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Fixing the 'Invalid Request' Error During Google for WooCommerce Setup

22 threads Sep 22, 2025 Plugin → Google for woocommerce

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One of the most common hurdles users face when setting up the Google Listings & Ads plugin is encountering an 'Invalid Request' error during the initial connection to WordPress.com. This error can be frustrating, especially when it references Jetpack, a plugin you might not even have installed. This guide will explain why this error occurs and walk you through the most effective solutions.

Understanding the Error

The error message often looks like this:

Invalid request, please go back and try again.
Error Code: invalid_request
Error Message: The URL stored by the Jetpack servers does not match your site. Please try disabling the Jetpack plugin, re-enable it, then connect again.

Despite the message mentioning the Jetpack plugin, the core issue usually relates to the connection between your site and WordPress.com. The 'Google for WooCommerce' plugin uses the same underlying infrastructure as Jetpack to establish this secure connection. The error typically indicates a mismatch between your site's current URL and the URL that the WordPress.com servers have on record. This can happen if your site has recently changed domains, moved from a subdirectory to the root, or if there was a previous, incomplete connection attempt.

Common Solutions to Try

1. Install and Connect the Jetpack Plugin (Primary Workaround)

This is the most frequently suggested solution by the 'Google for WooCommerce' team in the support threads. Even though Jetpack is not a strict requirement for the plugin to function, installing it can force a correction of the URL stored on the WordPress.com servers.

  1. Install and activate the official Jetpack plugin from the WordPress repository.
  2. Go through the process of connecting Jetpack to your WordPress.com account. This step will synchronize your site's correct URL with the WordPress.com servers.
  3. Once Jetpack is successfully connected, return to the Google Listings & Ads setup (WooCommerce > Google Listings & Ads).
  4. Attempt the 'Connect WordPress.com' step again. In many cases, the error will be resolved.
  5. After the Google Listings & Ads setup is complete, you can deactivate and delete the Jetpack plugin if you do not wish to use it for other purposes.

2. Clear Site and Browser Caches

Stale cached data can interfere with the connection process.

  • Browser Cache: Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try the setup process in an incognito/private browser window.
  • Site Cache: If you use a caching plugin (like WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache) or server-level caching (like Varnish), clear all caches.
  • Object Caching: If your site uses an external object cache (like Redis or Memcached), try flushing it.

3. Check for URL Inconsistencies

Ensure your site URLs are consistent across WordPress settings.

  1. Go to Settings > General in your WordPress admin.
  2. Verify that both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are identical and correct, using HTTPS if your site uses SSL.

4. Ensure XML-RPC is Accessible

The connection to WordPress.com relies on the XML-RPC protocol. Some security plugins or server configurations block access to it.

  • Test if XML-RPC is accessible by visiting https://yoursite.com/xmlrpc.php. You should see a message like "XML-RPC server accepts POST requests only." If you get a 404 or 403 error, it's blocked.
  • Whitelist XML-RPC in your security plugins (e.g., Wordfence) and/or contact your hosting provider to ensure it is not blocked at the server level.

5. Conflict Testing

A theme or plugin conflict can sometimes cause this issue.

  1. Temporarily switch your theme to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
  2. Deactivate all plugins except for WooCommerce and Google Listings & Ads.
  3. Attempt the connection process again. If it works, reactivate your plugins and theme one by one, testing after each, to identify the culprit.

When to Seek Further Help

If you have tried all the solutions above and the error persists, the issue may require deeper investigation. Before seeking help, gather the following information, which is commonly requested in support threads:

  • System Status Report: Found under WooCommerce > Status > Get system report.
  • Error Logs: Check for any relevant logs under WooCommerce > Status > Logs (look for files starting with 'google-listings-and-ads').

By following these steps, most users are able to resolve the 'Invalid Request' error and successfully complete the setup of the Google Listings & Ads plugin.

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