated post. Additionally, the Spanish and Italian versions are missing from the frontend language switcher.
Solution:
First, check WPML > Support > Error logs to see if there are any errors being generated. If no errors are found, follow these steps:
1. Edit the original post.
2. Make a small change to the content and save it.
3. Resend the post for automatic translation.
For more details, refer to our documentation here: https://wpml.org/faq/translation-status-stuck-or-displaying-the-error-wpml-didnt-manage-to-translate-this-page/
If the issue persists, try the following steps in WPML > Support > Troubleshooting:
1. Clear the cache in WPML.
2. Remove ghost entries from the translation tables.
3. Fix element_type collation.
4. Fix WPML tables collation.
5. Set language information.
6. Fix terms count.
7. Fix post type assignment for translations.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it might be due to outdated solutions or a different problem. 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 problem persists, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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This topic contains 4 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by redaM-2 6 days, 3 hours ago.

Assisted by: Kor.

Author Posts
July 28, 2025 at 5:06 pm #17276346

redaM-2

Background of the issue:
I am trying to translate a blog post into Spanish and Italian. The translations are already done and saved. However, in the WP admin post list, WPML still shows a (+) symbol instead of the pencil, suggesting the translation is missing. When I click the (+), it opens the existing translated post. Link to a page where the issue can be seen: hidden link

Symptoms:
The post list shows a (+) symbol for Spanish and Italian. When clicking on it, it opens the translation that already exists. After refreshing, the links disappear entirely. On the frontend, the Spanish and Italian versions are missing from the language switcher, even though translations exist.

Questions:
Why does the WP admin post list show a (+) symbol instead of the pencil for existing translations?
Why are the Spanish and Italian versions missing from the frontend language switcher?
July 29, 2025 at 9:30 am #17277930

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)

Thanks for contacting us.

Please check WPML > Support > Error logs and let us know if there are any errors being generated.

Also, you can try these steps listed below:

1.Edit the original post.

2.Make a small change to the content and save it.

3.Resend the post for automatic translation.

For more details, you can refer to our documentation here:
https://wpml.org/faq/translation-status-stuck-or-displaying-the-error-wpml-didnt-manage-to-translate-this-page/
July 29, 2025 at 9:48 am #17278074

redaM-2

Hi Kor,

There is no new logs under the support section.

I already tried to edit original posts several times.
I also tried and checked all the tasks that can be done from the troubleshooting section and then edit original post then update translations and still same issue.

Regards,
Reda.
July 29, 2025 at 9:49 am #17278076

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)

Thanks for your reply.

I will need to closely examine your website. Therefore, I will require temporary access (WP-Admin and FTP) to a test site where the problem has been replicated, if possible. This will enable me to provide better assistance and determine if any configurations need to be modified.

Please note that it is important to have a backup for security purposes and to prevent any potential data loss. You can use the UpdraftPlus plugin (https://wordpress.org/plugins/updraftplus/) to fulfill your backup requirements.

Your upcoming reply will be treated with confidentiality and will only be visible to you and me.

✙ To resolve the issue, I may need your consent to deactivate and reactivate plugins and the theme, as well as make configuration changes on the site if necessary. This emphasizes the significance of having a backup.
July 29, 2025 at 11:37 am #17278568

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)

Thanks for your reply. I ran some of the options listed below here in WPML > Support > Troubleshooting Link and the issue is fixed. Could you retry?

1. Clear the cache in WPML.
2. Remove ghost entries from the translation tables.
3. Fix element_type collation.
4. Fix WPML tables collation.
5. Set language information.
6. Fix terms count.
7. Fix post type assignment for translations.
July 30, 2025 at 11:39 am #17281896

redaM-2

Thanks it is working.