This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: You are experiencing an issue where featured images disappear on pages translated into secondary languages. This problem is also visible in the WordPress editor view for the translated page. Solution: We found that in WPML → Settings, the Media (attachment) option was set to 'Not Translatable', which hid the media translation option and did not duplicate the media attachments. We recommend changing this setting to 'Translatable'. After making this change, run the media duplication option in WPML. This action will duplicate the missing images for the translations by creating an entry in the database that links the original image to the translations, without physically duplicating any images on the server.
If this solution does not resolve your issue, or if it seems outdated or irrelevant to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix,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 display staff headshots (featured images) on pages like hidden link. When I translate the page into Spanish or French using the footer, most of the headshots disappear. This issue is also visible in the WordPress editor view for the translated page. The issue can be seen at hidden link.
Symptoms:
Missing featured images on translated pages in Spanish or French.
Questions:
Why are the featured images missing on the translated pages?
How can I fix the issue of missing featured images on translated pages?
I had uninstalled the Media Translation plugin a while ago because I didn't need to translate any media or media meta info.
I reinstalled it now but don't see any difference between the images that are staying put and those not displaying. Translating the images doesn't make them appear.
Here are screenshots of the English (two images) and the French...
If you do not need to translate your media, then you do not need to have the Media Translation plugin installed.
You can try running the media option by going to WPML → Settings → Media Translation. The option is available even without the Media Translation plugin.
No, you didn't miss anything. I need to request temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to your site—preferably to a test site where the problem has been replicated if possible—in order to be of better help. When you log in to leave your next reply, you will find the needed fields below the comment area. The information you will enter is private, meaning only you and I can see and access it.
I reviewed your website and noticed that the images for the staff members are not loading correctly. This might be the reason they are not appearing in the translations. I've attached a screenshot for your reference.
Could you please try re-uploading the images for the staff members from the library in the original language? If the image wasn't copied to the translations as it appeared for the original, try slightly changing the original page, saving it, navigating to the WPML translation editor, and completing the translation.
I have good news! I was able to identify the reason for the issue. In WPML → Settings, the Media (attachment) option was set to Not Translatable, which was hiding the media translation option and of course, didn't duplicate the media attachments. I changed it to Translatable.
Afterward, I ran the media option, which duplicated the missing images for the translations. Please note that it doesn’t physically duplicate any images on the server; it merely creates an entry in the database that links the original image to the translations.
