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How can I solve the problem of not being able to switch languages after redirecting to a different language version on my Webflow site?

TL;DR
  • Review your language setup (manual or third-party) to identify where conflicts occur.
  • Ensure auto-redirects only fire once and preserve user-selected language using cookies or localStorage.
  • Verify URL paths are correct and language switchers direct to the full corresponding localized URLs.
  • Audit custom code or integrations (e.g., Weglot) for misconfigurations and conflicts.
  • Check Webflow hosting redirect rules that may override language selection.
  • Test switching behavior on the live site, not preview, and clear caches or disable aggressive redirects during testing.

If your Webflow site doesn't switch languages properly after a redirect, it's likely due to improper handling of language-specific URLs or scripts. Here's how to troubleshoot and fix this issue.

1. Understand How Your Language Switching Works

  • Manual setup: Are you using Webflow’s native structure (e.g., separate folders for each language like /en, /es)?
  • Third-party tools: Are you using language management tools like Weglot or custom JavaScript-based solutions?
  • This will determine where the conflict is happening—either in site structure, custom code, or a tool configuration.

2. Check Redirect Logic

  • If you’re using auto-redirects based on browser language, ensure this only triggers on the first visit or under specific conditions.
  • Repeated automatic redirects may override manual language switching.
  • In JavaScript-based setups, make sure there’s a cookie or localStorage flag that disables auto-redirection after the initial redirect.

3. Verify URL Structures

  • Ensure each language version exists on a unique URL path (e.g., /en/, /fr/).
  • Language switcher buttons or dropdowns should link to the proper full path (e.g., /fr/about when switching French on the About page).
  • If links aren’t properly structured, users may get redirected back to the default language or broken pages.

4. Inspect Custom Code or Third-Party Integrations

  • If using custom JS language switchers, check that the script updates the URL and reloads the correct page.
  • If using Weglot, check:
  • The API key is valid.
  • The correct domain and language rules are set in your Weglot dashboard.
  • No conflicting scripts override Weglot’s logic.

5. Disable Conflicting Page Redirects

  • In Webflow Project Settings > Hosting, check for any custom redirect rules that may unintentionally force users back to a default language.
  • For example, avoid rules like /*/en/* unless you implement logic to handle switches properly afterward.

6. Check Published Site Behavior

  • Webflow’s preview mode might not reflect actual redirects. Always test published pages on the live domain to validate redirect and switch behavior.

7. Clear Caching or Disable Aggressive Redirects

  • Browser cache or persistent language preferences may block real-time switching.
  • Clear cookies, test in incognito windows, or disable automatic redirects to verify the issue isn't client-side.

Summary

Language switching issues post-redirect in Webflow are usually due to auto-redirect logic, incorrect URL structures, misconfigured switchers, or third-party tool conflicts. Audit your redirect settings, verify language-specific URLs, and ensure any logic used respects user-initiated switches across sessions.

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