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How to Add a WordPress Language Switcher to Your Multilingual Site

If you have a multilingual WordPress website, a language switcher is a crucial tool for providing a better user experience.

It allows visitors to select their preferred language and access content in their native language, making it easier to navigate your site and understand the information you provide. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to add a WordPress language selector to your site, and discuss the different options available.

How to Add a WordPress Language Switcher to Your Multilingual Site
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What is a WordPress Language Switcher?

How to Add a Language Switcher to Your WordPress Website

WordPress supports multiple language and adding a language switcher to your WordPress website is easy, and there are many different plugins available that can help you do it. 

Here’s how to add a language switcher to your site:

Choose a language switcher plugin

There are many different language switcher plugins available for WordPress. Some of the most popular multilingual WordPress plugins include WPML, Translatepress, and Weglot. Each plugin has its own features and benefits, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs.

Install the plugin

Once you’ve chosen a language switcher plugin, you’ll need to install it on your WordPress admin website. You can do this by going to the WordPress dashboard, selecting Plugins, and then clicking on Add New. From there, you can search for the plugin you want to install and click on Install Now.

Configure the plugin

After you’ve installed the language switcher plugin, you’ll need to configure it to work with your WordPress website. This will typically involve selecting the new languages you want to support and configuring how the language switcher will be displayed on your site with language flags or floating language codes.

Add the language switcher to your site

Once you’ve configured the language switcher plugin, you’ll need to add the language switcher to your WordPress theme website. Depending on the plugin you’ve chosen, this may involve adding a language switcher widget to your site, or adding a menu item that displays the language switcher.

Popular Language Switcher Plugins for WordPress Multilingual Website

Once you’ve configured the language switcher plugin, you’ll need to add the language switcher to your WordPress theme website. Depending on the plugin you’ve chosen, this may involve adding a language switcher widget to your site, or adding a menu item that displays the language switcher.

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Best WordPress Translation Plugin for Content Sites

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WPML

WPML is one of the most popular multilingual plugins for WordPress. 

It lets you translate your WordPress website into multiple languages, and comes with a built-in language switcher that you can add to your site. WPML supports over 40 languages, and lets you translate your theme or plugin strings, as well as your content.
Weglot

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Weglot

Weglot is a simple WordPress translation plugin that lets you add a language switcher to your site. It supports over 100 languages, and automatically translates your content into your visitors’ preferred language. 

Weglot language switcher is easy to use, and lets you translate your site without having to create separate language versions.
Translatepress

WordPress translation plugin that anyone can use

Try Translatepress Free

Weglot

Weglot is a simple WordPress translation plugin that lets you add a language switcher to your site. It supports over 100 languages, and automatically translates your content into your visitors’ preferred language. Weglot is easy to use, and lets you translate your site without having to create separate language versions.

Tips for Adding a Language Switcher to Your WordPress Site

Here some tips for adding a language switcher to your WordPress site:

  • Choose a plugin: There are several plugins available that can help you add a language switcher to your WordPress site. Some of the most popular options include WPML, Polylang, and Weglot. Make sure to choose a plugin that is compatible with your WordPress version and theme.
  • Decide where to place the language switcher: You can add the language switcher to various locations on your site, such as the header, footer, or sidebar. You can also add it as a widget or a menu item. Choose a location that is easy to find and accessible to your visitors.
  • Select the languages you want to add: The language switcher plugin will allow you to add multiple languages to your site. Decide which languages you want to add based on your target audience and the regions you want to reach.
  • Customize the language switcher: You can customize the language switcher to match the design of your site. You can change the color, style, and placement of the language switcher. Some plugins also allow you to add custom flags or language names.
  • Test the language switcher: After adding the language switcher, make sure to test it to ensure that it works correctly. Check that visitors can switch between languages without any issues and that the content is displayed correctly in the chosen language.

Conclusion Adding a WordPress Language Switcher to your Site

Adding a language switcher to your WordPress site is essential if you want to reach a multilingual audience. It allows visitors to select their preferred language and view your content in their native language. 

There are several plugins available that can help you add a language switcher to your site, including WPML, Polylang, and Weglot.

Make sure to choose a plugin that is compatible with your WordPress version and theme and customize it to match the design of your site. 

Test the language switcher to ensure that it works correctly and provides a smooth user experience for your visitors.

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