How to Hide or Disable the WooCommerce Add to Cart Button  

WooCommerce is a popular eCommerce platform that allows businesses to easily build and manage online stores. So, what exactly is WooCommerce? it’s a versatile plugin for WordPress that lets you sell a variety of products online, including both physical items and digital downloads. A key feature of WooCommerce is the ‘Add to Cart’ button, which enables customers to add products to their shopping cart for checkout. 

While essential for most online stores, there are situations where business owners may prefer to hide or disable this button. This can be useful for shifting your store to catalog mode, offering custom pricing or turning a product listing into an inquiry-only display. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of hiding or disabling the WooCommerce Add to Cart button. We will also discuss various methods to implement this feature and the advantages of each, helping you customize your store to align with your specific business needs and objectives. 

Why you might want to hide or disable the WooCommerce add to cart button 

Before you can hide or disable the WooCommerce add to cart button, it’s important to first know how to add and set up WooCommerce on WordPress. Once the plugin is installed and set up, you can customize your store’s design and functionality. This includes the option to remove the ‘Add to Cart’ button.

Hiding or disabling the WooCommerce “Add to Cart” button can serve several strategic purposes. Removing the button for out-of-stock items prevents customers from attempting to purchase unavailable products. This reduces confusion and ensures a smoother shopping experience. Hiding the button in catalog mode turns the shop page into a product showcase without direct purchases.

For stores offering exclusive or variable pricing, removing the button allows businesses to keep details private, encouraging registered customers to inquire for quotes. This approach is particularly effective for high-ticket or custom products that require more personalized communication. By prompting customers to reach out, businesses can provide tailored information and build stronger customer relationships. 

Disabling the button on out-of-stock or customizable products helps manage inventory effectively. This prevents customers from attempting to buy unavailable items.

Understanding the difference between hiding and removing 

In WooCommerce, hiding and completely removing the “Add to Cart” button are two different actions. Each method impacts your website’s functionality and performance in unique ways.

When you hide the “Add to Cart” button, it remains within the HTML code of the page but is made invisible to users. This is usually done through CSS or JavaScript, where styling commands make the button hidden from view. Hiding the button is perfect for temporary situations, like when products are out of stock. It allows you to test different configurations without altering the underlying code.

Since the button’s code is still loaded, this method usually doesn’t significantly affect the page’s loading speed. However, it does mean that users with specific technical knowledge could still access the button in the HTML, though it won’t be visible or accessible to the typical visitor. 

Removing the “Add to Cart” button entirely involves deleting it from the page’s code, which can be done using custom PHP code or a plugin. This approach provides a cleaner, more efficient solution by completely removing the button’s code. Eliminating the button can slightly improve loading times and create a more streamlined user experience. It’s a good option when you’re certain the button isn’t necessary on specific product pages. For example, it works well on catalog-only sites or for products available by inquiry only. This method ensures a simpler, more focused browsing experience for users.

Ultimately, hiding is a quick, reversible solution, while removing provides a more permanent change with performance benefits. Your choice depends on your website’s needs, desired user experience and the importance of site efficiency. 

Different methods to hide or disable the WooCommerce add to cart button 

There are multiple effective methods to hide or disable the ‘Add to Cart’ button in your WooCommerce store, each offering different levels of customization and requiring varying degrees of technical skill. Whether you’re looking for a quick, no-code solution using plugins or prefer more control with custom code, you have options to suit your business needs. Below, we’ll explore three popular methods that range from using WooCommerce settings and plugins to adding custom code or CSS.  

Choose the method that best fits your store’s requirements and technical comfort level. 

Method 1: Using WooCommerce settings and plugins 

The simplest way to hide the “Add to Cart” button is by using a WooCommerce plugin. This method requires no coding and provides flexibility to hide the button either globally or on specific products. 

Steps: 

1. Install a Plugin: Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for plugins like “WooCommerce Catalog Mode” or “YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode”. Click Install and Activate. 

2. Configure Plugin Settings: After activation, go to WooCommerce > Settings. Find the plugin’s settings tab and adjust options to hide the “Add to Cart” button or enable catalog mode. 

3. Save and Test: Save your changes and visit your store to confirm that the button is hidden. 

Method 2: Custom code in Functions.php File 

If you prefer more control over your WooCommerce store and want to disable the “Add to Cart” button at a deeper level, adding custom code to your functions.php file is a reliable solution. This approach removes the button functionality entirely, ensuring that customers cannot add products to their cart. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding custom code safely: 

Step 1: Access the functions.php file 

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard. 

2. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. 

3. On the right-hand side, locate and click on the functions.php file (usually listed as Theme Functions). 

Note: If you don’t see the Theme Editor option, you can also access the functions.php file via FTP or your hosting control panel’s file manager. 

Step 2: Add the custom code 

Copy and paste the following code at the end of your functions.php file: 

// Disable the “Add to Cart” button on product pages 

remove_action(‘woocommerce_single_product_summary’, ‘woocommerce_template_single_add_to_cart’, 30); 

// Disable the “Add to Cart” button on archive pages (like category or shop pages) 

remove_action(‘woocommerce_after_shop_loop_item’, ‘woocommerce_template_loop_add_to_cart’, 10); 

Explanation of the Code: 

• The first line removes the “Add to Cart” button from individual product pages. 

• The second line removes the button from product listing pages, such as the shop or category pages. 

Step 3: Save the changes 

1. After adding the code, click Update File. 

2. Clear your site’s cache (and your browser cache, if necessary) to ensure the changes take effect. 

Step 4: Test your site 

Visit your store and check that the “Add to Cart” button is no longer visible on product pages or category listings. 

By using custom code in the functions.php file, you gain full control over your store’s functionality, ensuring that the button is not just hidden but entirely disabled, preventing customers from adding items to their cart. 

Method 3: Using CSS to hide the button 

If you’re looking for a quick and non-invasive way to hide the “Add to Cart” button on your WooCommerce store, using CSS can be a straightforward solution. This method is ideal if you want a temporary change without altering any of your store’s core files or using plugins. Here’s how you can do it: 

1. Access the Customizer: 

Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Customize. From there, select Additional CSS. This is where you can safely add custom styles without affecting your theme’s original code. 

2. Add the CSS Code: 

Copy and paste the following CSS snippet into the Additional CSS section: 

.add_to_cart_button, .single_add_to_cart_button { 

display: none !important; 

} 

This code targets both the “Add to Cart” button on product listings (.add_to_cart_button) and the single product page (.single_add_to_cart_button). The display: none !important; rule hides these buttons from the user’s view. 

3. Save and Publish: 

After adding the code, click Publish to apply the changes. The “Add to Cart” button should now be hidden across your site. 

While CSS is quick, this method only hides the button visually; customers may still access it in some cases, making it best suited for temporary needs. 

Best plugins to hide or disable the WooCommerce add to cart button 

There are numerous plugins available that help WooCommerce store owners easily hide or disable the “Add to Cart” button. These plugins offer flexibility and customization to meet various business needs. You can convert your store into a catalog, manage inquiries for high-value products or restrict pricing visibility for exclusive items.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best plugins for hiding or disabling the “Add to Cart” button. 

WooCommerce Catalog Mode 

WooCommerce Catalog Mode is a versatile plugin designed to transform your WooCommerce store into a catalog by hiding the “Add to Cart” button. This plugin allows you to showcase your products without the option for direct purchase, ideal for businesses focused on inquiries or for items not yet available for sale. It offers additional customization options, such as hiding prices or showing alternative calls to action, making it highly adaptable to various store needs. With its user-friendly settings, it’s suitable for users of all technical levels. 

YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode 

YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode is known for its flexibility, allowing store owners to easily toggle between catalog and full eCommerce modes. This plugin enables you to hide the “Add to Cart” button and price display, making it ideal for wholesale catalogs, seasonal items or restricted products. With this plugin, you can selectively apply the catalog mode to specific user roles, making it a great option for businesses with different user segments. It also integrates well with other YITH plugins, expanding its functionality for more advanced needs. 

Remove Add to Cart WooCommerce 

Remove Add to Cart WooCommerce is a straightforward solution for hiding the “Add to Cart” button across your WooCommerce site. This plugin is ideal for those seeking a simple and effective way to remove the button without additional customization or complex settings. It’s particularly useful for small businesses or catalog-only stores that need a fast solution to disable purchasing options. Its simplicity makes it a lightweight choice, minimizing impact on site performance. 

WooCommerce Product Enquiry Pro 

WooCommerce Product Enquiry Pro is designed for businesses that prefer inquiries over direct purchases. This plugin hides the “Add to Cart” button and replaces it with an inquiry form, allowing customers to contact you directly about products. It’s perfect for high-value, customizable or out-of-stock items, as it encourages customers to engage with your business for more details. With customizable forms and email notifications, it streamlines the inquiry process and helps convert interested visitors into leads. 

