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

Problem:
You want to add a Malaysian language with hreflang /my/ instead of /ms/ on your site, but you encounter an error message stating 'The hreflang already exists'. You also need to check if there is content from the default Malay language.
Solution:
1. Ensure you have a backup of your site for safety reasons.
2. Update WPML to the latest version, WPML 4.8.1, which might resolve the issue. You can update it from the Plugins >> Add New page, click the Commercial tab, and then click the “Check for updates” button. For more details, see the screenshot here.
3. If the problem persists, consider following the suggestions from this thread.
To check for content in Malay or any other language:
1. Navigate to WPML >> Languages.
2. Click on the Add / Remove Languages button.
3. Temporarily deactivate the language. If content exists in that language, it will still appear under the “Site Languages” section.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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. Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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.

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This topic contains 4 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Noman 2 days, 7 hours ago.

Assisted by: Noman.

Author Posts
September 9, 2025 at 8:40 am #17386117

garenM

Background of the issue:
I want to add a Malaysian language with hreflang /my/ instead of /ms/ on my site hidden link. I'm trying to add a custom language with the my hreflang.

Symptoms:
I'm getting an error message 'The hreflang already exists'.

Questions:
How can I add a custom language with hreflang /my/ without encountering an error?

September 9, 2025 at 10:01 am #17386515

Noman
WPML Supporter since 06/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Karachi (GMT+05:00)

Hi,

Thank you for contacting WPML Support. Could you please try to follow the below steps and see if this resolves the issue:

1. Take a backup of your site first for safety reasons.

2. We have recently released WPML 4.8.1, could you please update it to the latest version and see if it helps.

You can update it from Plugins >> Add New page, click the Commercial tab, and then click the “Check for updates” button. Here is the screenshot for more details:
https://wpml.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/wpml-force-plugin-update-1.png

3. If the issue persists, try to follow the suggestions from this thread: https://wpml.org/forums/topic/default-locale-hreflang-already-exists/

Kindly let me know the results.
Thank you

September 9, 2025 at 10:14 am #17386554

garenM

can you let me know where I can find if there is a content from the default Malay language

September 9, 2025 at 10:25 am #17386611

garenM

the only content that I found is the uncategorized category from posts. There is nothing else

September 9, 2025 at 11:16 am #17386823

Noman
WPML Supporter since 06/2016

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Karachi (GMT+05:00)

To check if there is content in Malay or any other language:

1. Go to the WPML >> Languages.
2. Click on the Add / Remove Languages button.
3. Temporarily deactivate the language.
If content exists in that language, it will still appear under the “Site Languages” section (as shown in the screenshot).

Thank you

content exists of deacted language.jpg