Fix TCR Code 1004: Website Translation Failed - MyTCRPlus
1004

Website Translation Failed

MEDIUM PRIORITY
8% Rejection Rate
1-2 hours Avg Fix Time
98% Success Rate
⚠️

Why This Rejection Happens

The carrier vetting partner attempted to review your website but could not translate the content into English to verify your brand identity and compliance. Carriers require that all brands be verifiable in English, or that the website includes a functional translation toggle.

Common Triggers: Website in foreign language only, broken translation widget, text embedded in images (cannot be translated).

Root Cause Analysis

Regulatory Framework: CTIA Messaging Principles & Best Practices / Carrier Brand Registration Policies

Primary Triggers

  • No English Option: The website defaults to a non-English language and lacks a visible language switcher (e.g., flag icon or dropdown).
  • Incompatible Framework: The website structure prevents browser-based auto-translation tools (like Google Translate or Chrome built-in translate) from functioning correctly.
  • Image-Based Text: Critical compliance text (Privacy Policy, Terms) is saved as an image file rather than HTML text, making it impossible for translation software to read.

Required Elements

Element Requirement Rationale
Language Toggle Visible header/footer widget Allows the vetting agent to manually switch content to English.
Text Format HTML Text (not images) Ensures automated translation tools can parse and translate the content.
Legal Docs English Version Available Privacy Policy and Terms must be reviewable for compliance clauses.

Step-by-Step Remediation

1

Install or Repair Language Switcher

If your primary audience is non-English speaking, you must provide a way for English-speaking auditors to verify your site. Add a prominent language switcher in the header or footer.

✓ Compliant Example

<!-- Google Translate Widget -->
<div id="google_translate_element"></div>
<script>
function googleTranslateElementInit() {
  new google.translate.TranslateElement(
    {pageLanguage: 'es'}, 
    'google_translate_element'
  );
}
</script>

✗ Non-Compliant Example

<!-- Hardcoded Spanish Text Only -->
<h1>Bienvenido a nuestra tienda</h1>
<!-- No widget or link to English version -->
2

Verify Legal Documents are Translatable

Ensure your Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions are live text, not PDFs or images. If you link to a PDF, ensure the PDF is in English or has an English version available.

⚠️ Critical Mistake: Do not use a landing page builder that saves your entire text block as a PNG or JPG. Vetting bots and translation plugins cannot read text inside images.
3

Test Browser Translation

Open your website in a Chrome Incognito window. Right-click anywhere on the page and select "Translate to English." If this fails or results in gibberish, the carrier will reject the campaign.

Carrier-Specific Requirements

All Carriers (Standard)

  • Brand identity must be verifiable in English.
  • Opt-in language and Privacy Policy must be accessible and readable in English for audit purposes, even if the messaging campaign is in another language.

MyTCRPlus Tools That Can Help

Website Validator

Scans your website for common structural issues that prevent verification, including translation accessibility.

Use This Tool →

Brand Consistency Checker

Ensures your registered brand name matches the translated content on your website.

Use This Tool →

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

  • A visible language toggle (English) is available in the header or footer.
  • The Privacy Policy page translates correctly into English.
  • The Terms & Conditions page translates correctly into English.
  • Text is rendered as HTML, not images.
  • Browser-based "Translate to English" functions work without errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Relying on User Agent Detection

Do not auto-redirect users based on IP address without giving them a choice. If the reviewer is using a VPN or proxy that simulates a non-English region, they may be locked into that language if you don't provide a manual toggle.

❌ PDF-Only Policies

Linking to a PDF Privacy Policy in a foreign language is a guaranteed rejection. PDFs often do not translate automatically in browser viewers.

Expected Timeline

1-2 Hours
Implementation Time
3-5 Days
Resubmission Review
98%
Success Rate After Fix