Feature request: Update internal links as a background process instead of ajax async

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

Problem:
The client is using the 'Update internal links' feature in WPML to correct links in translated posts that incorrectly point to the original English page. Despite translating content into three languages and having a large number of posts (33,600), the process often stops or breaks around 19,600 posts, displaying an error message. The client seeks a solution to make this process run in the background without needing the admin page to remain open.
Solution:
We discussed three potential solutions:
1. Address the immediate issue by ensuring the 'Update internal links' process does not stop or break.
2. Tackle the underlying problem by ensuring that posts do not point to the original English page when translated alternatives exist.
3. Consider the feature request to run the process as a background task, although this might not be implemented soon.
We recommend focusing on the second solution, which addresses the root cause of the issue. It is expected that internal links in other languages should automatically translate along with the content, making the 'Update internal links' button unnecessary in this scenario. If the client still prefers to pursue the feature request, we can proceed with that, but we suggest reconsidering for a more immediate resolution.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, please check the related known issues, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If the problem persists, we highly recommend opening a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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Tagged: Feature request

This topic contains 2 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Lucas Vidal de Andrade 1 month, 3 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Lucas Vidal de Andrade.

Author	Posts
September 17, 2025 at 2:40 pm #17410312
alexandreP-37	Background of the issue: I am trying to use the 'Update internal links' feature in the WPML > Settings page to fix links in translated posts that sometimes still point to the original English page, even though a translated alternative exists. We are using batch translation towards 3 languages, creating a lot of translated content. Since we have many posts (33600), the process usually stops or breaks, or I forget about it and move to another page, requiring me to start over. I would like this functionality to work as a background process that does not rely on the admin user keeping the WP Admin page open. Link to a page where the issue can be seen: hidden link Symptoms: Instead of completing the process, it broke at about 19600 with the message: 'Error! Reload the page and try again.' Questions: Can the 'Update internal links' feature be modified to run as a background process? How can I ensure the process completes without breaking or requiring the admin page to remain open?
September 18, 2025 at 7:12 am #17411712
Lucas Vidal de Andrade WPML Supporter since 11/2023 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+01:00)	Hello there, Thank you very much for sharing the detailed information and context regarding the issue you're facing with the 'Update internal links' feature in WPML. I’ll go ahead and escalate your request to our upper development team for further evaluation. However, I want to set the right expectations: this is the first time we've received a request of this nature, and at this point, there doesn’t seem to be broader demand or traction for implementing such a change. Additionally, developing a background process for this feature would likely involve significant technical complexity and cost. While your feedback is appreciated and will definitely be reviewed, we unfortunately cannot promise any implementation or provide a timeline. If anything changes on our end, we’ll be sure to let you know. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.
September 18, 2025 at 12:28 pm #17413336
Lucas Vidal de Andrade WPML Supporter since 11/2023 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+01:00)	Hello, While escalating your ticket, I found 3 possible solutions: 1. Fixing the superficial issue. That is, making sure that the "Update internal links" process does not stop or break; 2. Fixing the underlying issue. Make sure that posts do not "...point to the original English page, even though a translated alternative exists"; 3. Evaluate the actual feature request. It's unlikely this will be accepted and implemented soon, but it's also an option; I'm sharing that with you because you asked for option 3, which is in my opinion the least effective solution to your issue. Solution number #02, which gets to the root of the issue, is the more productive way to proceed here. In theory, the Update Internal Links button shouldn't be necessary in your scenario, as it's expected that internal links that exist in other languages are translated automatically along with the content. If you insist on the feature request, I can of course go on with that. Nonetheless, I think that we have more productive strategies here and ask you to reconsider. Let me know how you wish to proceed. I haven't yet escalated the ticket to development, as I had second thoughts on it. I appreciate your patience and cooperation on this matter.