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When using WooCommerce on WordPress, various issues can arise due to plugin conflicts, misconfigurations, or server-related problems. Below are some common WooCommerce troubleshooting scenarios and their solutions.
1. WooCommerce Not Installing or Activating
Issue:
- Plugin fails to install or activate.
- Error: “Installation failed: Could not create directory” or “Plugin activation failed.”
Possible Causes & Solutions
Check PHP Version: WooCommerce requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Update from your hosting panel.
Increase PHP Memory Limit: Add the following to wp-config.php:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');File Permission Issues: Ensure WordPress directories have correct permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files).
2. WooCommerce Pages Not Loading or 404 Errors
Issue:
- “Page Not Found” error on Shop, Cart, Checkout, or My Account pages.
- WooCommerce pages not displaying properly.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Regenerate WooCommerce Pages:
- Go to WooCommerce → Status → Tools → Create Pages and click Regenerate Pages.
Flush Permalinks:
- Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes (without making any changes).
Check Theme Compatibility:
- Switch to a default theme (e.g., Storefront or Twenty Twenty-One) and check if the issue persists.
3. Checkout Page Not Working
Issue:
- Clicking “Proceed to Checkout” doesn’t work.
- Page refreshes without progressing.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Enable Debugging:
- Add this to wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);- Check wp-content/debug.log for errors.
Check SSL Settings:
- Ensure HTTPS is enabled for the checkout page.
- Go to Settings → General and check if WordPress URL uses https://.
Disable Conflicting Plugins:
- Temporarily deactivate plugins like cache, security, or optimization plugins and test checkout again.
Test Payment Gateways:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Payments and ensure payment methods are correctly configured.
4. Products Not Showing on Shop Page
Issue:
- Products do not appear on the shop page.
- Blank or empty shop page.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Check Product Status:
- Ensure products are Published, not in Draft or Pending Review.
Set Correct Shop Page:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Products → Shop Page and set it to the correct page.
Clear Cache:
- Disable cache plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache) and check again.
Check Theme Compatibility:
- Test with a default theme (Storefront, Twenty Twenty-One).
5. WooCommerce Emails Not Sending
Issue:
- Order confirmation or customer emails are not sent.
- Admin not receiving new order emails.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Check WooCommerce Email Settings:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Emails.
- Ensure email notifications are enabled.
Use SMTP Plugin:
- Install WP Mail SMTP and configure it with Gmail SMTP, SendGrid, or Mailgun.
Check Spam Folder:
- Sometimes emails land in spam due to incorrect settings.
Test Email Functionality:
- Go to WooCommerce → Status → Tools and click Email Test.
6. WooCommerce Slow Performance
Issue:
- Slow product pages, checkout delays, or admin panel lagging.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Enable Caching:
- Use a caching plugin like LiteSpeed Cache or WP Rocket (but exclude cart & checkout pages).
Optimize Database:
- Use WP-Optimize to clean up unnecessary data.
Use a CDN:
- Cloudflare or BunnyCDN can speed up product images and pages.
Upgrade Hosting Plan:
- WooCommerce requires better server resources, so consider upgrading to VPS or managed hosting.
7. WooCommerce Payment Issues
Issue:
- Payment gateways not working.
- Customers unable to complete payments.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Check API Keys:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Payments → [Payment Gateway] and verify API keys.
Enable Logging for Payments:
- In the same payment settings, enable Debug Mode and check logs in WooCommerce → Status → Logs.
Test with Sandbox Mode:
- If using PayPal/Stripe, enable Test Mode to check if payments work in a sandbox environment.
Check for Plugin Conflicts:
- Deactivate unnecessary plugins and test payment again.
8. WooCommerce Cart Issues
Issue:
- Cart is not updating or emptying properly.
- Customers unable to add/remove items.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Disable AJAX Add to Cart:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Products and disable AJAX cart options.
Check Theme Compatibility:
- Use a default theme to see if the cart works.
Exclude Cart from Caching:
- In caching plugins, exclude:
/cart/
/checkout/
/my-account/- Clear cache and test again.
9. WooCommerce Orders Stuck in “Pending Payment”
Issue:
- Orders remain in “Pending Payment” status even after successful transactions.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Check Payment Gateway Logs:
- Go to WooCommerce → Status → Logs and review payment logs.
Enable Webhooks:
- For Stripe or PayPal, ensure webhooks are properly configured in WooCommerce → Settings → Payments → Webhooks.
Manually Change Order Status:
- Go to WooCommerce → Orders, open an order, and update the status manually.
10. WooCommerce Database Update Stuck
Issue:
- WooCommerce asks for a database update but gets stuck.
Possible Causes & Solutions
Manually Trigger Update:
- Go to WooCommerce → Status → Tools → Update Database.
Disable Plugins & Retry:
- Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce and try updating again.
Use WP-CLI:
- If you have SSH access, run:
wp wc updateFinal Thoughts
Troubleshooting WooCommerce requires a step-by-step approach. If issues persist, check WooCommerce logs, error logs, and hosting limitations. If nothing works, you can reach out to WooCommerce support or restore a backup before making major changes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)
