Switch Language URL format

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

Problem:
The client is planning to switch their multilingual website from using different languages in directories to using different domains per language and is concerned about potential issues during this transition.
Solution:
If you're planning to switch to different domains for each language, here are the steps we recommend:
1. Ensure that all domains for each language are properly configured to point to the same WordPress installation by setting up the DNS records accordingly.
2. Make sure your server is configured to handle requests from these domains. This might involve setting up virtual hosts or adjusting server settings.
3. Update the WPML settings to reflect the new domain structure. You can do this by specifying that you're using different domains for each language in the WPML settings. For detailed guidance, visit How to use WPML with different domains per language.
4. If your site uses HTTPS, ensure you have valid SSL certificates for each domain. This may require obtaining separate certificates or a multi-domain (SAN) certificate.

While switching the option should be straightforward, adjustments might be needed. If this solution seems outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent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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Tagged: Exception

This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Mihai Apetrei 2 months, 2 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Mihai Apetrei.

Author	Posts
October 7, 2024 at 8:50 am #16259692
stefanoM-53	Background of the issue: I am working on the website hidden link, which is quite large with 95 subpages and 8 languages. We are currently using the option with different languages in directories and want to switch to using different domains per language. Symptoms: No specific issue or error message mentioned. Questions: Is there something that we have to pay attention to when switching to different domains per language? Can we simply switch the option without issues?
October 7, 2024 at 10:10 pm #16263618
Mihai Apetrei Supporter Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+02:00)	Hi there, Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand that you're planning to switch your website from using different languages in directories to using different domains per language. That's a significant change, and we're here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. When moving to different domains per language, there are a few things we can pay attention to. First, we'll need to ensure that all the domains for each language are properly configured to point to the same WordPress installation. This involves setting up the DNS records so that each domain directs to our server. We'll also want to make sure our server is set up to handle these domains correctly. Depending on our hosting environment, this might involve configuring virtual hosts or server settings to accept requests from each domain and serve the WordPress site accordingly. In WPML, we'll need to update the language settings to reflect the new domain structure. We can go to the WPML settings and specify that we're using different domains for each language, then enter the corresponding domain for each one: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/language-url-options/how-to-use-wpml-with-different-domains-per-language/ It's important to consider SSL certificates as well. If our site uses HTTPS, we'll need to have valid SSL certificates for each domain. This might mean obtaining separate certificates or using a multi-domain (SAN) certificate that covers all our domains. Switching the option should be straightforward, but there might be some adjustments needed along the way. I hope that you will find this information helpful. Mihai Apetrei