How to Remove the Cart Page in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re running a WooCommerce store, and you’ve decided the cart page isn’t right for your business model. Maybe you’re selling single-item products, subscriptions, or directing users straight to checkout. Whatever the reason, removing the cart page can streamline the user experience and potentially boost conversions. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, in a newbie-friendly way.
Think of it like this: Imagine you’re buying a single, amazing cupcake. You wouldn’t want to be forced to wander around a whole bakery just to pay for that one delicious treat, right? Removing the cart can have the same effect – getting your customers to the “checkout” faster.
Why Remove the WooCommerce Cart Page?
Before we dive in, let’s understand why you might want to do this:
- Single-Product Stores: If you only sell one product, the cart page is redundant. Clicking “Add to Cart” can directly lead to checkout.
- Subscription Services: Often, subscription services have a straightforward signup process that doesn’t require a cart.
- Simplified Checkout: Removing the cart can shorten the purchase funnel, potentially reducing cart abandonment rates.
- Specific Business Needs: You might have a unique workflow where you’d rather guide customers directly to a custom checkout process.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, then navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “WooCommerce Direct Checkout” or “WooCommerce Skip Cart.” We recommend “WooCommerce Direct Checkout” by QuadLayers, as it’s popular, well-maintained, and offers a free version with the features we need.
- Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”
- Find the plugin’s settings. Typically, you’ll find it under WooCommerce > Direct Checkout (or a similar name depending on the plugin).
- Look for options like:
- Redirect to Checkout: Enable this option to send users directly to the checkout page after clicking “Add to Cart.”
- Remove Cart Page: This Discover insights on How To Change Woocommerce Thumbnail Size option will remove the cart page from your website. The plugin will automatically handle redirecting any links to the cart page.
- Save your changes.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, then navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
- On the right side, look for the `functions.php` file.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)
The easiest and safest way to remove the cart page is by using a plugin. Plugins offer a user-friendly interface without requiring you to touch any code. Here’s how:
1. Install and Activate a Plugin:
2. Configure the Plugin:
Example: Imagine you’re selling personalized mugs. With “WooCommerce Direct Checkout,” customers can click “Add to Cart,” enter their personalization details on the checkout page, and complete their purchase without ever seeing a cart page.
Method 2: Using Code (For Advanced Users)
If you’re comfortable editing your theme’s `functions.php` file, you can use code to remove the cart page. Important: Always back up your website before making changes to your theme’s files. A small mistake can break your site.
1. Access Your Theme’s `functions.php` File:
2. Add the Following Code:
<?php /**
function woo_redirect_checkout() {
return wc_get_checkout_url();
}
/**
- Remove cart URL if the redirect to checkout is active.
*/
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_get_return_url’, ‘custom_remove_cart_url’ );
function custom_remove_cart_url( $return_url ) {
if ( is_cart() ) {
$return_url = wc_get_checkout_url();
}
return $return_url;
}
/**
- Remove cart item from the menu.
*/
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_add_to_cart_fragments’, ‘remove_cart_icon_from_menu’, 10 );
function remove_cart_icon_from_menu( $fragments ) {
global $woocommerce;
$fragments[‘div.widget_shopping_cart_content’] = ‘
‘;
return $fragments;
}
/**
- Remove cart from menu if empty.
*/
add_action( ‘wp_footer’, ‘remove_cart_from_menu’ );
function remove_cart_from_menu() {
if ( is_cart() && WC()->cart->is_empty() ) {
wp_redirect( wc_get_checkout_url() );
exit;
}
}
?>
3. Update File:
- Click the “Update File” button.
Explanation:
- `woocommerce_add_to_cart_redirect`: This filter redirects the user to the checkout page after adding a product to the cart.
- `woocommerce_get_return_url`: This filter removes cart page from menu.
- `remove_cart_icon_from_menu`: This filter removes cart icon from menu.
- `remove_cart_from_menu`: This function removes cart page from menu if it is empty.
Important Considerations When Using Code:
- Theme Updates: When your theme updates, your changes to `functions.php` might be overwritten. Consider using a child theme to prevent this. A child theme inherits the functionality and styling of the parent theme but allows you to make modifications without affecting the parent theme’s files.
- Compatibility: The code above is a general solution. It might need adjustments depending on your theme and other plugins.
Method 3: Using WooCommerce settings (If applicable)
Some themes or WooCommerce extensions might offer built-in options to skip the cart page. Check your theme’s options panel or the settings of any relevant plugins. Look for settings related to “Direct Checkout” or “One-Page Checkout.”
Testing and Verification
After implementing any of these methods, thoroughly test your website.
- Add a product to your cart and verify that you are redirected to the checkout page.
- Check all links that previously led to the cart page and ensure they now redirect appropriately.
- Test on different devices (desktop, mobile) to ensure a consistent experience.
Conclusion
Removing the WooCommerce cart page can be a simple yet effective way to improve your customer’s shopping experience. By using a plugin or code, you can streamline the purchase process and potentially boost conversions. Remember to test thoroughly after making any changes. Good luck!
