How to Change the 'Subscribe to our newsletter' Text in Mailchimp for WooCommerce

One of the most common questions users have about the Mailchimp for WooCommerce plugin is how to customize the default "Subscribe to our newsletter" text that appears on the checkout or cart page. The location of this setting has changed in different plugin versions, leading to confusion. This guide will walk you through the most common methods to change this text.

Why Can't I Find the Setting?

The Mailchimp for WooCommerce plugin's interface has evolved over time. The location for changing the opt-in text has moved between different tabs (e.g., from an 'Audience' tab to a 'Store' tab) depending on the plugin version and your site's configuration (e.g., using a classic theme versus a block-based theme). This is the primary reason users often struggle to locate the option.

Method 1: Change the Text via Plugin Settings (Recommended)

The standard way to modify the subscribe text is directly within the plugin's settings. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Mailchimp for WooCommerce -> Settings.
3. Look for either the Audience tab or the Store tab. The available tabs can vary.
4. Within the tab, scroll down to find a section labeled "Opt-In Settings" or "Opt-In Checkbox Settings". You may need to click a dropdown to expand this section.
5. Find the field labeled "Message for the opt-in checkbox" or similar.
6. Enter your desired custom text (e.g., "Sign up for exclusive offers and updates") and save the settings.

Note: If you cannot see these settings, try disconnecting and reconnecting your store to Mailchimp, as the options are sometimes re-populated during that process. Alternatively, try saving your settings on other tabs first.

Method 2: Using a Code Snippet (For Advanced Users)

If the setting is not available in your version of the plugin or you need to change text that isn't configurable in the settings (like a success message), you can use a translation filter in your theme's functions.php file or a code snippets plugin.

Warning: Always use a child theme and back up your site before editing code.

function filter_mailchimp_translations($translation, $text, $domain) {
    if ($domain == 'mailchimp-for-woocommerce') {
        switch ($text) {
            case 'Subscribe to our newsletter':
                $translation = 'Your new newsletter text here';
                break;
            case 'Thank you. You have subscribed successfully':
                $translation = 'Your custom success message';
                break;
        }
    }
    return $translation;
}
add_filter('gettext', 'filter_mailchimp_translations', 20, 3);

What If the Text Change Doesn't Work?

If you've changed the text in the settings but it's not reflecting on your site, it's likely due to a conflict. Follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Clear Caches: Clear any caching on your site, including from plugins, your server, or services like Cloudflare.
• Conflict Test: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) and disable all plugins except for WooCommerce and Mailchimp for WooCommerce. If the text changes correctly, reactivate your plugins and theme one by one to find the culprit.
• Update: Ensure both WordPress and all your plugins, especially Mailchimp for WooCommerce, are updated to their latest versions.

Important Notes on Other Customizations

• Repositioning the Checkbox: The plugin settings do not control the checkbox's position on the page. Repositioning it requires custom code using WooCommerce hooks or hiring a developer. The Mailchimp for WooCommerce team has stated this is outside the plugin's core functionality.
• Styling (Color, Font): The appearance of the text (e.g., white text on a white background) is controlled by your theme's CSS. You will need to add custom CSS rules to target and style the checkbox label.
• Abandoned Cart Emails: Text within abandoned cart emails (like the "Recover Cart" button) is controlled within the Mailchimp campaign builder itself, not the WooCommerce plugin. You would need to adjust this directly in your Mailchimp account.

By following these methods, you should be able to successfully customize the subscription text to better fit your store's branding.