← Back to WooCommerce not working

Likely fix

Fix: WooCommerce cart not updating or empty

WooCommerce cart problems are commonly caused by page caching, object cache, session issues, browser cookies, theme conflicts, or cart fragments being disabled.

Quick answer

Exclude cart and checkout pages from cache, clear all cache layers, then test with a default theme and no optimization plugins.

Important warning

Caching dynamic WooCommerce pages can make carts appear empty, stale, or shared incorrectly.

Try this

  1. 1 Exclude cart, checkout, and my account pages from page cache.
  2. 2 Clear plugin cache, server cache, and CDN cache.
  3. 3 Clear browser cookies for the store.
  4. 4 Disable JavaScript optimization temporarily.
  5. 5 Disable cart fragment optimization if it breaks cart updates.
  6. 6 Test with a default theme.
  7. 7 Disable non-essential plugins and test again.
  8. 8 Check WooCommerce session and status warnings.

Common causes

Cart page is cached.

Checkout page is cached.

Cookies or sessions are broken.

JavaScript optimization broke cart fragments.

Theme conflict.

Object cache or CDN cache issue.

What to check next

  • Check cache exclusions.
  • Check cookies.
  • Check cart fragments.
  • Check CDN rules.
  • Check with a default theme.

FAQ

Why is WooCommerce cart not updating?

The cart is often cached, cookies or sessions are broken, or JavaScript optimization is interfering with cart fragments.

Should WooCommerce cart be cached?

Usually no. Cart, checkout, and account pages should be excluded from full page cache.

Why does the cart show empty after adding a product?

The store may have a session, cookie, cache, or cart fragment problem.

Related fixes

Fix: WooCommerce checkout not working

WooCommerce checkout usually breaks because of payment gateway errors, plugin conflicts, theme template issues, JavaScript errors, caching, or required checkout fields.

Fix: WooCommerce coupon not working

WooCommerce coupons fail when usage limits, expiry dates, minimum spend, product/category restrictions, user restrictions, or excluded sale items block the coupon.

Fix: WooCommerce payment failed or payment method missing

WooCommerce payments fail when the gateway is misconfigured, API keys are wrong, SSL is broken, currency is unsupported, webhook is missing, or checkout has plugin conflicts.

Fix: WooCommerce order emails not sending

WooCommerce order emails fail when WordPress email is unreliable, SMTP is missing, email notifications are disabled, order status does not trigger an email, or emails go to spam.

Fix: WooCommerce products not showing or product pages broken

Products may disappear or break because of visibility settings, stock status, catalog filters, permalinks, theme templates, cache, or plugin conflicts.

Fix: WooCommerce shipping not working

WooCommerce shipping fails when shipping zones, methods, addresses, product shipping classes, plugin rates, or cache are configured incorrectly.