How to Remove the “Buy Now” Button in WooCommerce Stripe (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
So, you’re running a WooCommerce store with Stripe and want to ditch that pesky “Buy Now” button? Maybe you’re transitioning to a subscription model, offering only rentals, or simply want to streamline the checkout process through a different approach. Whatever your reason, removing the “Buy Now” button from your WooCommerce Stripe integration is entirely possible. This guide will walk you through several methods, tailored for beginners, ensuring you can achieve your desired look without breaking your site.
Why Remove the “Buy Now” Button Anyway?
Before we dive in, let’s understand *why* someone would want to remove this button:
- Subscription Models: If you primarily offer subscriptions, a direct “Buy Now” button might be misleading. You want customers to choose their subscription plan and then proceed. Imagine Netflix having a “Buy Now” button next to each movie – it wouldn’t make sense!
- Rentals or Services: Similar to subscriptions, rental services or appointment bookings require a different flow than a simple product purchase. The “Buy Now” button implies immediate ownership, which isn’t the case.
- Custom Checkout Flows: Perhaps you’ve designed a unique checkout experience using custom code or a plugin. The standard “Buy Now” button might interfere with your intended user journey.
- Wholesale Only: You might only sell to approved wholesalers, requiring a more complex approval process *before* purchase.
- Simplification: Sometimes less is more. You might want a cleaner product page, focusing on other call-to-actions.
Method 1: CSS Styling (The Quick & Dirty Solution)
This method is the simplest, but it’s also the least robust. It *hides* the button using CSS, but the underlying functionality is still there. If a user is savvy, they might still find a way to trigger the “Buy Now” action. Think of it as putting tape over a light switch – the light’s still there, just less accessible.
Steps:
1. Identify the CSS Class or ID: Use your browser’s developer tools (right-click on the button and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element”). Look for the CSS class or ID associated with the “Buy Now” button. It often includes words like “stripe,” “buynow,” or the specific Stripe gateway name.
2. Add Custom CSS: Go to Appearance -> Customize -> Additional CSS in your WordPress dashboard.
3. Write the CSS Rule: Use the following CSS rule, replacing `your-button-class` with the actual class you found in step 1:
.your-button-class {
display: none !important;
}
Example: If the button’s class is `stripe-buy-now-button`, the CSS would be:
.stripe-buy-now-button {
display: none !important;
}
4. Publish: Click “Publish” to save your changes.
Why use `!important`? It forces your CSS rule to override any other conflicting styles, ensuring the button is hidden.
Reasoning: CSS is a style language for websites. The `display: none;` property hides an element. This approach is quick, but it’s purely cosmetic.
Method 2: Using WooCommerce Hooks (The More Technical Approach)
This method involves using WooCommerce hooks, which are like “entry points” where you can add or modify existing functionality. This is a more reliable solution, but it requires a bit of code. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down!
Steps:
1. Find the Relevant Hook: WooCommerce provides hooks that allow you to modify button behavior. A commonly used hook for modifying buttons on product pages is `woocommerce_after_add_to_cart_button`. However, the *exact* hook you need might vary depending on the specific Stripe plugin you’re using. Consult the Stripe plugin’s documentation or support for the correct hook.
2. Add the Code to `functions.php` (or a Code Snippets Plugin):
Important: Directly editing your theme’s `functions.php` file is risky! If something goes wrong, your entire site could break. Use a child theme or a code snippets plugin instead. A popular and reliable code snippets plugin is “Code Snippets.”
Here’s an example using a hypothetical hook. You’ll need to replace `your_button_removal_function` and the hook name if your plugin uses a different one.
<?php /**
// Alternatively, you could unhook globally but this could have unintended consequences on other Stripe features
// remove_action( ‘woocommerce_single_product_summary’, ‘WC_Stripe::stripe_single_payment’, 31 ); // Check the function name, priority and hook name
?>
3. Test Thoroughly: After adding the code, clear your website cache and test the product pages to ensure the “Buy Now” button is gone and that your other checkout processes are still working correctly.
Explanation:
- `add_action( ‘init’, ‘your_button_removal_function’ );`: This tells WordPress to run the `your_button_removal_function` function after the WordPress environment is loaded. The `’init’` hook is a good place for this kind of modification.
- `remove_action( ‘woocommerce_after_add_to_cart_button’, ‘stripe_add_buy_now_button’, 10 );`: This line is the key. It *removes* the action that adds the “Buy Now” button. You need to know the correct hook name (`woocommerce_after_add_to_cart_button`) and the function name responsible for adding the button (`stripe_add_buy_now_button`). These will vary depending on the Stripe plugin you’re using. The `10` is the priority of the action, and it needs to match the original action’s priority.
- Important: You need to identify the correct hook and the function adding the button. Inspect the Stripe plugin’s code, or contact their support. Look for actions related to “single product summary” or “add to cart button”.
Reasoning: Hooks are a powerful way to modify WooCommerce’s behavior without directly editing core files. `remove_action()` takes an existing action and prevents it from running.
Real-Life Example:
Let’s say your Stripe plugin’s documentation reveals that the “Buy Now” button is added using the hook `woocommerce_single_product_summary` and the function `stripe_add_buy_now`. Your code would look like this:
Method 3: Plugin Settings (The Easiest, If Available)
Some Stripe plugins offer a simple setting directly within the plugin options to disable the “Buy Now” button. This is the easiest solution if available.
Steps:
1. Navigate to your WooCommerce Stripe Plugin Settings: Look for a section within your WordPress dashboard related to your WooCommerce Stripe payment gateway. It might be under WooCommerce -> Settings -> Payments, or under a separate menu item.
2. Search for a “Buy Now” Button Setting: Carefully review all the settings within the Stripe plugin options. Look for anything specifically related to the “Buy Now” button or similar functionality.
3. Disable the Option and Save: If you find a setting to disable the button, disable it and save your changes.
Example: Some Stripe plugins have a simple checkbox labeled “Enable Buy Now Button” or “Show Express Checkout Options.” Unchecking this box will remove the button.
Reasoning: Developers of Stripe plugin realize the need for flexibility and create features in admin setting for easy removal of features.
Important Considerations:
- Testing: Always test your changes on a staging site before making them live on your production website. This prevents disrupting your customers’ experience.
- Caching: Clear your website’s cache after making changes to ensure the updated version is displayed.
- Plugin Updates: Be aware that updating your Stripe plugin could potentially re-enable the “Buy Now” button if the plugin is significantly updated. You might need to reapply your changes after an update.
- Stripe Plugin Documentation: The documentation of the particular WooCommerce Stripe plugin you are using is key. It will often list the hook and function names needed for Method 2.
Conclusion:
Removing the “Buy Now” button from your WooCommerce Stripe integration can be done using CSS, WooCommerce hooks, or directly through plugin settings. Choose the method that best suits your technical skill level and your website’s specific needs. Remember to always test your changes and consult your Stripe plugin’s documentation for the most accurate information. Good luck!
