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[Resolved] Split: category returns 404

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

Problem:
The client reported an issue with incorrect URLs in the French version of their website's menu, specifically for product subcategories. Even after manually adding the parent category to the URL, it led to a broken/error page.
Solution:
We advised the client to:
1. Ensure that the WPML plugins are updated to the latest versions.
2. Create a backup or use a staging site.
3. Disable all other plugins, leaving only WPML plugins active.
4. Switch to the WordPress default theme.
5. Check if the issue with the product URL still occurs.
Additionally, we opened a new support ticket specifically for the issue of subcategory pages not displaying products and recommended continuing the conversation there.

If this solution does not resolve your issue, or if it seems outdated or irrelevant to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix,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 further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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This topic is split from https://wpml.org/forums/topic/split-menu-navigation-links-now-include-en/

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Dražen 1 week, 4 days ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author Posts
October 29, 2025 at 7:00 am #17527935

oliverQ-2

Thanks for your response.

Regarding the menu, I translated it from English to French as per your suggestion and by following the provided documentation. However, the menu links in the French version are not correct — specifically for the Products subcategories.

The table below compares the AU and FR site menus for better understanding:
• EN: hidden link
• FR: hidden link

Issue:
If you look closely, you’ll notice that the French URL is missing the parent category (general-hand-tools).
Even when I manually add the parent category, it still leads to a broken/error page:
hidden link

Could you please advise on how we can correctly link these translated product categories or if there’s a setting we might have missed during translation?

Thanks
October 29, 2025 at 7:08 am #17527940

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

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

Hello,

1) Please allow my user to visit also plugins page and make sure you have updated WPML plugins to latest versions.

2)
Can you please try next:

- Make sure you have a backup or staging site
- Disable all other plugins and leave active only WPML plugins
- Switch to WP default theme
- Check if the issue still happens and if product URL works

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,
Drazen

October 30, 2025 at 5:07 am #17531096
oliverQ-2

Hey,

We don't have a staging site, I am setting up one now for you this support. But in the meantime, I was able to resolve the subcategories URL from the menu. I ran the menu Sync after setting up EN as default which eventually resolved the URL part of the issue. But the subcat pages are still not showing any produt.

Product Page FR: hidden link

And when you click the sub-cat from the breadcrumbs, it shows no product for this subcategory, which we clearly loaded the products for this category.

hidden link

I have added you the parent site (hidden link) and you should be able to access the plugin page. Please don't uninstall or delete any plugin except WPML related stuff if needed.

I am wondering if possible can we set up a quick call to move things faster.

Thanks
Sohaib

New threads created by Dražen and linked to this one are listed below:

https://wpml.org/forums/topic/split-subcat-pages-are-still-not-showing-any-produt/
October 30, 2025 at 7:20 am #17531260

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

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

Hello,

thanks for getting back.

Glad to hear you solved the issue with the menu.

I will wait for staging site and in the meantime try to check what I can safely on your live website.

I have opened new ticket for subcat issue, to keep all in order:

- https://wpml.org/forums/topic/split-subcat-pages-are-still-not-showing-any-produt/

I am afraid we do not offer to setup a call and this kind of support, but either at this point is not need as I/we need to take some time and debug the issue safely, in staging or copy of your website.

Lets move conversation to new ticket, if this ticket problem is solved.

Regards,
Drazen