The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To send a shopper straight to checkout after adding a product, use a WooCommerce add-to-cart URL with your store’s checkout address. For a simple product, the format is https://example.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=PRODUCT_ID&quantity=QUANTITY. Replace the example domain, product ID and quantity with your store’s values. This adds the item to the cart and opens checkout; it does not remove the cart from WooCommerce.
Build a direct-to-checkout link
- Confirm the checkout page URL. In WordPress admin, go to WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced and check which page is assigned as Checkout. Use that page’s actual URL;
/checkout/is only the documented example and may not match your store. - Find the product ID. Go to WooCommerce > Products. WooCommerce’s instructions say the ID appears beneath a product title when you hover over it.
- Assemble the URL. For a simple product, append
?add-to-cart=PRODUCT_IDto the checkout page URL. To specify a quantity, add&quantity=QUANTITY. For example:https://example.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=123&quantity=2. - Use the link on a button or text link, then test it. Open it in the store environment and confirm that the intended product and quantity appear at checkout before sharing it with customers.
WooCommerce’s add-to-cart URL guide also shows the same parameters on the shop’s home URL. Pointing the URL at the checkout page is what sends the shopper there after the item is added. By default, WooCommerce can leave the shopper on the current page unless a redirect setting or another configuration changes that behavior.
Product type changes the identifier
- Simple product: Use the product ID. Add the quantity parameter when you need a quantity other than the default.
- Variable product: Use the variation ID for the specific variation, rather than assuming the parent product ID selects an option.
- Grouped product: Use the grouped product ID and specify quantities for its individual subproducts.
What WooCommerce’s built-in settings do—and do not do
In WooCommerce > Settings > Products, the documented options include Redirect to the cart page after successful addition and AJAX add-to-cart buttons on archive pages. The redirect option sends customers to the cart, not directly to checkout. The documented Products settings do not include a core direct-to-checkout toggle.
Choose between a URL, a setting, and an extension
| Approach | Useful when | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Add-to-cart URL aimed at checkout | You need a direct link or button for a known product. | Use the store’s actual checkout URL and the correct product identifier; a variable product requires its variation ID. |
| Core Products settings | You want successful additions redirected to the cart or AJAX add-to-cart on archive pages. | The documented redirect destination is the cart, not checkout. |
| Direct-checkout extension | You need configurable Buy Now buttons or redirects across selected products, categories, or the shop. | Features vary. Check the extension’s current availability, compatibility, and price before choosing it. |
| Custom development | Your checkout flow has requirements that a URL or extension does not meet. | WooCommerce points to its developer resources and agency partners for advanced customization; that is not a guarantee of a particular implementation or result. |
When a direct-checkout extension makes more sense
WooCommerce’s Cashier documentation describes replacing Add to Cart with Buy Now site-wide, enabling Buy Now for selected categories, and configuring it on individual products. It also describes choosing checkout as the redirect destination. A separate Cashier guide covers add-to-cart redirects at product or variation level.
#1 Best Overall
WooCommerce’s Direct Checkout Options Pro documentation describes a one-click approach that skips the cart and redirects customers to checkout, with options for selected products, categories, or the whole shop. These are extension features, not built-in WooCommerce Products settings. Confirm the products’ current status, pricing, and compatibility with your store before relying on either extension.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Test the complete customer flow
Documentation for a URL format does not establish compatibility with every theme, payment gateway, or third-party plugin. Test the link on your own store and confirm that the selected product or variation, quantity, and checkout page are correct. If a URL works differently than expected, verify the checkout page assignment and product or variation ID first; then check whether another store configuration or extension is affecting the redirect.
Skipping the cart is a navigation choice, not a documented guarantee of higher conversion or revenue. The cited WooCommerce materials do not provide a controlled comparison showing that a URL, extension, or custom implementation improves sales.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
