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Troubleshooting Common WooCommerce Stripe Connection and Setup Issues

29 threads Sep 17, 2025 Plugin → Woocommerce stripe payment gateway

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Connecting your WooCommerce store to Stripe is a critical step for accepting payments. However, the setup process can sometimes be frustrating, with errors preventing a successful connection or causing problems after an update. This guide compiles the most common connection-related issues and their solutions, based on community reports.

Common Symptoms of Connection Problems

Users often experience one or more of the following issues:

  • Being stuck in a redirect loop during the onboarding process.
  • Seeing error messages like "Could not create connection: Site token is required" or "Your customers cannot use Stripe on checkout."
  • API keys or settings (like test mode or payment methods) not saving.
  • The Stripe gateway disappearing entirely from the WooCommerce Payments tab.
  • Being told an existing, valid Stripe account is "ineligible" or "expired."
  • Webhooks failing consistently.

Why Do These Connection Issues Happen?

These problems can stem from various sources, including:

  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Another plugin or your theme can interfere with the Stripe gateway's scripts and API calls.
  • Cached Data: Caching at the browser, plugin, or server level can serve old pages or prevent new settings from being applied.
  • Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of WordPress, WooCommerce, or the Stripe plugin can cause compatibility problems.
  • Incomplete Setup: A previous, incomplete connection attempt can leave behind data that confuses a new setup process.
  • Server Configuration: Specific server setups (like Bedrock) or restrictions can block the necessary API communication between your site and Stripe.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Connection Problems

1. Perform Basic Conflict and Cache Testing

This is the most effective first step for a wide range of issues.

  • Switch Themes: Temporarily activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If the issue is resolved, the problem lies with your original theme.
  • Disable Plugins: Deactivate all plugins except for WooCommerce and WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway. If the connection works, reactivate your plugins one-by-one to identify the culprit.
  • Clear All Caches: Clear your browser cache and cookies (trying in an incognito/private window is a great test). Also, clear any caching from plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache) or your server (e.g., Varnish, CDN).

2. Ensure a Clean Slate for Connection

If you are stuck in a loop or told your account is ineligible, start fresh.

  • Disconnect Completely: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments > Stripe. If available, use the "Disconnect" or "Clear account settings" button. If that button doesn't work, you may need to take further action.
  • Manual Cleanup (Advanced): If you cannot disconnect from the UI, you may need to clear the connection data from your database. The Stripe connection settings are stored in WordPress options. Look for options with names starting with wc_stripe or woocommerce_stripe. Warning: Only proceed if you are comfortable with databases and have a recent backup.

3. Check for Logs and Enable Debugging

Error logs are your best friend for diagnosing hidden problems.

  • WooCommerce Logs: Navigate to WooCommerce > Status > Logs. Look for any log files that start with stripe or fatal-errors and review them for clues.
  • Enable Stripe Debugging: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments > Stripe. Click the "Advanced settings" tab and enable "Log debug messages." Save changes and try to connect again. Check the logs again for new, detailed entries.

4. Verify System Requirements and API Keys

  • SSL Certificate: Ensure your site has a valid SSL certificate installed and is being served over https://.
  • API Keys: If you are manually entering API keys (instead of using the Connect button), double-check that you have copied the Publishable Key and Secret Key correctly from your Stripe dashboard and that they are for the correct mode (Live vs. Test).

5. Investigate Webhook Failures

If payments process but webhooks fail, the endpoint may be missing or incorrect.

  • Check the Endpoint: In your Stripe dashboard, go to Developers > Webhooks and ensure the endpoint URL for your site is correct. It should follow this structure: https://yourdomain.com/wp-json/wc/v3/webhooks (or similar).
  • Recreate the Endpoint: Sometimes, deleting the existing webhook endpoint in Stripe and reconnecting your account from the WooCommerce settings can regenerate it correctly.

When to Seek Further Help

If you have worked through all these steps and the issue persists, the problem may be more complex. Before seeking help from your hosting provider or the wider community, gather the following information:

  • Your System Status Report (Found in WooCommerce > Status > Get system report).
  • Any relevant error logs from WooCommerce or your server.
  • A clear description of the exact steps you take that trigger the error.
  • Screenshots or a screen recording of the issue occurring.

This information is invaluable for anyone trying to help you diagnose a tricky problem.

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