# A translation doesn't show

_Category: Troubleshooting_

Readers see a translation only when the language is added, the translation is released and the article itself is published. Check these in order.

## The translation isn't released

This is the most common cause. A written translation stays a draft, hidden from readers, search and the widget, until you release it.

1. Open the article and click the language in the language bar above the title.
2. Turn on **Released**. You'll see "[Language] is live for readers now."

![Screen recording. In the language bar, pick the language to translate into. Type the translated title and text. Turn on Released when it is ready for readers.](https://helpcenter-io.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/self/18hOZ1J4eDIxqToTetSQ6w3eOYEnTZjYNpfNmYId.gif)
Released translations show as Live in the language bar.

- **"Add a title and some content before releasing this translation."** A translation needs both a title and text in that language.
- **Many translations waiting?** Click the gear icon, then **Localization**, and release all waiting translations of a language at once. See [Release translations and change your default language](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/manage-languages).

## The article isn't live, or your edits aren't

- **The article is a draft.** A released translation goes live together with the article when you publish it.
- **You edited a released translation.** Click **Update** to put the changes live.
- **Your help center uses staged changes** (Catalyst, in early preview). Edits to a live article, a new translation and its release included, go live when you click **Publish changes**.

## The language isn't added

Every language needs to be added under the gear icon → **Localization** → **Add a language**. The Bootstrap plan includes one language, so there **Add a language** shows **"Multiple languages are available on higher plans"** instead. Growth and Catalyst include multiple languages. See [Add a language to your help center](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/add-a-language).

## The reader is looking at another language

Each language has its own address, such as `/de/content/…` for German. In a language where the article isn't released, its address shows your not-found page, and category pages and search leave it out. Open the article's address in the language you released, or switch language with the language switcher.

## There's no language switcher

Themes include the **Language switcher** only when your help center already has more than one language. If you set up your design before you added a language, add the switcher yourself:

1. In the left menu, click **Template editor**, then **Pages**.
2. Open the **Header** region, click **Add component** and choose **Language switcher**.
3. Click **Publish**, then **Publish** again to confirm.

On your live help center, the switcher lists your default language and each language with at least one released article.

## Some text is still in your default language

- **Category names and descriptions** are translated in each category's settings.
- **Buttons and labels**, such as "Related articles", are translated under **Localization** → **Interface translations**. See [Translate buttons and labels](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/interface-translations).
- **Headings and other texts in your design** are translated in the template editor. See [Translate texts in your design](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/translate-design-texts).

## Still stuck?

Contact our support team with the article's address and the language that doesn't show. See [Contact HelpCenter.io support](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/contact-support).

## Related articles

- [Translate an article](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/translate-an-article)
- [Release translations and change your default language](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/manage-languages)
- [How readers see other languages](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/languages-for-readers)