Is your WooCommerce checkout page stuck on the loading spinner, preventing customers from completing their orders? This frustrating issue can lead to lost sales, abandoned carts, and a poor user experience. Fortunately, you can fix it with a few troubleshooting steps.

Let’s break down every possible cause and solution thoroughly so you can get your checkout working smoothly again.


Step 1: Clear Cache and Test Again

Why this matters: Cached data can disrupt dynamic elements like the WooCommerce checkout page, especially if outdated files are being loaded instead of the latest scripts.

What is Cache?

Caching temporarily stores copies of your website files to speed up loading times. However, if the cache becomes outdated, it can block essential scripts from running properly.

How to Clear Cache:

  • Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache or try accessing the checkout page in incognito mode to rule out browser-related cache issues.
  • WordPress Cache: If you use plugins like WP Rocket, LiteSpeed Cache, or W3 Total Cache, clear the cache directly from the plugin settings.
  • Server Cache: Some web hosts offer server-level caching (e.g., Kinsta, SiteGround). Clear the cache from your hosting control panel.

Test the Checkout: After clearing all caches, refresh your checkout page and try placing a test order to see if the spinner issue is resolved.


Step 2: Disable Conflict-Causing Plugins

Why this matters: Plugins can interfere with each other, especially if they modify how scripts load on the checkout page.

How Plugin Conflicts Occur:

  • Some plugins modify the checkout page behavior or override default WooCommerce scripts.
  • Security, optimization, or payment gateway plugins can prevent checkout scripts from loading properly.

How to Test for Plugin Conflicts:

  1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  2. Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce.
  3. Test the checkout page to see if the spinner issue resolves.
  4. Reactivate plugins one by one and test after each reactivation.

Common Plugins Known to Cause Checkout Issues:

  • Caching Plugins: WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache
  • Security Plugins: Wordfence, iThemes Security
  • Payment Plugins: Old versions of Stripe, PayPal plugins

Pro Tip: Use the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin to run conflict tests in a secure troubleshooting mode without affecting your live site.


Step 3: Switch to a Default Theme

Why this matters: Some themes include custom WooCommerce modifications that might conflict with the default checkout scripts.

How to Test with a Default Theme:

  1. Go to Appearance > Themes.
  2. Activate the default Storefront theme or Twenty Twenty-Four.
  3. Refresh your checkout page and see if the spinner issue persists.

What to Do If the Theme Is the Problem:

  • Check for a theme update that might resolve the issue.
  • Contact the theme developer for WooCommerce compatibility fixes.
  • Consider switching to a WooCommerce-optimized theme like Storefront or GeneratePress.

✅ If the default theme works fine, the issue is with your current theme.


Step 4: Enable AJAX Checkout in WooCommerce

Why this matters: WooCommerce uses AJAX for dynamic interactions on the checkout page. If disabled, the loading spinner can get stuck because essential scripts fail to load.

What Is AJAX?

AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) allows parts of the page to load data without refreshing the entire page. WooCommerce uses it for:

  • Real-time order validation
  • Dynamic shipping and tax calculations
  • Live payment processing feedback

How to Enable AJAX Checkout:

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced > Page Setup.
  2. Verify the Cart and Checkout pages are correctly assigned.
  3. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Products.
  4. Ensure Enable AJAX Add to Cart is checked.

✅ Refresh the checkout page and test if the loading spinner issue is resolved.


Step 5: Verify Payment Gateway Settings

Why this matters: If your payment gateway isn’t configured properly, it can block the checkout process, causing it to get stuck.

Common Payment Gateway Errors:

  • Invalid API Keys: Check that your PayPal, Stripe, or other gateway API keys are accurate.
  • Incomplete Setup: Ensure all necessary fields in the payment gateway settings are filled correctly.
  • Outdated Plugins: An old version of the payment plugin can disrupt the checkout process.

How to Verify Payment Settings:

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
  2. Select the active payment gateway you’re using.
  3. Verify the API keys, client IDs, and secret keys.

Pro Tip: Run a test order using Cash on Delivery to see if the payment gateway is causing the issue.


Step 6: Enable Debugging in WooCommerce

Why this matters: Debug mode helps identify checkout errors by logging error messages that might not be visible on the frontend.

How to Enable Debug Mode:

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
  2. Select the payment gateway you’re testing.
  3. Enable Debug Mode for the gateway.

How to Access Error Logs:

  • Go to WooCommerce > Status > Logs.
  • Select the most recent log file related to checkout issues.

✅ Look for messages like AJAX failure or payment error to identify the root cause.


Step 7: Update WooCommerce and WordPress Core

Why this matters: Outdated versions of WooCommerce or WordPress can break compatibility with newer plugins and cause checkout issues.

How to Update WooCommerce and WordPress:

  1. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
  2. Check for available updates for WooCommerce, WordPress Core, and your plugins.
  3. Update them one by one.

Backup Your Site: Always create a backup before updating core files and plugins to avoid data loss.


Step 8: Inspect Browser Console for Errors

Why this matters: Browser console errors can reveal JavaScript conflicts causing the checkout spinner to freeze.

How to Check for Errors:

  1. Open your checkout page in Google Chrome.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + J (Windows) or Cmd + Option + J (Mac).
  3. Look for errors marked in red under the Console Tab.

Common Errors to Watch For:

  • Uncaught ReferenceError – Missing JavaScript files.
  • Failed to Load Resource – Blocking payment gateway scripts.

✅ If errors appear, they may point to a specific plugin or theme conflict.


Step 9: Restore WooCommerce Checkout Pages

If your checkout page was accidentally deleted or misconfigured, it can lead to checkout failures.

How to Restore Checkout Pages:

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Status > Tools.
  2. Locate the Create Default WooCommerce Pages section.
  3. Click Create Pages to regenerate the default checkout and cart pages.

Important: Ensure the correct pages are assigned under WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced.


Step 10: Hire a WooCommerce Expert for Checkout Troubleshooting

If you’re still struggling with a frozen WooCommerce checkout, professional help can save you time and prevent lost sales. Certified WordPress experts can diagnose and fix advanced checkout issues, ensuring smooth transactions for your customers.

Need Expert Help Fixing Your WooCommerce Checkout?

Hire a certified WooCommerce expert to troubleshoot and fix checkout loading issues, optimize payment gateways, and ensure smooth order processing.

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By following these steps, you should be able to fix the WooCommerce checkout stuck on loading spinner error and get your store back to processing orders smoothly. If the issue persists, seeking professional help can be a worthwhile investment for your business continuity.