How to Disable the WooCommerce Cart: A Complete Guide
WooCommerce is a powerful and flexible e-commerce platform, but sometimes you might not need the full functionality of a shopping cart. Perhaps you’re using WooCommerce as a catalog, offering services, or only allowing direct inquiries. In such cases, disabling the cart can simplify the user experience and streamline your website. This guide will walk you through several methods to disable the WooCommerce cart, allowing you to tailor your store to your specific needs.
Why Disable the WooCommerce Cart?
There are several reasons why you might want to disable the WooCommerce cart:
- Catalog Mode: If you’re simply showcasing products and not selling directly, disabling the cart transforms your store into a catalog.
- Request a Quote: You might want customers to request a quote for your products or services instead of adding items directly to a cart. This is common for businesses offering custom solutions.
- Direct Inquiries: You may prefer customers to contact you directly for purchases or more information.
- Simplified User Experience: Removing the cart can make your website less cluttered and easier to navigate.
- YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode: A popular plugin that allows you to switch your store to catalog mode, removing the “Add to Cart” button and the cart page.
- WooCommerce Catalog Mode, Disable Check out this post: How To Access Woocommerce Root Cart & Enquiry Form: Another comprehensive plugin with features to disable the cart, add an inquiry form, and customize product pages.
- Using a Code Snippets Plugin: A safer and easier alternative to directly editing the `functions.php` file. Plugins like “Code Snippets” allow you to add and manage code snippets without risking your site’s functionality.
- Remove the “Add to Cart” button on product pages:
Methods to Disable the WooCommerce Cart
Here are several ways to disable the WooCommerce cart in WordPress:
1. Using a WooCommerce Plugin
This is often the easiest and most recommended method, especially for beginners. There are several plugins available that allow you to disable the cart functionality with a few clicks.
To use a plugin:
1. Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your Learn more about How To Change Banner In Woocommerce WordPress dashboard.
2. Search for a plugin like “YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode” or “WooCommerce Catalog Mode, Disable Cart & Enquiry Form”.
3. Install and activate the plugin.
4. Configure the plugin settings to disable the cart and customize other options as needed.
2. Using Custom Code (functions.php or a Code Snippets Plugin)
For more advanced users, you can use custom code to disable the WooCommerce cart. Be cautious when editing the `functions.php` file, as errors can break your site. It’s highly recommended to use a code snippets plugin instead.
Here are some code snippets you can use:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_is_purchasable', '__return_false');
- Remove the cart page:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_get_sections_checkout', 'remove_checkout_cart' ); function remove_checkout_cart( $sections ){ unset( $sections['cart'] ); return $sections; }
- Redirect to the shop page when the cart is accessed:
add_action( 'template_redirect', 'bbloomer_redirect_empty_cart' ); function bbloomer_redirect_empty_cart() { if ( is_cart() && ! WC()->cart->get_cart_contents_count() ) { wp_safe_redirect( get_permalink( wc_get_page_id( 'shop' ) ) ); exit; } }
To use these snippets:
1. Install and activate a code snippets plugin like “Code Snippets”.
2. Add a new snippet.
3. Paste the code into the snippet editor.
4. Save and activate the snippet.
3. Using CSS to Hide the Cart Elements
While not technically disabling the cart, CSS can be used to hide the cart icon and “Add to Cart” buttons from the user interface. This is a less effective method as the underlying functionality is still present.
To use CSS:
1. Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Add the following CSS code (adjust selectors based on your theme):
.woocommerce-cart,
.woocommerce-page .cart-collaterals,
.add_to_cart_button {
display: none !important;
}
Considerations Before Disabling the Cart
Before you disable the WooCommerce cart, consider the following:
- User Experience: Ensure that your website provides clear instructions on how customers can inquire about your products or services.
- Alternative Solutions: Explore alternative solutions like “Request a Quote” plugins instead of completely disabling the cart.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your website remains mobile-friendly after making changes to the cart functionality.
- Testing: Always test your website thoroughly after making any changes to ensure everything is working as expected.
Conclusion
Disabling the WooCommerce cart can be a beneficial step for businesses that don’t require full e-commerce functionality. Whether you choose to use a plugin, custom code, or CSS, carefully consider your needs and test your website thoroughly. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively disable the WooCommerce cart and tailor your website to better serve your business goals and customer experience. Remember to emphasize alternative methods of contact if you disable purchasing features.
