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

Problem:
After migrating from Polylang to WPML, menus disappeared in the backend. The client was concerned about resetting WPML due to the large number of pages migrated.
Solution:
We recommended the following steps:
1. Ensure a full site backup or at least a database backup.
2. Navigate to WPML -> Support -> Troubleshooting link. Follow the steps outlined in the WPML Troubleshooting guide.
3. If menus still do not appear, create a new test menu and translate it following the instructions in this guide on translating menus. If the new menu works but old ones do not, it indicates a database issue with the old menus, which should be recreated.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, we recommend checking the related known issues, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If problems persist, please open a new support ticket.

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

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 1 day, 19 hours ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
July 30, 2025 at 9:32 pm #17283277

markusM-54

Background of the issue:
We've moved from Polylang to WPML. Since migration, menus have disappeared on the back end. I've found this article that suggests a reset of WPML: https://wpml.org/forums/topic/menu-got-disappeared-after-installing-the-wpml/#:~:text=Solution%3A,cleared%20before%20a%20fresh%20installation. We have hundreds of pages that have been migrated, so we can't just delete all the languages and reset the plugin. Can I get help from support to resolve this issue? Link to a page where the issue can be seen: hidden link

Symptoms:
Menus have disappeared on the back end after migrating from Polylang to WPML.

Questions:
Can I get help from support to resolve the issue of disappearing menus after migration?

July 31, 2025 at 8:06 am #17284003

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

I kindly ask you to follow these steps:
- Create a full site backup or at least a backup of the database.
- Go to WPML -> Support -> Troubleshooting link -> Click on the buttons described in this section of this guide: https://wpml.org/documentation/support/wpml-troubleshooting-options/#troubleshooting-wpml
- If the issue persists, then create a new test menu -> Translate it as described in this link: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/translating-menus/ and check again. If the new test menu appears correctly, but the 'old' ones don't, then there is a problem in the database entries for those 'old' menus, and you should re-create them.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Regards,
Carlos

August 7, 2025 at 12:25 am #17300995

markusM-54

Recreated menus, seems to be working now. Thank for your help

August 7, 2025 at 8:08 am #17301671

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Excellent!

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need our assistance in the future with WPML. We are here to help 🙂