How to Fix the Empty Cart Problem in WooCommerce

Introduction

If you’re running an online store with WooCommerce, nothing is more frustrating than customers adding items to their cart—only to find the cart suddenly empty. This issue, known as the WooCommerce empty cart problem, is surprisingly common and can directly impact your sales. Imagine a shopper who spends time browsing, selects the perfect products, but when they’re ready to check out, the cart shows “no items.” Chances are, they’ll abandon the purchase and move on to a competitor.

The good news? Fixing the empty cart issue in WooCommerce doesn’t require you to be a coding expert. Most of the time, it’s caused by small configuration errors, caching problems, or plugin conflicts. In this article, we’ll break down the common causes, explain why they happen, and give you step-by-step solutions you can implement today to keep your store running smoothly and your customers happy.

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Why Does the Empty Cart Problem in WooCommerce Happen?

Before we dive into the fixes, it helps to understand the root causes. The WooCommerce empty cart issue usually happens because of:

• Caching problems – Page caching plugins or server-level caching may not handle WooCommerce’s dynamic cart correctly.
• Session or cookie issues – WooCommerce relies on cookies to track cart sessions. If cookies aren’t set up properly, the cart resets.
• Theme or plugin conflicts – Outdated or poorly coded plugins can interfere with cart functionality.
• HTTPS/SSL misconfiguration – Switching between HTTP and HTTPS can cause session data to be lost.
• Outdated WooCommerce or WordPress – Running older versions can lead to compatibility issues.

Understanding these causes will help you match the right fix to your situation.

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How to Fix the Empty Cart Problem in WooCommerce

Let’s walk through the most effective solutions to resolve this issue.

1. Clear and Reconfigure Your Caching Settings

WooCommerce pages like Cart, Checkout, and My Account should never be cached. If they are, session data can be wiped out.

• Exclude WooCommerce pages from your caching plugin.
• If your host provides server-side caching, ask support to exclude these pages.
• After changes, clear cache completely and test the cart.

2. Check Your Site’s Cookie and Session Settings

Since WooCommerce relies on cookies, make sure they’re working correctly:

• Ensure your site URL and WordPress Address (under Settings → General) match exactly, including “https” or “www.”
• Test if cookies are enabled in your browser.
• If you’re using a caching/CDN service like Cloudflare, make sure cookies aren’t being blocked.

3. Fix Mixed Content or HTTPS Issues

Switching between http:// and https:// can cause the cart to reset.

• Make sure your entire site uses HTTPS.
• Update your WordPress and WooCommerce URLs to HTTPS.
• Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL if needed.

4. Identify Plugin or Theme Conflicts

Conflicts are one of the top culprits. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (like Storefront).
• Disable all plugins except WooCommerce.
• Test the cart. If it works, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

5. Update WooCommerce and WordPress

Running outdated versions can lead to bugs. Always:

• Update WooCommerce to the latest stable version.
• Keep WordPress and your theme updated.
• Backup your site before making updates.

6. Configure Proper Session Storage

If your server doesn’t handle PHP sessions well, WooCommerce may not store cart data properly.

• Enable persistent cart functionality in WooCommerce → Settings → Products.
• If issues persist, ask your hosting provider about session handling.

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Preventing the Empty Cart Problem in the Future

Fixing the issue is important, but preventing it from happening again is even better. Here are some best practices:

• Use a WooCommerce-friendly hosting provider.
• Test your store regularly on different browsers and devices.
• Avoid caching checkout-related pages.
• Keep themes, plugins, and WordPress updated.
• Monitor your site logs for errors that may affect cart behavior.

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Wrapping It Up

The WooCommerce empty cart problem can be a headache, but the fixes are usually straightforward once you understand the cause. Whether it’s caching, cookies, SSL issues, or plugin conflicts, a systematic approach will help you pinpoint and solve the issue quickly.

By following the steps above, you’ll not only fix the current problem but also make your online store more reliable for future customers. And remember—smooth shopping experiences build trust, and trust drives sales.

If you want to explore more WooCommerce troubleshooting tips, keep an eye on our blog—we regularly share practical solutions for store owners just like you.