ACF fields in translated page become readonly even though it's set to copy once.

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

Problem:
The client is experiencing an issue where ACF fields in the hero layout become readonly on a translated page, despite being set to 'Copy Once'.

Solution:
1. Verify that the ACF field and its sub-fields within the Flexible Content field are set to 'Copy Once' in WPML → Settings → Custom Fields Translation.
2. Ensure you are using the WordPress Editor to translate the page. If using the WPML Translation Editor, switch to the WordPress Editor by clicking the pencil icon next to the translation and selecting the WordPress Editor.
3. After switching, check if the hero layout ACF fields are editable on the translated page. If they remain readonly, review the field group settings in ACF → Field Groups to confirm correct translation preferences.
4. If issues persist after these steps, remove the translation and recreate it using the WordPress Editor to correctly apply the 'Copy Once' setting.

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Tagged: Documentation request

This topic contains 2 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by melissaD-7 1 week, 1 day ago.

Assisted by: Kor.

Author	Posts
October 1, 2025 at 8:55 pm #17450227
melissaD-7	Background of the issue: I am trying to create a translated page on my site hidden link. The page uses an ACF Flex Content field with various layouts, and I have set the ACF fields to copy once. Symptoms: When a translated page is created, some ACF fields become readonly, specifically affecting the hero layout, even though they are set to copy once. Questions: Why do ACF fields in the hero layout become readonly on the translated page? How can I ensure that ACF fields set to copy once do not become readonly?
October 2, 2025 at 12:57 am #17450423
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for contacting us. When you change the translation option, please try retranslating the primary page to see if the changes are brought forward to the translated page. If the issue continues, I will need to closely examine your website. Therefore, 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.
October 6, 2025 at 5:52 pm #17461672
Kor WPML Supporter since 08/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Singapore (GMT+08:00)	Thanks for your reply. I've checked and I've configured this Field Group (Column 9/12) hidden link as shown in the attached screenshot as "Translate" and it seems to fix it as shown here hidden link
October 7, 2025 at 6:35 pm #17465121
melissaD-7	Wouldn't have guessed THAT would have been the cause of the issue. Thanks for your help!