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

Problem:
The client is unable to change the translation option of their ACF text fields under WPML > Settings > translation customFields because there is a lock symbol next to the fields.
Solution:
We explained that when the ACF field group translation settings are set to either "Simple fields across languages" or "Different fields across languages" from the ACF >> Field Groups page, it automatically sets the text field translation preference to "Translate" and locks the setting. To change the translation preference of field group fields, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to ACF >> Field Groups.
2. Edit the field group where you want to change the settings.
3. Click on the "Change option" and select the "Expert" option.
4. Individually edit each field and set the translation preferences as needed.
5. Make a minor change in the default language page, then edit the secondary language page to see if the issue resolves.
For more details on the Expert mode, visit Expert translation option.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 the issue persists, please open a new support ticket.

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This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Noman 2 months, 3 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Noman.

Author Posts
September 7, 2024 at 7:53 am #16150897

Thomas Maier

Background of the issue:
I want to make my ACF fields which are text fields to be copied into the secondary language so that I only have to insert them once. But when I want to change the setting under WPML > Settings > translation customFields, I cannot change the setting as there is a locker symbol next to my fields.

Symptoms:
I cannot change the translation option of my ACF fields as there is a lock symbol next to it.

Questions:
Why are my ACF fields locked and not editable under WPML > Settings > translation customFields?
How can I make my ACF text fields copy into the secondary language automatically?

September 8, 2024 at 8:54 am #16152214

Noman
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

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

Hi,

Thank you for contacting WPML Support. When the ACF field group translation settings is set “Simple fields across languages” or “Different fields across languages” from ACF >> Field groups page then it sets the text field translation preference as “Translate” automatically and it doesn’t allow to change it as you can see in the attached screenshot:
https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/translate-sites-built-with-acf/recommended-custom-fields-translation-preferences-for-acf-and-wpml/

If you want to change the translation preference of field group fields, then please try to follow the below steps:

1. Go to the ACF >> Field Groups page.
2. Edit the field group in which you want to change the field settings. .
3. Click on the “Change option” and choose the “Expert” option as you can see in the attached screenshot.
4. Edit each field one by one and set the each field translation preferences according to your needs as you can see in the attached screenshot.
5. After that, please make a small change in the default language page and edit the secondary language page and see if this resolves the issue.

Here is a doc for more details about Expert mode:
https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/translate-sites-built-with-acf/expert-translation-option/

Please let me know the results,
Thank you

text fields settings.png
Expert mode.png
Edit the field and set the translation.png
September 12, 2024 at 3:45 am #16168590

Thomas Maier

Ok perfect i guess this resolved my problem. Will try it later.