How to Fix Stripe Not Updating Order Status in WooCommerce

Introduction

Running a WooCommerce store should feel smooth, but sometimes little hiccups can cause big headaches. One common issue store owners face is Stripe not updating order status in WooCommerce. Picture this: a customer pays successfully, but the order status doesn’t move from “pending” to “processing” or “completed.” Not only does this create confusion for you, but it also makes your customers nervous about whether their payment went through.

The good news? This problem usually comes down to configuration issues, webhook settings, or plugin conflicts. With the right fixes, you can quickly get Stripe and WooCommerce communicating again so that every order updates correctly.

In this guide, we’ll break down why Stripe order statuses may not update automatically and walk through practical solutions you can apply step by step.

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Why Stripe Isn’t Updating Order Status in WooCommerce

When payments go through Stripe but WooCommerce doesn’t update the order, it usually points to a breakdown in communication. Common causes include:

• Missing or incorrect Stripe webhooks
• Outdated WooCommerce or Stripe plugin
• Plugin or theme conflicts interfering with Stripe’s functionality
• Caching or firewall rules blocking webhook responses
• Misconfigured payment settings in WooCommerce

The good news is that each of these has a straightforward fix.

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Step 1: Check Your Stripe Webhooks

Stripe relies on webhooks to notify WooCommerce about payment events (like successful payments, refunds, or failed transactions). If webhooks aren’t set up correctly, WooCommerce won’t know when to update order statuses.

Here’s how to check:

1. Log in to your Stripe Dashboard.
2. Go to Developers > Webhooks.
3. Confirm that your WooCommerce webhook endpoint is listed (usually something like https://yourstore.com/?wc-api=wc_stripe).
4. Make sure events like payment_intent.succeeded and charge.succeeded are enabled.

If the webhook is missing, add it manually from your WooCommerce Stripe plugin settings.

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Step 2: Update WooCommerce and the Stripe Plugin

Outdated software is one of the biggest culprits behind syncing issues.

• Update WooCommerce to the latest version.
• Update the WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway plugin.
• After updates, clear your site cache and test again.

These updates often include bug fixes that resolve webhook and order status issues automatically.

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Step 3: Review WooCommerce Order Settings

Sometimes the issue lies within WooCommerce settings themselves.

• Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments > Stripe.
• Make sure “Capture Payments” is set correctly. If you’re authorizing payments but not capturing them, orders may remain pending.
• Ensure the correct API keys (live vs. test) are in use. Using test keys in a live store can cause order status mismatches.

Adjusting these options can often get WooCommerce back on track with order updates.

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Step 4: Check for Plugin and Theme Conflicts

Other plugins or your theme may interfere with Stripe’s communication. To test:

1. Temporarily switch to a default theme like Storefront.
2. Disable all plugins except WooCommerce and Stripe.
3. Test your checkout process.

• If orders update correctly, re-enable plugins one by one until you find the culprit.
• Consider replacing the conflicting plugin or contacting its developer for support.

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Step 5: Fix Caching and Firewall Issues

If your site uses caching plugins or a firewall (like Cloudflare), these may block Stripe’s webhook signals.

• Exclude your Stripe webhook endpoint from caching.
• If using a firewall, whitelist Stripe’s IP addresses (listed in Stripe’s documentation).
• Clear all caches and test again.

This ensures that Stripe’s communication with WooCommerce isn’t interrupted.

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Step 6: Run Test Transactions

Once you’ve applied fixes, always run a test transaction:

• Enable test mode in Stripe and WooCommerce.
• Place an order using Stripe’s test cards.
• Check whether the order status updates correctly.

This step helps confirm that your webhook and settings are working as intended before going live.

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Preventing Stripe Order Status Issues in the Future

To avoid dealing with this problem again, follow these best practices:

• Regularly update WooCommerce, Stripe, and related plugins.
• Check your webhook setup after updates or migrations.
• Use reliable hosting with minimal downtime to avoid communication interruptions.
• Monitor failed payments and webhook logs in Stripe to catch errors early.

A little maintenance can save you big headaches later.

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When to Contact Support

If you’ve tried everything and Stripe still isn’t updating WooCommerce order statuses, it may be time to get help.

• Stripe Support can check whether webhook events are being sent.
• WooCommerce Support can review plugin settings and conflicts.
• Your hosting provider may help troubleshoot server or firewall issues.

Providing them with logs and details of what you’ve already tried will speed up the process.

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Wrapping It Up

When you run into Stripe not updating order status in WooCommerce, it usually boils down to misconfigured webhooks, outdated plugins, or conflicts. By checking your Stripe webhooks, updating your software, reviewing WooCommerce settings, and clearing caching issues, you can usually fix the problem quickly.

The key is making sure Stripe and WooCommerce are communicating properly. Once that’s in place, your order statuses will update automatically, giving you peace of mind and keeping customers happy.

👉 Want more WooCommerce troubleshooting guides? Check out our blog for tips to keep your store running smoothly and stress-free.