This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client was experiencing a 524 error due to response times exceeding 100 seconds when trying to save their site's homepage using WPML. This issue occurred with 24 languages active, and the error appeared when the homepage's edit link showed as a Pencil Icon, but not when it showed as a Circle Icon. Solution: Initially, it was suspected that WPML might be causing the issue. However, upon further investigation, the client discovered that the LinkWhisper plugin was the real culprit, taking too much time when more content was added, thus causing the 524 error. The client was advised to check with Cloudflare if they were blocking WPML servers and to test with only WPML plugins and the WordPress default theme to check for compatibility issues.
If you're experiencing similar issues, we recommend checking for any plugins that might be affecting response times and consulting with your CDN provider to ensure there are no blocks on your server communications. Additionally, testing with a default theme can help identify any compatibility issues.
Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case.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 problem persists, please open a new support ticket.
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Background of the issue:
I am trying to save our site homepage using WPML, but we are encountering issues with Cloudflare (CF) due to response times exceeding 100 seconds, resulting in a 524 error. We have identified WPML as the cause. We have 24 languages active and are experiencing issues with saving homepage both published and drafts pages.
Symptoms:
The response from the request takes more than 100 seconds, causing a 524 error. We are unable to save the homepage page when the other languages' edit link shows as a Pencil Icon, but we can save it when it shows as a Circle Icon.
Questions:
Why does the response time exceed 100 seconds when saving the homepage?
How can I resolve the 524 error caused by WPML?
do you mean just saving pages inside WordPress editor or when translating in the WPML editor?
If you mean by WPML, I would advise checking further with Cloudflare if they are blocking WPML servers somehow, and checking with only WPML plugins and WP default theme if there is some compatibility issue.
Just saving inside WP Editor. We can't switch our theme, we will setup a new test site to further investigate but what we discovered is already explained into this ticket.
Does WPML performs any action when post/page save request triggers?
1) If I will disable the WPML, and save only one language it will not cause any issue?
2) yes the new staging setup is in progress, our site size is big and our database size is very big too. The postmeta table itself is more than 13GB and site is more than 40GB except database
1) It should not, but better to check on the staging site.
2) Okay, then that could be the reason why it takes so much time, your pages / DB is large, and it might be case the issue happens also without WPML. With WPML it will also take a lot of time since WPML needs to re-save and sync custom fields, and translations with translated pages, so it might just be expected since you have such a large website.
We were able to figure out the real culprit. Sorry to blame WPML first, it was LinkWhisper plugin which was taking too much time when more content added, thus causing 524 error.
