# How to Disable Related Products in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
Are you tired of seeing those “Related Products” showing up on your WooCommerce product pages? They might seem like a good idea – suggesting similar items to boost sales. But sometimes, they just clutter the page, confuse customers, or even showcase products that aren’t truly related. This guide shows you how to easily disable them, freeing up valuable space and creating a cleaner shopping experience.
Why Disable Related Products?
Before jumping into the “how,” let’s explore *why* you might want to disable related products. Here are some common scenarios:
- Cluttered Product Pages: Too many related products can make your pages look messy and overwhelming. Imagine browsing for a simple, elegant necklace, only to be bombarded with suggestions for chunky bracelets, earrings, and even men’s watches! A clean page is often more appealing.
- Irrelevant Suggestions: WooCommerce’s default related product algorithm isn’t always perfect. It might suggest products based on category alone, leading to irrelevant recommendations that frustrate customers. For example, a high-end coffee maker might be suggested alongside cheap instant coffee, confusing buyers about your brand’s positioning.
- Improved User Experience: A simpler, less distracting Check out this post: How To Change Add To Cart Button Name In Woocommerce product page focuses the customer’s attention on the item they’re currently viewing, making it easier for them to make a purchase decision. This leads to a more positive shopping experience.
- Specific Design Choices: You might have a unique layout that simply doesn’t accommodate related products aesthetically.
Methods to Disable Related Products in WooCommerce
There are several ways to disable related products in WooCommerce, ranging from simple plugin options to custom code. Let’s explore the most common and effective methods.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (Easiest Method)
The easiest way is often through a dedicated plugin. Many plugins offer fine-grained control over WooCommerce’s functionality. Search the WordPress plugin directory for “WooCommerce related products” and choose a well-rated, regularly updated plugin. Many offer simple toggles to enable or disable related products completely.
Benefits: This is the most user-friendly approach, requiring no coding skills.
Drawbacks: You’ll need to install and potentially pay for an extra plugin.
Method 2: Removing the Related Products Section via Theme Editing (Intermediate)
Some themes allow you to disable related products directly through their theme options. Check your theme’s documentation. Look for settings related to “WooCommerce,” “Product Pages,” or “Shop Settings.” You might find an option to enable or disable this section specifically.
Benefits: This keeps things within Discover insights on How To Change A Product Price In Woocommerce your theme settings and avoids adding extra plugins.
Drawbacks: Not all themes provide this option. Incorrectly editing your theme files can break your website, so proceed with caution and always back up your files before making any changes.
Method 3: Using Custom Code (Advanced)
If the above methods don’t work, you can use custom code to remove the related products section. This is the most powerful but also the riskiest method; incorrect code can break your website. Always back up your files before making any code changes.
You’ll need to add a code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file or a custom plugin. The following code removes the related products section entirely:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_after_single_product_summary', 'woocommerce_output_related_products', 20 );
Explanation: This code snippet removes the `woocommerce_output_related_products` function from the `woocommerce_after_single_product_summary` action hook. This hook is responsible for displaying related products after the main product information on the single product page. By removing the function from the hook, you effectively disable the display of related products.
Benefits: Complete control over the functionality.
Drawbacks: Requires coding knowledge and carries the risk of breaking your website if not implemented correctly. It’s strongly recommended to seek help from a WordPress developer if you’re not comfortable with coding.
Choosing the Right Method
The best method depends on your technical skills and comfort level. If you’re a beginner, the plugin method is the safest and easiest. If you’re comfortable with theme editing, check your theme options. Only attempt the custom code method if you’re confident in your coding skills or have a developer’s assistance. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes.
