# How to Remove the Shopping Cart Icon in WordPress WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’ve built a beautiful WooCommerce store, Read more about How To Get Total Woocommerce Orders but that little shopping cart icon is just not fitting your design aesthetic? Or maybe you’re using a different method for displaying cart information? Whatever the reason, removing the WooCommerce cart icon is easier than you think. This guide will show you how, even if you’re a complete beginner to WordPress and coding.
Understanding the Problem: Why Remove the Cart Icon?
Imagine you’re running an online boutique selling handcrafted jewelry. Your website design is minimalist and elegant, focusing on high-quality images of your products. That standard WooCommerce cart icon, with its Discover insights on How To Change Woocommerce Product Image Size often-generic look, clashes with your overall brand identity. Removing the cart icon allows you to create a more cohesive and visually appealing experience for your customers. Another reason might be that you are using a different method of displaying the cart, such as a custom-built cart widget or a mini-cart integrated within your header. Removing the default cart icon avoids redundancy and confusion.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (The Easiest Way)
The simplest method for removing the WooCommerce cart icon is using a plugin. Many free and premium plugins offer this functionality, often bundled with other customization options. This approach is ideal for beginners, requiring no coding knowledge.
- Find a Suitable Plugin: Search the WordPress plugin directory for “WooCommerce cart removal” or “WooCommerce header customization”. Look for plugins with high ratings and many active installs.
- Install and Activate: Once you’ve found a suitable plugin, install it through your WordPress dashboard (Plugins > Add New). Activate the plugin to enable its features.
- Configure Settings: Most plugins will have simple settings to enable or disable the cart icon. Some might offer more granular control over where the icon appears (e.g., header, footer). Carefully read the plugin’s documentation for specific instructions.
Method 2: Using Child Themes and Custom Code (For Advanced Users)
This method offers more control but requires some basic understanding of WordPress themes and child themes. Using a child theme is crucial Read more about How To Change Woocommerce Image Size to prevent losing your customizations when the parent theme updates.
Step 1: Create a Child Theme
If you don’t already have one, create a child theme. This protects your customizations. Instructions for creating a child theme can be found in the WordPress Codex or numerous online tutorials.
Step 2: Locate the Cart Icon in the Theme Files
You’ll need to find the code responsible for displaying the cart icon. This location varies depending on your theme. Commonly, you’ll find it within files like `header.php`, `functions.php`, or template files specific to your theme’s header. Inspecting your website’s source code (right-click > Inspect) can help you locate the relevant HTML elements.
Step 3: Remove the Cart Icon using Code
Once you’ve found the correct file, you might need to remove the code responsible for displaying the cart icon. This code usually involves a function call related to `woocommerce_header_add_to_cart_fragment` or similar.
For example, you might find code similar to this:
<a class="woocommerce-cart-icon" href="">
To remove it, you would simply comment it out:
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//<a class="woocommerce-cart-icon" href=""> // // //
Important Note: Always back up your theme files before making any code changes. If you’re unsure about making direct code edits, consult a WordPress developer.
Step 4: Test Thoroughly
After making any code changes, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything functions correctly.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Method
For most users, using a plugin is the recommended approach. It’s the easiest and safest way to remove the WooCommerce cart icon without any coding knowledge. However, if you’re comfortable with code and want finer control, modifying your child theme offers more flexibility. Remember to always prioritize a clean and user-friendly experience for your customers, regardless of how you choose to customize your WooCommerce store.
