This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: If you're experiencing issues with ACF repeater fields in WPML where emptying a main language text field causes the second language value to retain the old translation instead of becoming blank, this might be due to the field settings. Solution: First, ensure that your WPML and all related add-ons are updated to the latest version. You can check and update your versions here. For the specific issue of the ACF repeater fields, here are the steps we recommend: 1. Manually remove the field content in the WordPress Editor: - Update the post after removing the value of the button. - Switch to the translation view in the WordPress Editor by clicking 'WordPress Editor' under the 'Languages' section in the sidebar or using the language switcher in the header. - Manually remove the content from the relevant ACF field in the secondary language to ensure it remains blank. 2. Adjust the ACF field setting: - Change the ACF field setting from TRANSLATE to COPY if you want the empty value to be mirrored across translations. You can view the steps for manual removal here. If these solutions do not resolve your issue or if the information provided becomes outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues here, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If the problem persists, please open a new support ticket.
This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.
Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.
Background of the issue:
I am using WPML with ACF repeater fields on my site hidden link. I have already translated the fields, but I am encountering an issue when I empty a main language text field.
Symptoms:
When I empty a main language text field, the second language value cannot be edited and retains the old translation instead of becoming blank.
Questions:
Is there a fix for the issue where the second language value retains the old translation instead of becoming blank when the main language text field is emptied?
While one of my teammates takes care of your ticket, I will provide you with the first debugging steps.
Please update your WPML plugin and add-ons to the latest version, 4.7.1, to benefit from the latest bug fixes and improvements. This may not necessarily resolve your problem; however, we need to work on the latest code to troubleshoot the issue best.
You can check the latest released versions under "My Account -> Downloads" on this site. Instructions to update can be found here: http://wpml.org/faq/install-wpml/
If you do not see the updates, you might need to click the Check for updates button in the Plugins → Add New Plugin → Commercial tab.
Please remember to backup your database before you proceed.
If the issue persists after an update, please upload relevant screenshots to help illustrate the problem. I want to ensure that we fully understand the issue to provide the best possible solution.
it also persists after the updates and also happened already before the previous updates.
The fields are just not there in the ATE window when I empty a repeater field value in the main language. Unfortunately I cannot make a screenshot of a non-existing entry.
An empty field should still be translatable in the ATE but it's not, and that's the issue.
The repeater field is set as COPY, the text field inside it is set as TRANSLATE.
It all works until I empty a text field on the main language, then the field doesn't appear anymore on the ATE screen.
How is it supposed to work when you empty a text field after there was some content in it before which was also reflected correctly on the ATE? Right now the translation is stucked on the previous value and doesn't reflect it when you empty a field.
I would like to request temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to your site to test the issue.
(preferably to a test site where the problem has been replicated if possible)
**Before we proceed It is necessary to take FULL BACKUP of your database and your website. Providing us with access, you agree that a backup has been taken **
I often use the Duplicator plugin for this purpose: http://wordpress.org/plugins/duplicator/
You will find the needed fields for this below the comment area when you log in to leave your next reply.
The information you enter is private which means only you and I have access to it.
NOTE: If access to the live site is not possible and the staging site does not exist please provide me with a duplicator package created with the duplicator plugin.
Thank you for providing the staging site; that was very helpful.
A few key points to note:
- The repeater field is set to COPY, while the text field inside it is set to TRANSLATE.
- Since the text field is configured as TRANSLATE, its value is independent of the default language’s value and can be modified separately in each translation.
- If the field becomes blank in the default language, the existing translation will not be automatically overwritten. Instead, manual intervention is required to remove the content in the translated version.
The Issue:
When the value is removed, it is not being registered in the ATE (Advanced Translation Editor). The fundamental logic here is that if a value is empty or blank, there is no meaningful content to translate, and therefore, it does not need to appear in the ATE editor.
However, if a blank value were to be automatically pushed to the translation, it would contradict the TRANSLATE setting and instead behave as if the field were set to COPY.
Recommended Solution:
For your use case, I suggest two possible approaches:
Manually Removing the Field Content in the WP Editor:
- Remove the value of the button and update the post.
- Switch to the translation view in the WordPress Editor by either:
- Clicking WordPress Editor under the "Languages" section in the sidebar.
- Using the language switcher in the header, selecting the secondary language, dismissing any warnings, and accessing the WP Editor.
You can see the steps here: hidden link
Once in the WP Editor, manually remove the content from the relevant ACF field, ensuring it remains blank.
Adjusting the ACF Field Setting:
Change the ACF field setting from TRANSLATE to COPY if the intended behavior is to have an empty value mirrored across translations.
Let me know the results of these adjustments or if further clarification is needed.
ok, thank you, then it is as I expected.
I will noit use the ATE then anymore in the future but only the old system because it is complicated to explain my clients why and when to use which system.
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