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Fixing the 'Unexpected value in $auth option' Error in Google for WooCommerce

19 threads Sep 29, 2025 Plugin → Google for woocommerce

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If you're trying to connect your Google Ads account to the Google for WooCommerce plugin and are hitting a wall with the "Unexpected value in $auth option" error, you're not alone. This is a common authentication issue that prevents the plugin from properly retrieving your Google Ads accounts, often leaving you with a spinning loading animation.

What Causes This Error?

The error message, which typically includes text like AutomatticWooCommerceGoogleListingsAndAdsVendorGoogleAuthCredentialsInsecureCredentials Object with an empty access_token, indicates a problem with the authentication handshake between your WooCommerce site and Google's servers. The plugin is receiving an unexpected, and essentially empty, credential object.

Based on community reports, this is frequently triggered by one of the following:

  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Another plugin or your theme might be interfering with the connection process.
  • Cached or Stale Permissions: Outdated permissions from a previous connection attempt can cause the handshake to fail.
  • Server Configuration: Certain server settings, like an outdated cURL library, can disrupt secure communication.

How to Resolve the "Unexpected value in $auth option" Error

Here are the most effective troubleshooting steps, starting with the most common solution.

1. Perform a Full Account Reconnection

The most reliable fix is to completely clear the existing connection and start fresh.

  1. Revoke Access in Your Google Account:
    • Go to your Google Account Security page.
    • Click "Manage third-party access".
    • Find "WooCommerce" or "Google Listings & Ads" and click "Remove Access".
  2. Disconnect in WooCommerce:
    • Navigate to Marketing > Google Listings & Ads in your WordPress admin.
    • Go through the setup and disconnect your Merchant Center and Google accounts.
    • Alternatively, you can use the hidden connection test page by visiting: yourdomain.com/wp-admin/admin.php?page=connection-test-admin-page (replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain). From here, you can disconnect the Merchant Center (MC Disconnect) and other accounts.
  3. Reconnect Everything: Return to Marketing > Google Listings & Ads and go through the connection setup again, ensuring you grant all requested permissions.

2. Conflict Testing

If a full reconnect doesn't work, a plugin or theme conflict is likely.

  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 to connect your Google Ads account again.
  4. If it works, reactivate your plugins and theme one by one, testing the connection after each, to identify the culprit.

3. Check for Server Requirements

The plugin requires certain server capabilities to communicate. Ensure your hosting environment meets these needs:

  • cURL must be enabled: This is a non-negotiable requirement. Contact your web host to confirm it's active and updated.
  • Up-to-date PHP Version: While the plugin works with various versions, using an outdated or unsupported PHP version can lead to unexpected issues. PHP 8.4, as mentioned in one report, may be too new and not fully compatible. Consider using a stable, recommended version like PHP 7.4 or 8.1.

4. Clear All Caches

Clear your site's cache (from any caching plugins) and your browser cache before attempting to reconnect.

When to Seek Further Help

If you've tried all the steps above and the error persists, the issue might require deeper investigation. The 'Google for WooCommerce' team often requests a System Status Report (found under WooCommerce > Status) to diagnose more complex server-side or configuration problems. Providing this information can be crucial for pinpointing the root cause.

This error can be frustrating, but it is almost always resolvable through a methodical troubleshooting process. Starting with a complete account reconnection resolves the issue for the vast majority of users.

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