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

Problem:
The client is experiencing an issue where the backend WordPress and plugin labels change languages when switching the frontend language using WPML, despite setting the admin language to English.
Solution:
1. Verify that the 'Set admin language as editing language' option is unchecked in the WPML settings. This can prevent the admin language from changing when the frontend language is switched.
2. Ensure that the changes are made in the administrative backend, not on a frontend page. This distinction is crucial as frontend changes do not affect the backend settings.
3. For further guidance, refer to the WPML documentation on setting the WordPress administration language: Setting the WordPress Administration Language.

If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the documentation does not seem applicable, we recommend opening a new support ticket. Additionally, it's advisable to check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. For further assistance, please visit our support forum at WPML Support Forum.

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This topic contains 5 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by steveG-13 2 weeks, 5 days ago.

Assisted by: Shekhar Bhandari.

Author Posts
April 10, 2025 at 6:34 pm #16920281

steveG-13

Background of the issue:
I am trying to keep the backend WordPress and plugin labels in English when I change languages using WPML on my site hidden link. I am following the online WPML documentation.

Symptoms:
When I change languages, WPML also changes the backend WordPress and plugin labels to that language.

Questions:
How can I prevent WPML from translating the backend WordPress and plugin labels?

April 12, 2025 at 9:38 pm #16925788

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

Hello,

There is a setting in each WordPress profile inside the section "WPML Language Settings":

Editing language: Set admin language as editing language.

Could it be that this option is currently enabled on your site?

If so, please disable it and it should solve the issue.

If the option is already disabled and the issue persists, please let us know.

Best regards
Andreas

April 15, 2025 at 10:52 am #16933438

steveG-13

Sorry, but I cannot locate the setting you describe.

April 16, 2025 at 4:55 am #16936540

Shekhar Bhandari
WPML Supporter since 03/2015

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Kathmandu (GMT+05:45)

Hello there,

Can you check the documentations and see if it helps? The profile url should be like this: hidden link

https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/setting-the-wordpress-administration-language/

Look forward to your reply.

Thanks

April 16, 2025 at 11:45 am #16938403

steveG-13

I changed the admin language to English and checked the box specified. However, when the fronend language is changed to Italian, the administrative (toolbar, dashboard, etc) language also changes to Italian.

I tried going to my user profile while the site was displaying Italian and found the dropdown showed Italian (not the English I saved). I changed the dropdown to English and saved the changes. All it did is switch the site back to English. When I changed to Italian, the admin interface also changes to Italian.

Screenshot 2025-04-16 063824.jpg
Screenshot 2025-04-16 063916.jpg
April 16, 2025 at 11:46 am #16938489

Shekhar Bhandari
WPML Supporter since 03/2015

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Kathmandu (GMT+05:45)

Can you uncheck the "Set admin language as editing language" and see if it helps?

April 16, 2025 at 12:23 pm #16938687

Shekhar Bhandari
WPML Supporter since 03/2015

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Kathmandu (GMT+05:45)

Hello there,

Can you provide me the url where you can see Italian? For me it seems to be working properly on backend.

Thanks

April 16, 2025 at 12:28 pm #16938693

steveG-13

View site and click the Italian button on the right side of the main menu, or just go to:

hidden link

Screenshot 2025-04-16 072624.jpg
April 16, 2025 at 12:41 pm #16938805

Shekhar Bhandari
WPML Supporter since 03/2015

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Kathmandu (GMT+05:45)

Hello,

I understand the issue now. The page you're viewing is a front-end page, not an administrative one. Changing the language in this section can affect how other content is displayed, which is why the settings don’t apply here. If you edit the page and navigate to the dashboard, you’ll see the string displayed correctly in English.

Let me know if this helps.

Thanks!

April 16, 2025 at 12:42 pm #16938844

steveG-13

Thanks.