What is the wp-wpml_current_language cookie?
wp-wpml_current_language is a first-party HTTP cookie set by the WPML plugin when it is active on a multilingual WordPress website. WPML is one of the most widely used multilingual plugins for WordPress, developed by OnTheGoSystems.
The cookie is typically created on a visitor's first visit, or as soon as a language is chosen or detected, and it is refreshed each time the visitor browses in the same language.
What data it stores
The cookie stores the code of the language currently displayed to the visitor (for example "en", "ro", or a similar code used internally by WPML for the languages configured on the site). It does not contain personally identifiable data such as a name, email address, or IP address.
The value is read and written locally by the site (front-end/WordPress) and is not sent to external WPML servers or third parties — it stays strictly within the communication between the visitor's browser and the site's own domain.
What it is used for
The purpose of this cookie is purely functional: it lets the site remember the visitor's chosen language so they don't have to reselect it on every page or when returning within the same extended session (up to 1 day).
For site owners, this cookie improves the user experience on multilingual sites and reduces confusion around language switching. It plays no role in analytics or advertising.
Does it require consent?
In CookieFix's classification, this cookie falls under the preferences (functional) category. Preference cookies are not strictly necessary for the site's core technical operation, but they support a personalization feature users generally expect.
- Under the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC), transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004, and under the GDPR, preference cookies generally require prior visitor consent.
- The site owner must disclose it explicitly in the cookie policy, including provider, purpose, and duration.
- Consent must be obtained before the cookie is placed, not just disclosed after the fact.
How to block or delete wp-wpml_current_language
A visitor can delete or block this cookie at any time from their browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), through per-site cookie management options, or by using private/incognito browsing.
For site owners, the most practical way to comply is using a CMP such as CookieFix, which automatically blocks WPML-related preference scripts until the visitor gives consent through the cookie banner, preventing the cookie from being set prematurely.
Frequently asked questions
It remembers the language a visitor selected on a WordPress site running the WPML plugin, so they don't need to choose it again on every page.
No, it is classified as a preferences (functional) cookie, so it requires visitor consent under GDPR and ePrivacy, unlike strictly necessary cookies.
Its typical duration is 1 day, after which it is renewed if the visitor keeps browsing or returns to the site.
Yes, any site using WPML and this cookie must list it in its cookie policy, including provider, purpose, category, and duration.