How to Remove Phone Number from WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
Are you running an online store with WooCommerce and finding that asking for a phone number during checkout just isn’t working for you? Maybe customers are abandoning their carts, or you simply don’t need it for shipping. Whatever the reason, removing the phone number field in WooCommerce is a common and easily achievable task. This guide will walk you through several methods, so you can choose the one that best suits your technical skills and comfort level.
Why would you *want* to remove the phone number field? Let’s look at some real-world scenarios:
* Reduced Cart Abandonment: Some customers are hesitant to share their phone numbers due to privacy concerns or fear of spam calls. Removing the field can streamline the checkout process and lead to more completed sales. Think of it like this: fewer hoops to jump through means happier (and buying) customers!
* Simplified Shipping: If you primarily sell digital products or use a shipping provider that doesn’t require a phone number, collecting it is unnecessary and adds friction to the Read more about How To Use Woocommerce Yoast purchase.
* Improved User Experience: A cleaner, simpler checkout page is often perceived as more professional and trustworthy.
Let’s get started!
Method 1: Using the WooCommerce Settings (If Applicable)
Some WooCommerce themes or plugins might offer a built-in option to disable or hide the phone number field directly within the WooCommerce settings. This Read more about How To Disable Sidebar In Woocommerce is the easiest route if available.
1. Check WooCommerce Settings: Go to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings.
2. Look for Checkout Options: Browse through the various tabs, especially the “Checkout” or “Account & Privacy” tabs. Look for options related to required fields or phone number visibility.
3. Disable/Hide the Field: If you find an option to disable or hide the phone number, simply uncheck the box or select the appropriate setting. Save your changes.
While less common, this is the most straightforward method. If you don’t find it, don’t worry, there are other ways!
Method 2: Using a Code Snippet (Recommended for Intermediate Users)
This method involves adding a small piece of code to your theme’s `functions.php` file (or preferably a child theme) or using a code snippets plugin. Always backup your website before making changes to your code.
1. Access Your Theme’s `functions.php` File: Learn more about How To Bulk Edit Prices In Woocommerce You can access this file through the WordPress Theme Editor (Appearance > Theme Editor) or via FTP. Warning: Editing the theme’s `functions.php` file directly can break your site if not done correctly. A child theme is HIGHLY recommended.
2. OR Install a Code Snippets Plugin: A safer and often easier approach is to use a plugin like “Code Snippets”. This plugin allows you to add code snippets without directly modifying your theme files. Search for “Code Snippets” in the WordPress plugin directory (Plugins > Add New).
3. Add the Following Code Snippet: Add the following code to the `functions.php` file (or create a new snippet in the Code Snippets plugin):
add_filter( 'woocommerce_billing_fields', 'remove_billing_phone_field' ); add_filter( 'woocommerce_shipping_fields', 'remove_shipping_phone_field' );
function remove_billing_phone_field( $fields ) {
unset( $fields[‘billing_phone’] );
return $fields;
}
function remove_shipping_phone_field( $fields ) {
unset( $fields[‘shipping_phone’] );
return $fields;
}
4. Explanation:
- `add_filter()`: This function is used to hook into WooCommerce’s filters, which allow you to modify certain aspects of the checkout process.
- `woocommerce_billing_fields` and `woocommerce_shipping_fields`: These are filters that allow you to modify the billing and shipping fields, respectively.
- `remove_billing_phone_field` and `remove_shipping_phone_field`: These are custom functions that we define to remove the phone number field.
- `unset( $fields[‘billing_phone’] );` and `unset( $fields[‘shipping_phone’] );`: These lines remove the ‘billing_phone’ and ‘shipping_phone’ field from the array of fields.
- `return $fields;`: This returns the modified array of fields.
- `#billing_phone_field` and `#shipping_phone_field`: These are the IDs of the phone number field containers.
- `display: none !important;`: This hides the element and overrides any other CSS rules that might be affecting its visibility.
5. Save Changes/Activate Read more about WordPress Woocommerce How To Remove The Red Line Under Titles Snippet: If using the Theme Editor, click “Update File”. If using the Code Snippets plugin, activate the snippet.
6. Test Your Checkout: Go to your website’s checkout page and verify that the phone number field is no longer visible.
Method 3: Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)
If you’re not comfortable editing code, the easiest option is to use a plugin. Several plugins allow you to customize the WooCommerce checkout fields, including removing the phone number field.
1. Install a Checkout Field Editor Plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New. Search for plugins like “Checkout Field Editor for WooCommerce,” “WooCommerce Checkout Manager,” or similar. Read reviews and choose a reputable plugin.
2. Activate the Plugin: Once installed, activate the plugin.
3. Configure the Plugin: Go to the plugin’s settings page (usually found under WooCommerce or a separate menu item).
4. Locate the Phone Number Field: The plugin should provide a list of checkout fields. Read more about How To Add Multiple Variations In Woocommerce Find the “billing_phone” and “shipping_phone” fields.
5. Disable or Remove the Field: The plugin will typically offer options to “Disable,” “Remove,” or “Hide” the field. Choose one of these options.
6. Save Changes: Save your changes in the plugin settings.
7. Test Your Checkout: Go to your website’s checkout page and verify that the phone number field is no longer visible.
Example with ‘Checkout Field Editor (Checkout Manager) for WooCommerce’:
After installing and activating the plugin, you would likely find a menu option called “Checkout” or “Checkout Fields”. Clicking this will take you to a screen where you can manage the existing fields. Simply find “Billing Phone” and/or “Shipping Phone” and click the “Disable” or “Remove” button.
Method 4: CSS (Not Recommended as the Primary Solution)
While technically possible, using CSS to simply *hide* the phone number field is not recommended as the primary solution. This method only visually hides the field; the phone number is still technically required, and the form might still require input in the hidden field, potentially leading to validation errors. However, you *can* use it in conjunction with one of the other methods if you still see some lingering artifacts.
1. Access Your Theme’s Customizer: Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Customize.
2. Go to Additional CSS: Look for an option called “Additional CSS” or similar.
3. Add the Following CSS Code: Add the following code to the Additional CSS section:
#billing_phone_field,
#shipping_phone_field {
display: none !important;
}
4. Explanation:
5. Publish Changes: Click the “Publish” button to save your changes.
Important Note: Remember that using CSS alone doesn’t actually *remove* the field. It only hides it. The best practice is to use Method 2 or 3.
Conclusion
Removing the phone number field from your WooCommerce checkout is a straightforward process that can potentially improve the user experience and reduce cart abandonment. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and comfort level. Always back up your website before making any changes, especially when editing code. By implementing one of these solutions, you can streamline your checkout process and create a more efficient and user-friendly experience for your customers! Good luck!
