How to Remove “Pay with PayPal” from WooCommerce Checkout: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’ve got a fantastic WooCommerce store running, but you want to streamline your checkout process. Maybe you only want to offer credit card payments, or perhaps you prefer a different payment gateway altogether. Whatever the reason, you’re looking to remove the “Pay with PayPal” button from your checkout page. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through several methods, catering to different levels of technical expertise, to achieve exactly that.
Why Remove “Pay with PayPal”?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s briefly consider why you might want to remove the “Pay with PayPal” option. There are legitimate reasons!
* Simplified Checkout: Fewer options can sometimes lead to a quicker, less confusing checkout process. Think of it like ordering food; too many choices can be overwhelming. If you primarily cater to customers who prefer credit cards, streamlining the experience can improve conversion rates.
* Higher Margins: Some payment gateways might offer lower transaction fees than PayPal. Focusing on those can improve your profit margins.
* Branding Consistency: You might want to project a specific brand image and only want to offer payment options that align with that image. For example, a high-end boutique might prefer only accepting high-end credit cards.
* Alternative Payment Gateway Strategy: You may be promoting another payment gateway, like Stripe, and want to give it more prominence. Removing PayPal can help direct users to your preferred option.
Method 1: Disabling PayPal in WooCommerce Settings (Easiest)
This is the most straightforward and recommended approach for most users.
1. Login to your WordPress Dashboard: Head to your WordPress admin area (usually `yourdomain.com/wp-admin`).
2. Navigate to WooCommerce Settings: In the left-hand menu, go to WooCommerce > Settings.
3. Click on the “Payments” tab: This is where you configure your payment gateways.
4. Disable PayPal: Find the “PayPal” payment method in the list. Look for a toggle switch or a checkbox. Uncheck the box or switch the toggle to the “Off” position. The wording might be slightly different depending on your version of WooCommerce and any installed plugins. It often says something like “Enable PayPal”.
5. Save Changes: Don’t forget to click the “Save changes” button at the bottom of the page.
Real-Life Example: Let’s say Sarah runs a small online bakery. She primarily delivers locally and finds most customers prefer paying by credit card on delivery. Disabling PayPal simplifies the online checkout process, directing customers to the “Cash on Delivery” option instead.
Method 2: Using a Code Snippet (For More Control)
This method involves adding a small code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin. Important: Always back up your website before making code changes! If you’re not comfortable with code, consider using Method 1 or seeking help from a developer.
1. Access Your Theme’s `functions.php` file: You can access it through Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard. Alternatively, and recommended, use a plugin like “Code Snippets” which is much safer, easier to manage, and prevents you from accidentally breaking your theme if you make a mistake.
2. Add the following code snippet:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_available_payment_gateways', 'remove_paypal_gateway' );
function remove_paypal_gateway( $gateways ) {
unset( $gateways['paypal'] );
return $gateways;
}
3. Save the file or activate the snippet.
Explanation:
* `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_available_payment_gateways’, ‘remove_paypal_gateway’ );`: This line hooks into WooCommerce’s filter for available payment gateways.
* `function remove_paypal_gateway( $gateways ) { … }`: This defines a function called `remove_paypal_gateway` that will be executed when the filter is applied.
* `unset( $gateways[‘paypal’] );`: This line removes the ‘paypal’ gateway from the array of available gateways. The ‘paypal’ value is the ID of the PayPal gateway within WooCommerce.
* `return $gateways;`: This line returns the modified array of payment gateways, excluding PayPal.
Real-Life Example: David is a web developer who manages an e-commerce site for a client. The client wants to A/B test different payment gateway combinations. David uses the code snippet approach because it allows him to easily enable/disable PayPal through the Code Snippets plugin without directly modifying theme files and potentially causing issues. He can quickly switch it on and off for the A/B testing period.
Method 3: Using a Plugin (If You Prefer No Code)
Several plugins can help you manage and customize your WooCommerce checkout process. Search the WordPress plugin repository for terms like “WooCommerce checkout customization,” “WooCommerce payment gateway control,” or similar phrases. Popular options might include “Checkout Field Editor” or similar. These plugins often provide a user-friendly interface for hiding or removing specific payment gateways.
Important: Be sure to choose a well-rated and regularly updated plugin from a reputable developer to avoid security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues. Always test the plugin in a staging environment before applying it to your live site.
How it Works (Generally):
1. Install and activate the plugin.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings page (usually under WooCommerce or a separate menu item).
3. Look for options to manage payment gateways.
4. Select the “PayPal” gateway and choose to disable or hide it.
5. Save your changes.
Real-Life Example: Emily, a non-technical business owner, uses a “WooCommerce Checkout Manager” plugin to hide PayPal from her checkout page. The plugin provides a simple checkbox next to “PayPal” that she can uncheck. This avoids the need for any coding, making it easy for her to manage her payment options.
Troubleshooting: If PayPal Still Shows Up
If you’ve tried the above methods and PayPal is still stubbornly appearing on your checkout page, consider these potential causes:
* Caching: Your website or browser might be caching an older version of the checkout page. Clear your website’s cache (if you’re using a caching plugin) and clear your browser’s cache.
* Plugin Conflicts: Another plugin might be interfering with your payment gateway settings. Try temporarily deactivating other plugins one by one to see if that resolves the issue.
* Theme Conflicts: Your theme could be overriding the default WooCommerce behavior. Try switching to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Three) to see if that fixes the problem. If it does, you’ll need to investigate your theme’s code or contact the theme developer.
* Incorrect Gateway ID: In Method 2, double-check that the ID `’paypal’` is correct for your installation. While it’s usually correct, some payment gateway plugins might use a different ID.
By following these methods, you should be able to successfully remove the “Pay with PayPal” option from your WooCommerce checkout page, streamlining your customer experience and optimizing your online store for success. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes! Good luck!
