When WooCommerce checkout is not working, the cause is usually a payment gateway setting (test mode, wrong keys, currency not supported), caching of the cart or checkout pages, a plugin or theme conflict with the checkout scripts, or a server error during the order request. Place a test order while watching the browser console, check WooCommerce, Status, Logs for gateway errors, exclude cart and checkout from caching, and test with other plugins disabled on a staging copy.
- Every failed checkout is lost revenue: test checkout weekly.
- Gateway logs in WooCommerce, Status, Logs show most payment errors.
- Cart, checkout and my-account pages must never be cached.
- JavaScript optimisation can break checkout scripts.
- Test after every WooCommerce, theme or gateway update.
What are the common checkout problems and their causes?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Place Order button spins forever | JavaScript error or AJAX blocked | Check console; exclude checkout from JS delay and combine |
| “There was an error processing your order” | Gateway rejection or server error | Read gateway log; check API keys and mode |
| Payment method missing | Currency, country or minimum amount rules | Check gateway settings and store currency |
| Cart empties or shows wrong totals | Page caching or CDN caching cart | Exclude cart, checkout, my-account and cart cookies |
| Paid but order stays pending | Webhook or IPN not reaching the site | Check webhook URL, firewall, SSL |
| Shipping options not showing | Shipping zones or address fields | Review zones, methods and required fields |
| Checkout broke after update | Theme template or plugin incompatibility | Check WooCommerce, Status for outdated templates; roll back |
How do you troubleshoot step by step?
- Reproduce it in a private window with a real product and a test payment.
- Open the browser console and network tab while clicking Place Order.
- Read logs: WooCommerce, Status, Logs, plus the server error log or WP_DEBUG_LOG.
- Check gateway settings: live versus test mode, keys, webhook URL, supported currency.
- Exclude WooCommerce pages from caching and JS optimisation.
- Test for conflicts on staging: default theme and only WooCommerce plus the gateway active.
- Check WooCommerce, Status for outdated theme template overrides.
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What about local gateways like bKash and SSLCommerz?
Picture a Dhaka fashion store that added SSLCommerz. Card payments worked, but mobile banking orders stayed pending. The payment page succeeded, yet the IPN (instant payment notification) from the gateway was blocked by a security plugin, so WooCommerce never heard the order was paid. Allowing the IPN URL fixed it. With local gateways, always check the store currency is BDT where required, the IPN or callback URL is reachable over HTTPS and the merchant panel has the correct site URL.
How do you prevent checkout failures?
- Run a real test order after every update.
- Use a staging site for WooCommerce and theme updates.
- Keep only one payment plugin per gateway.
- Monitor failed and pending orders daily.
- Keep SSL valid and renew it automatically.
For setup guidance see WooCommerce payment setup and building an ecommerce site in Bangladesh with bKash.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my WooCommerce checkout not working?
Common causes are payment gateway settings, caching of cart and checkout pages, JavaScript optimisation, plugin or theme conflicts and server errors.
Why do WooCommerce orders stay pending after payment?
Usually the gateway webhook or IPN cannot reach your site, often because of a firewall, security plugin or SSL issue.
Should I cache the WooCommerce checkout page?
No. Cart, checkout and my-account pages must be excluded from page caching and CDN caching.
Where can I see WooCommerce payment errors?
In WooCommerce, Status, Logs, where gateway plugins write their error logs, and in the server error log.
Sources
WooCommerce stores with payments, shipping, fast product pages and tracking, built and tested for you. Websites from $899.
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Tanvir H is a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience, 650+ projects and a 4.9 client rating. New websites, redesigns, fixes, speed, security and SEO, handled by one expert who explains everything in plain English and works with clients worldwide.
