Translated Post still showing English in URL slug

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

Problem:
The client added custom XML configuration to the WPML settings and noticed that while the primary category translates correctly on the front end, the permalink in the backend does not update to the French version when switching languages in the Post Editor. The client is concerned about potential SEO issues and duplicate content.
Solution:
We confirmed that the primary category shown in the URL is indeed taken from the selected primary category for that language. We also verified that there are no duplicate content issues as the discrepancy only appears in the backend. Therefore, it is safe to ignore this backend behavior as it does not affect the front-end display or SEO.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, we recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 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.

This topic is split from https://wpml.org/forums/topic/primary-categroy-translation/

Tagged: Compatibility

This topic contains 5 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Kor 1 month, 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Kor.

Author	Posts
January 21, 2026 at 4:44 pm #17751493
justinK-16	Hi Kor I added the custom xml conf to the XML file in WPML settings. I then tested a post by translating it in the ATE. As you said, the translated Primary category does not appear in the Primary Category drop-down box (by SEOPress). If I click on the French version of that post - all seems good, including the URL category path in the URL bar. My only concern is that if in the Post Editor i click on the French language switcher, the permalink primary category does not switch from English to French. I'm not worried if it is just cosmetic - but can you confirm that this solution and permalink will not cause SEO issues. I don't think so because if I click on the French URL, which still contains the English primary category path (in the WP Post Editor) it goes to the French version of the post. That is fine IF IT ONLY happens in/from the backend. I attached 2 images of the post i am speaking about so you can see the permalink structure But I definitely do not want duplicate content etc Can you confirm this solution is correct and won't cause issues before we continue?
January 21, 2026 at 4:56 pm #17751541
Kor	Thanks for your reply. Regarding the URL still displaying English in the backend hidden link , we can follow up on that here. Just to clarify, the category shown in the URL is taken from the selected Primary Category for that language. Is that correct?
January 21, 2026 at 5:07 pm #17751553
justinK-16	The category shown in the French URL is the English Primary category. The permalink path should show the primary category for each respective category. It seems to work correctlyon the front end, I just want to make sure to avoid duplicate content from this URL on the backend.
January 21, 2026 at 5:14 pm #17751579
Kor	Thanks for your reply. I've checked, and there are no duplicates. If it's only showing the backend, we can safely ignore it.
January 21, 2026 at 10:03 pm #17752078
justinK-16	Ok, great i'll carry on and keep an eye on this and the other issues, and will let you know if anything is not fully solved. Thanks for your help with everything.
January 22, 2026 at 12:38 am #17752264
Kor	Thanks for your reply. Alright then, let me know how it goes.