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

Problem:
You have translated all products and taxonomies, specifically product categories, using WPML and are trying to make these translated categories visible on the front end of your site. However, the translated product categories appear empty on the front end, even though the products are assigned to them in the backend.
Solution:
The issue is related to both Product Filter by WBW and EAN Barcode Generator plugins. To solve, follow these steps:
1. Go to WPML > Settings > Custom Field translations
2. Check the box "show systems field"
3. Search for the field

_alg_ean

4. Set it to copy
5. Resave the original product (for example, click on the variation description in the original, put a space, remove it, and then save the variation).
This should resolve the visibility issue of the translated product categories on the front end.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 15 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by aldoR-6 5 days, 6 hours ago.

Assisted by: Laura.

Author Posts
June 17, 2025 at 6:28 pm

aldoR-6

Background of the issue:
I have translated all products and taxonomies, specifically product categories, using WPML. I am trying to make these translated categories visible on the front end of my site, hidden link.

Symptoms:
The translated product categories are empty on the front end, even though I can see the products assigned to them in the backend.

Questions:
Why are the translated product categories empty on the front end?
How can I make the translated products visible in their respective categories on the front end?

June 17, 2025 at 6:58 pm
June 18, 2025 at 10:34 am #17145597

aldoR-6

Would be great to receive some assistance with this 🙂

June 23, 2025 at 9:49 am #17159128

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

Hi, I'm downloading a backup to test in local, I'll update you as soon as possible.

June 23, 2025 at 10:14 am #17159251

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

Can I install Duplicator Pro? The backup is over 17G, I can't possibly use that

June 24, 2025 at 10:46 am #17164355

aldoR-6

Hi Laura, yes of course!

June 25, 2025 at 4:30 pm #17170344

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

Sorry for the late reply, but I'm having issues installing the local copy, it doesn't allow me to access the backend. Do you have a staging site by any chance?

June 25, 2025 at 5:45 pm #17170594

aldoR-6

Hi Laura,

No staging site I am afraid. This is why I needed to open a ticket instead of live chat. What would you like to try? Maybe this is possible on the live site?

June 25, 2025 at 7:01 pm #17170723

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

For sure I'd have to deactivate all plugins except WPML. Maybe you could try with a plugin like WP Staging?

June 26, 2025 at 7:53 am #17171779

aldoR-6

I created a staging site for you with WP Staging: hidden link

Hope this helps!

The credentials are the same as the ones shared earlier.

June 26, 2025 at 12:29 pm #17173467

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

Thanks, I'll check it.

June 26, 2025 at 4:50 pm #17174809

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a solution. I escalated the issue to the 2nd tier, I'll let you have news as soon as possible.

July 1, 2025 at 9:54 am #17187677

aldoR-6

Would be great to receive some kind of time expectations. This is taken some time now and I would love to have this fixed 🙂
Can you share an estimated time it will take to fix this?

July 1, 2025 at 4:32 pm #17189555

Laura
WPML Supporter since 05/2018

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)

Sorry, but it's a bit difficult to debug this issue.

Could you try to deactivate Product Filter by WBW and EAN Barcode Generator and see if you still have the issue?

July 2, 2025 at 6:06 pm #17194507

aldoR-6

Looks like disabling these plugins makes the product category pages work! How can we make sure the category pages keep working when using these plugins? They are essential I am afraid..