🔧 Troubleshooting: DeepL (Web App)

Common problems when using the free DeepL translator in a browser, and how to solve them.

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1) I can’t log in

Cause: Wrong password or using Google/Apple login without linking it to a DeepL account.
Fix:
- Reset your password at https://www.deepl.com/account/reset-password.
- If you usually log in with Google or Apple, make sure to click the matching button on the login screen.

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2) My file won’t upload

Cause: DeepL free supports only Word (.docx) and PowerPoint (.pptx).
Fix:
- Convert your file to .docx or .pptx before uploading.
- For PDFs, use another tool to convert to Word first.

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3) The file is too large

Cause: Free accounts have a size limit per document.
Fix:
- Split the document into smaller sections.
- Translate each separately.
- Or upgrade to a paid plan for higher limits.

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4) Glossary doesn’t apply

Cause: Glossaries work only for supported language pairs (e.g., EN–DE, EN–FR).
Fix:
- Check that your source/target pair supports glossaries.
- Make sure you’re logged in, since glossaries are linked to your account.
- Free accounts allow only 10 entries — delete one if the glossary is full.

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5) The translation is missing formatting

Cause: DeepL sometimes strips complex formatting.
Fix:
- Simplify the original file before uploading.
- Reapply formatting manually after translation.

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Last updated: 3 Sept 2025