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

Problem:
The client is experiencing 502 bad gateway errors on their site. The hosting provider identified that the 'wp_installer_settings' from wpml-string-translation is maxing out the autoload options, contributing significantly to the issue. The client is considering turning the autoload to OFF for 'wp_installer_settings' and 'wpml_strings_need_links_fixed'.
Solution:
We advised the client against disabling the autoload for 'wp_installer_settings' and 'wpml_strings_need_links_fixed' as it is not recommended. Instead, we suggested the following steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:
1. Create a full site backup.
2. Update any outdated plugins or themes.
3. Flush any cache memory.
4. Activate WordPress debug mode as described in this guide.
5. Deactivate all plugins, including WPML ones, and activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty.
6. Reactivate the WPML plugins and then activate the theme and other plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
7. Check for any fatal errors in the debug.log file within the wp-content folder.
Additionally, we informed the client that the next WPML version (v4.9) will have a much smaller 'wp_installer_settings', although there is no estimated time of arrival for this update.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems irrelevant due to being outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent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 issues persist, please open a new support ticket.

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This topic contains 5 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 1 month, 4 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
November 4, 2025 at 10:32 pm #17547782

stuartM-7

Background of the issue:
I am trying to resolve 502 bad gateway errors on my site, which have been reported by users and experienced by myself. My hosting provider indicated that the autoload options were maxing out, with 'wp_installer_settings' from wpml-string-translation being the top contributor. I am considering turning the autoload to OFF for 'wp_installer_settings' and 'wpml_strings_need_links_fixed', which is reportedly unused. Here is the link to a page where the issue can be seen: hidden link

Symptoms:
I am experiencing 502 bad gateway errors on the site.

Questions:
Can I safely turn the autoload to OFF for 'wp_installer_settings'?
Can I safely turn the autoload to OFF for 'wpml_strings_need_links_fixed'?

November 5, 2025 at 10:00 am #17549099

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+01:00)

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

Please follow these steps to get more information about the cause of the issue:
- Create a full site backup
- Update any outdated plugins or themes
- Flush any cache memory that might exist
- Activate the WordPress debug mode as described in this guide: https://developer.wordpress.org/advanced-administration/debug/debug-wordpress/
- Deactivate all plugins, including the WPML ones
- Activate a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty
- Activate the WPML plugins
- If the issue disappeared, start by activating the theme and then the rest of the plugins, one by one, until the issue appears again and you find the culprit
- Check if there are any fatal errors in the debug.log file located within the wp-content folder

Can you tell me the results of the steps described above?
Regards,
Carlos

November 5, 2025 at 11:28 am #17549551

stuartM-7

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for coming back to me. Before I look into your suggestions, can you confirm if the options I have mentioned in the autoload should be there or should they not? Or should they be utilising less resource?

Finally, am I able to safely remove these options from the autoload?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks

Stuart

November 5, 2025 at 11:44 am #17549589

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+01:00)

Hi Stuart,

I consulted my colleagues about your question, and it is not recommended to disable the autoload. Also, the next WPML version will have a much smaller wp_installer_settings.

November 6, 2025 at 8:31 am #17552547

stuartM-7

Thanks for coming back to me.

Can you confirm which version this will be and when it will become available?

November 6, 2025 at 10:16 am #17552988

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+01:00)

Hi,

It will be WPML v4.9, but unfortunately, I don't have an ETA. However, our developers are actively working on it, so it should be released soon.