Hide Price and Add to Cart Button Plugin 

Hide Price and Add to Cart Button Plugin provides a powerful solution for businesses wanting to hide both the “Add to Cart” button and product prices. This plugin is highly useful for exclusive or member-only products where price information is restricted. You can configure it to display a custom message or inquiry form instead, prompting customers to contact you for more details. It’s a flexible solution that allows you to adjust settings by product category or user role, making it suitable for both retail and wholesale scenarios. 

These plugins provide effective solutions for hiding or disabling the “Add to Cart” button, allowing you to customize your WooCommerce store to better suit your business needs. Choosing the right one will depend on your goals, whether it’s creating a catalog, managing inquiries or limiting purchasing options. 

Troubleshooting common issues 

When hiding or disabling the “Add to Cart” button in WooCommerce, some common issues may arise, impacting your store’s layout and functionality. Here’s how to troubleshoot these effectively. 

Broken layouts after hiding/disabling the button 

Hiding or removing the “Add to Cart” button can sometimes disrupt your store’s layout, especially if the theme relies on the button’s placement. This can cause page elements to shift or overlap, resulting in a poor user experience. 

Quick fixes: 

To resolve layout issues, inspect the page layout and use custom CSS to adjust the positioning and spacing of affected elements. Additionally, check if your theme is WooCommerce-compatible and supports layout adjustments for hidden buttons; if not, switching to a more compatible theme may help. Using a well-supported WooCommerce plugin for this purpose can also reduce layout disruptions, as these plugins are generally optimized for popular themes. 

Conflicts with other plugins 

Some plugins may conflict when you hide or disable the “Add to Cart” button, leading to functionality issues or unpredictable behavior on your site. 

Quick fixes: 

To identify conflicting plugins, deactivate them one by one until you pinpoint the issue. Once identified, ensure all plugins are updated, as outdated versions are a common source of compatibility issues. If the problem persists, consult the support team of the conflicting plugin, as they may have specific settings or advice to enable compatibility with your current setup. 

Add to cart button still appears on some pages 

Even after applying settings or code to hide the button, it may still show on specific pages, such as category or featured product listings. 

Quick fixes: 

Start by reviewing the plugin settings or code you’ve used to confirm that the hiding functionality applies to all intended pages. In cases where certain pages are still displaying the button, you can apply page-specific CSS targeting only those areas. Clearing your site cache is also important, as cached pages may still show outdated versions of the page, leading to display inconsistencies. 

Custom code not functioning as expected 

If custom code in the functions.php file or a code snippet plugin is used to hide the button, it might not work due to syntax errors, theme incompatibility or plugin conflicts. 

Quick fixes: 

Begin by double-checking your code for syntax errors or missing elements, as small mistakes can prevent code from running correctly. Consider using a code snippet plugin instead of editing functions.php directly, as it provides a safer environment to isolate and troubleshoot code. Testing your code on a WooCommerce default theme, like Storefront, can also help confirm if compatibility with your theme is an issue. 

Testing on a staging site before going live 

Making changes directly on a live site can affect the user experience if problems occur, so it’s recommended to test on a staging site beforehand. 

Quick fixes: 

To create a staging environment, you can use the tools offered by your hosting provider or a plugin such as WP Staging. Test the button-hiding or disabling changes on this staging site to identify any conflicts, broken layouts or other issues. From there, review the site from a user perspective to ensure everything appears and functions as intended before implementing changes on your live store. 

Conclusion 

In this guide, we’ve walked you through how to hide, remove or disable the WooCommerce Add to Cart button, offering you more control over your store’s functionality. You can choose to hide the button entirely or disable it for specific products, depending on your needs. These options allow for better catalog management and a smoother customer experience. Adjusting this feature helps tailor your store to meet various business goals.

These strategies also allow you to enable stock management, optimize product stock  and effectively manage out-of-stock products. Plus, by using a child theme, you can make these changes without impacting your main theme’s updates. 

Now that you have these techniques at your disposal, it’s time to put them into action. Customizing how customers interact with your store can have a significant impact on your sales strategy. Explore your WooCommerce settings, experiment with these options and take your store to the next level with Bluehost’s reliable hosting solutions. 

Ready to optimize your WooCommerce store? Start today with Bluehost and enjoy seamless integration, expert support and the tools you need to succeed. Get started now! 

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