WooCommerce checkout errors can cost you sales, frustrate customers, and disrupt your business. Here’s how to fix them effectively.
Step 1: Clear Cache and Test Again
Why it Matters: Cached data can interfere with the checkout process and display outdated error messages.
How to Clear Cache:
- Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache manually or use incognito mode.
- WordPress Cache: If you use plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache, clear the cache directly from the plugin settings.
- Server Cache: Some hosting providers (like Kinsta and SiteGround) offer built-in server caching. Clear it from your hosting dashboard.
Test your checkout again to see if the issue is resolved. If not, move to the next step.
Step 2: Test Payment Gateway Configuration
Incorrect payment gateway settings can block transactions.
How to Verify:
- Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
- Check if your preferred gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.) are enabled.
- Verify the API keys and credentials are correct.
- Run a test order using Sandbox Mode (if available).
Look for any error messages during the test. If payments still fail, check for gateway compatibility issues or update your plugins.
Step 3: Check for Plugin Conflicts
Conflicting plugins can break the checkout page or cause validation errors.
How to Identify Conflicts:
- Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce.
- Reactivate plugins one by one and test checkout after each activation.
- Identify which plugin causes the error.
Common Conflict Sources:
- Security plugins (like Wordfence)
- Caching plugins (like WP Rocket)
- SEO plugins (like Rank Math)
✅ Pro Tip: Use the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin for safer conflict testing without affecting live visitors.
Step 4: Review Shipping and Tax Settings
Incorrect shipping zones or tax settings can block orders from being processed.
Check These Areas:
- Shipping Zones: Ensure the customer’s location matches an active shipping zone.
- Tax Settings: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Tax and verify tax rates.
- Country Restrictions: Confirm there are no restrictions blocking the customer’s country.
Step 5: Enable Error Logging for WooCommerce
WooCommerce has a built-in error log feature to help you identify checkout issues.
How to Enable:
- Go to WooCommerce > Status > Logs.
- Choose the latest log related to checkout errors.
- Review error messages carefully.
Common Errors Include:
invalid_payment_method
required_field_missing
session_expired
Use the error codes to trace the issue and adjust settings accordingly.
Step 6: Check for Theme Conflicts
Sometimes, your WordPress theme can conflict with WooCommerce.
How to Test:
- Switch to a default theme like Storefront or Twenty Twenty-Four.
- Test the checkout process.
- If it works, the issue is with your theme.
Consider updating the theme or contacting the developer for WooCommerce compatibility fixes.
Step 7: Update WooCommerce and WordPress Core
Outdated versions can cause bugs and compatibility issues.
Steps to Update:
- Go to Dashboard > Updates and update WordPress Core.
- Update the WooCommerce plugin.
- Check for updates to extensions and payment gateways.
✅ Backup First: Always take a full site backup before updating.
Step 8: Test Checkout with a New User Account
User account issues can also disrupt checkout.
How to Test:
- Create a new WordPress user with a customer role.
- Try placing an order with the new account.
If the error disappears, the issue might be related to the customer’s account permissions or data corruption.
Step 9: Disable Custom Code Snippets
If you’ve added any custom code to your site, it could be the culprit.
How to Check:
- Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor.
- Review any modifications in the
functions.php
file. - Remove recent changes temporarily and test the checkout.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a code manager like Code Snippets to keep track of customizations without editing core files.
Step 10: Contact Hosting Support
If all else fails, your hosting environment could be the issue.
Issues Hosting Can Cause:
- SSL Certificate Problems
- Firewall Blocking Requests
- PHP Configuration Errors
Reach out to your hosting support and provide the error logs collected earlier for faster troubleshooting.
Step 11: Hire a WooCommerce Expert
If you’re still struggling with checkout errors or need faster results, consider hiring a professional WooCommerce developer. A certified expert can quickly identify conflicts, fix payment gateway issues, and ensure your checkout runs smoothly.
Hire a Certified WooCommerce Expert
Get professional help to fix checkout errors, test payment gateways, and optimise your WooCommerce store for smooth transactions. Let an expert handle it for you!
FAQs
Why is WooCommerce Checkout Not Working After an Update?
When WooCommerce updates, it can sometimes conflict with outdated themes or plugins. To fix this:
- Update all plugins and themes.
- Clear the cache.
- Roll back the update if the issue persists using a tool like WP Rollback.
How Do I Fix “Invalid Payment Method” Errors in WooCommerce?
This error often means:
- The payment gateway is misconfigured.
- API keys are missing or invalid.
- A plugin conflict is blocking the gateway.
Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments, verify credentials, and test with a default theme.
Can Caching Plugins Break WooCommerce Checkout?
Yes, aggressive caching can interfere with dynamic pages like checkout. To prevent this:
- Exclude
cart
,checkout
, andmy-account
pages from caching. - Clear your site’s cache after every update.
Why Are Shipping Options Not Showing at Checkout?
If shipping options are missing:
- Check the Shipping Zones under WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping.
- Ensure the customer’s location matches an active zone.
- Verify shipping classes and flat rates.
What Does the “Session Expired” Error Mean in WooCommerce?
The Session Expired error usually indicates:
- Browser cache issues.
- PHP session timeout settings.
- Conflicting plugins affecting sessions.
Clear the cache, test a different browser, and check the WooCommerce Status page for any errors.
Why Are Checkout Fields Not Validating?
If fields like email, phone number, or address aren’t validating:
- Check for missing fields in WooCommerce > Settings > Checkout.
- Ensure required fields are marked properly.
- Test for theme conflicts.
How Can I Test WooCommerce Checkout Without Going Live?
To test WooCommerce checkout safely:
- Enable Sandbox Mode in your payment gateway settings.
- Use Cash on Delivery as a test gateway.
- Create a staging site for testing changes without affecting live sales.
Fixing WooCommerce checkout errors can feel overwhelming, but following these steps methodically will solve most common issues. If you’re unsure or want faster results, hiring a professional can save time and ensure everything works perfectly.