Split: the site automatically redirects itself to a nonexistent URL

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

Problem:
If you're experiencing issues where clicking a URL redirects to a nonexistent page and then to the "My Account" page, it might be due to an incorrect character in the URL. Specifically, an en dash (–) instead of a regular hyphen-minus (-) can make the URL invalid, as WordPress only recognizes regular hyphens in its slugs.
Solution:
We recommend copying the correct link directly from your browser’s address bar or manually replacing the dash. Ensure that the URL uses a regular hyphen. For example, the correct working link should look like this:

https://eji.com.hk/zh-hant/fine-brooches

Once the regular hyphen is used, the URL should work properly and no longer redirect.

If this solution does not resolve your issue, or if it seems outdated or irrelevant to your case, please open a new support ticket. 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. For further assistance, you can also visit our support forum at https://wpml.org/forums/forum/english-support/.

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.

This topic is split from https://wpml.org/forums/topic/translated-page-url-generated-but-cannot-be-viewed-and-other-error/

Tagged: Known issue

This topic contains 1 reply, has 0 voices.

Last updated by williamC-38 4 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Itamar.

Author	Posts
October 28, 2025 at 8:34 am #17524783
williamC-38	Hi Itamar, Thank you for helping. The issues are now resolved! Just another minor issue: When trying to redirect to the category page from other pages by clicking the URL, the site automatically redirects itself to a nonexistent URL, then to the "My Account" page. This non-existent URL was once the translated URL, but we've already edited it and changed it to a new one. It's when we copy and paste the link, then press enter (instead of clicking the backlinks), that it lands correctly on the desired category page. May I know if there are any ways to solve this issue? Thank you vm! Please see the video here for demo: hidden link I found these links with the same issue: hidden link hidden link
October 29, 2025 at 9:31 am #17528543
Itamar WPML Supporter since 02/2016 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)	Hi, Thank you for the additional details and for sharing the video — that was very helpful. I’ve carefully reviewed the links you mentioned, and I noticed that the problematic link in your browser’s address bar looks like this: hidden link The part “%E2%80%93” represents an en dash (–) rather than a regular hyphen-minus (-). This slight difference makes the URL invalid because WordPress uses only regular hyphens in its slugs. That explains why the page cannot be found and then redirects to the “My Account” page. It seems that the link was copied from a Google Doc, which automatically converts regular hyphens into typographic dashes (–). When such a link is copied and pasted, it keeps the wrong character. How to fix it: Please copy the correct link directly from your browser’s address bar (or manually replace the dash). For example, the correct working link should look like this: hidden link Once the regular hyphen is used, the URL should work properly and no longer redirect. Kind regards, Itamar
October 30, 2025 at 2:24 am #17530998
williamC-38	Thanks Itamar, we've fixed the issue. Good day!