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If your WooCommerce cart is not working properly, there could be several possible causes, including plugin conflicts, theme conflicts, server-side caching, or JavaScript issues. Here are several ways to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:

1. Check for Plugin Conflicts:

A common cause of issues with WordPress sites is conflicts between plugins. You can check for plugin conflicts by deactivating all of your plugins except for WooCommerce. If the cart works with all other plugins deactivated, reactivate each plugin one by one, checking the cart after each one. This can help you identify which plugin is causing the issue.

2. Check for Theme Conflicts:

Sometimes, issues can be caused by conflicts between your theme and WooCommerce. To check for theme conflicts, temporarily switch your theme to a default WordPress theme such as Twenty Twenty or Twenty Twenty-One and see if the cart works. If it does, the problem lies with your theme.

3. Clear Browser and Server Cache:

Browsers and servers often cache data to improve loading speeds. However, this can sometimes lead to issues with dynamic elements like a shopping cart. Try clearing your browser’s cache and, if your site uses a caching plugin or your host provides a server-side caching solution, clear that cache as well.

4. Check WooCommerce Settings:

It’s also a good idea to check your WooCommerce settings. Make sure that your ‘Enable AJAX add to cart buttons on archives’ option is unchecked. You can find this in WooCommerce Settings > Products > General.

5. JavaScript Conflicts or Errors:

JavaScript is a crucial part of the WooCommerce cart functionality. If there are JavaScript errors on your site, it could break the cart. Check your browser’s developer console for JavaScript errors. If you find errors, they will likely point to a specific plugin or theme file, which can help you identify the source of the problem.

6. Update Everything:

Ensure your WordPress core, your themes, and all of your plugins are updated to their latest versions. Outdated software can often lead to conflicts and bugs.

7. Debug Mode:

If none of the above steps work, you might need to enable debug mode to get more information about the problem. You can do this by adding the following lines to your wp-config.php file:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

This will start logging any WordPress errors to a wp-content/debug.log file.

Remember, always make a full backup of your website before making any changes like the ones listed above. If you’re uncomfortable making these changes or the problem persists, consider reaching out to a professional or your hosting company’s support for assistance.

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