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.