When offering free shipping in your WooCommerce store, displaying other shipping methods can cause confusion at checkout. Customers may wonder why they should pay for shipping when a free option is available. By hiding unnecessary shipping methods, you can create a seamless shopping experience and increase conversions.
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to hide WooCommerce shipping methods when free shipping is available. Whether you prefer built-in settings, custom code, or plugins, we have you covered.
Why Hide Other Shipping Methods When Free Shipping Is Available?
There are several reasons to hide shipping methods when free shipping is available:
- Improved User Experience – A clutter-free checkout page reduces confusion and speeds up the purchase process.
- Increased Conversions – Customers are more likely to complete a purchase when they see a clear, free shipping option.
- Avoid Overcharging Customers – Some customers may accidentally select a paid shipping method, leading to abandoned carts.
- Business Cost Management – Prevents unnecessary expenses by ensuring customers take advantage of free shipping.
By hiding extra shipping options, you provide a smoother experience that encourages customers to complete their orders.
How to Hide WooCommerce Shipping Methods When Free Shipping Is Available
There are multiple ways to hide unnecessary shipping methods when free shipping is available. Here are three effective methods:
1. Use WooCommerce’s Built-in Settings
WooCommerce provides a built-in way to limit shipping methods when free shipping is enabled.
Steps to configure WooCommerce shipping settings:
- Go to WooCommerce Settings
- Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping in your WordPress dashboard.
- Create or Edit a Shipping Zone
- Click on your shipping zone to ensure free shipping is an option.
- Set Free Shipping Conditions
- Under Shipping Methods, add the Free Shipping method.
- Set a condition such as “Minimum order amount” or “Coupon-based free shipping.”
- Rearrange or Remove Other Shipping Methods
- Remove or adjust other methods to avoid confusion.
This method is ideal for simple stores that don’t require advanced shipping rules.
2. Use a PHP Snippet in functions.php
If you prefer a more customized approach, adding a PHP snippet to your theme’s functions.php file can automatically hide other shipping options when free shipping is available.
Steps to Add the Code Snippet:
- Open Your Theme’s functions.php File
- Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor or use an FTP client.
- Insert the Following Code Snippet:
- Save and Test Your Checkout Page
- Add a product to your cart and test whether paid shipping methods disappear when free shipping is applied.
This method is useful for those who are comfortable with code and want an automated solution.
You can find additional related code snippets by visiting the Developer Documenation for shipping-related PHP snippets.
3. Use a WooCommerce Plugin
If you want a hassle-free way to manage shipping visibility, using a plugin is the best option. Several plugins are designed to hide shipping methods based on conditions.
Hide Shipping Method for WooCommerce Plugin
Hide Shipping Method for WooCommerce Plugin is a free and user-friendly plugin that allows you to hide shipping methods when free shipping is available.
Steps to Install and Configure:
- Install the Plugin
- Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for Hide Shipping Method for WooCommerce and install it.
- Activate the Plugin
- Click Activate to enable the plugin.
- Configure the Plugin
- Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping > Hide Shipping.
- Select the condition to hide other shipping methods when free shipping is available.
- Save changes and test at checkout.
Using a plugin is a great option if you prefer a no-code solution that integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce.
Best Practices for Hiding WooCommerce Shipping Methods
To ensure a smooth checkout experience, follow these best practices:
- Test Your Checkout Process – After implementing changes, place a test order to verify that only free shipping appears when applicable.
- Set Clear Shipping Rules – Ensure your free shipping conditions are easy to understand and apply correctly.
- Keep WooCommerce Updated – Regular updates help prevent conflicts with themes and plugins.
- Use a Staging Site for Testing – If you’re adding custom code, test it on a staging site before making changes to your live store.
- Monitor Customer Behavior – Use Google Analytics to track if changes impact cart abandonment rates.
Final Thoughts
Hiding WooCommerce shipping methods when free shipping is available improves the shopping experience, increases conversions, and prevents checkout confusion. Whether you use WooCommerce’s built-in settings, custom PHP code, or a plugin, each method offers an effective way to streamline your store’s shipping process.
If you’re unsure which approach is best for your WooCommerce store, start with the built-in settings or use a plugin for an easy setup. For more advanced customizations, consider using a PHP snippet. By implementing these changes, you can enhance your store’s checkout experience and encourage more sales.
For further suggestions, take a look at the articles How to Convert WordPress MyISAM Database Tables to InnoDB, Effective Ways to Enhance Your Ecommerce Store User Experience, and The Top 10 Must Have WooCommerce Plugins.
Need help? Our WooCommerce Development service is a comprehensive solution for small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses. Call us at 602-633-4758 for a free consultation.
