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Troubleshooting WooPayments Test Mode Issues: Why You Can't Disable It

30 threads Sep 17, 2025 Plugin → Woopayments: integrated woocommerce payments

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Stuck in Test Mode? Here's How to Fix It

One of the most common issues users report with the 'WooPayments: Integrated WooCommerce Payments' plugin is being unable to disable Test Mode. You navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments > Woo Payments, but the "Test Mode" checkbox remains stubbornly checked and grayed out, refusing to let your store process live transactions. This guide will explain why this happens and walk you through the most effective solutions.

Why Can't I Disable WooPayments Test Mode?

Based on community reports and troubleshooting threads, this problem typically occurs for one of two primary reasons:

  1. Development Mode is Active: A special development mode, often enabled via code, will force Test Mode on and prevent you from changing it through the standard admin interface.
  2. A Plugin or Theme Conflict: JavaScript errors or conflicts from other plugins or your theme can break the functionality of the settings page, preventing the "Save" button from working or checkboxes from being changed.

How to Disable WooPayments Test Mode

Solution 1: Check for and Disable Development Mode

The first and most crucial step is to check if your site has WCPAY_DEV_MODE enabled. This is a common cause, especially if you've been working on a staging or development site.

  1. Access your site's files, typically through your hosting provider's file manager or an FTP client.
  2. Locate and open your wp-config.php file, which is in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
  3. Look for the following line of code: 
    define( 'WCPAY_DEV_MODE', true );
  4. If you find it, you have two options:
    • Remove the line entirely.
    • Change true to false: define( 'WCPAY_DEV_MODE', false );
  5. Save the changes to the file and upload it back to your server if necessary.
  6. Also, ensure that general WordPress debugging is disabled by verifying WP_DEBUG is set to false.
  7. Clear your browser cache and any caching plugins you have running, then check your WooPayments settings again. The Test Mode checkbox should now be editable.

Solution 2: Perform a Conflict Test

If Development Mode is not enabled, the next step is to rule out a conflict with another plugin or your theme.

  1. Switch to a Default Theme: Temporarily switch your theme to a WordPress default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. See if you can disable Test Mode with the default theme active.
  2. Deactivate All Other Plugins: If the issue persists, deactivate all plugins except for WooCommerce and WooPayments. Check if the problem is resolved.
  3. Reactivate One-by-One: If disabling plugins fixes the issue, reactivate your other plugins one by one, checking the WooPayments settings after each activation. This will help you identify the conflicting plugin.

While performing this test, it's helpful to open your browser's console (F12) to check for any JavaScript errors that appear when the WooPayments settings page loads. These errors can provide a clear clue about the source of the conflict.

Solution 3: Check for a Staging Mode Configuration

Some hosting environments or plugins automatically set constants that can affect WooPayments. Check your wp-config.php file for other constants that might be putting your site in a non-production state, such as WP_ENVIRONMENT_TYPE being set to 'staging' or 'development'. For a live site, this should typically be set to 'production' or not defined at all.

When to Seek Further Help

If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be more complex and related to your specific account or database state. In these cases, the best course of action is to gather your Site Status Report from WooCommerce > Status and any relevant browser console error logs. You can use this information to seek help from experienced community members on independent forums or development communities.

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