Hi, @binarywc.
Thanks for reaching out to us. If I’m understanding correctly, you are using WP’s native search functionality, as the free version of Elementor does not include the capability of creating a search results template (note that the Elementor search results feature is also based on WP’s native functionality). However, you are encountering an issue with the search results not going beyond the first page.
The issue with the WordPress search pagination, where clicking the “next” link refreshes the first page, can be caused by several factors. Here are some potential reasons and solutions:
1. Permalink Structure
- Improper permalink settings can cause pagination issues. Go to Settings > Permalinks and click “Save Changes” without making any changes. This action refreshes your permalink settings and can sometimes resolve pagination issues.
2. Query Parameters and URL Rewriting
- Ensure that your theme or any custom code is not altering the query parameters or URL structure improperly.
3. Conflict with Theme or Plugins
- Conflicts between the theme or other plugins, including Elementor, can cause this issue. Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) and disable all plugins except Elementor. Check if the issue persists. If it resolves, reactivate your theme and plugins one by one to identify the conflict.
4. Custom Functions in functions.php
- Review any custom code in your
functions.php
for anything related to search or pagination and temporarily comment it out to test.
5. Search Form Customizations
- If you have customized your search form or the search query, ensure that they are correctly handling pagination parameters (e.g.,
paged
query variable).
6. JavaScript Errors
- Check your browser’s developer console for JavaScript errors and resolve any issues found.
7. Use Debugging Tools
- Enable WP_DEBUG in your
wp-config.php
file to log errors that might indicate what is breaking pagination.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards.