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[Resolved] Cannot update / download plugin (Download failed. (Forbidden))

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

Problem:
The client is experiencing a 'Download failed. (Forbidden)' error when attempting to update or download WPML plugins, even after deregistering and registering the sitekey.
Solution:
1. Revalidate your domain with your sitekey by navigating to https://wpml.org/account/sites/ and copying the sitekey created for your domain. Then, go to WP > Plugins > Add new > Commercial Tab > Deregister and register the sitekey again.
2. If the issue persists, manually install the plugin. Download WPML manually by visiting https://wpml.org/account/downloads/, scroll down, and click on 'Download WPML manually'. Then, in your WP dashboard, navigate to WP > Plugins > Add new and upload the downloaded zip file directly.

If these steps do not resolve your issue, or if the solution becomes outdated, we recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 you still encounter problems, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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

Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.

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This topic contains 8 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by itH-7 4 days, 9 hours ago.

Assisted by: Kor.

Author Posts
August 20, 2025 at 9:14 am #17333512

itH-7

Background of the issue:
I am working on a site under development and trying to update WPML Multilingual CMS and download String Translation.

Symptoms:
I am encountering an error message: 'Download failed. (Forbidden)' when attempting to update or download the plugin.

Questions:
Why am I receiving a 'Download failed. (Forbidden)' error when updating or downloading WPML plugins?
August 20, 2025 at 9:49 am #17333592

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

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

Thanks for contacting us. It looks like you'll need to revalidate your domain with your sitekey.

Please navigate to https://wpml.org/account/sites/ and copy the sitekey that you've created for your domain. Then, navigate to WP > Plugins > Add new > Commercial Tab > Deregister and register the sitekey again.

August 21, 2025 at 2:17 am #17335716

itH-7

I still have the same issue after Deregister and register the sitekey.

螢幕擷取畫面 2025-08-21 101724.png
August 21, 2025 at 6:29 am #17336046

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

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

Thanks for your reply.

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.
August 21, 2025 at 8:22 am #17336414

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

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

Thanks for your reply. It looks like your server's PHP resources are insufficient. Please contact your hosting provider and ask them to increase the PHP values listed below to the highest possible. 

ini_set('memory_limit', '512M');
ini_set('upload_max_filesize', '512M');
ini_set('post_max_size', '512M');
ini_set('file_uploads', 'On');
ini_set('max_execution_time', '3600');
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M');
August 22, 2025 at 2:52 am #17339286

itH-7

I have already updated the PHP settings you mentioned above, but still have the same error.

螢幕擷取畫面 2025-08-22 105023.png
August 22, 2025 at 7:47 am #17339573

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

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

Thanks for your reply. I've manually installed it for you, and could you check? Most probably the issue is related to your Website that is lack of SSL.

August 22, 2025 at 7:54 am #17339582

itH-7

Can you teach me how to install manually?
Cause I still need to install "Contact Form 7 Multilingual"

Thanks a lot.
August 22, 2025 at 7:58 am #17339594

Kor
WPML Supporter since 08/2022

Languages: English (English )

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

Thanks for your reply. Open this link https://wpml.org/account/downloads/ and scroll down, and click on Download WPML manually.

Then, in your WP dashboard, navigate to WP > Plugins > Add new. Upload the downloaded zip file directly. Could you try?
August 22, 2025 at 8:45 am #17339704

itH-7

Thanks a lot, I am able to install the plugin manually.