WooCommerce is powerful and flexible, but sometimes errors can come from WordPress, your theme, plugins, hosting setup, or server configuration. Below are the most common issues and guidance on how to troubleshoot them.
How to troubleshoot
Before diving into specific errors, first check that your store is running on supported software versions. Our WooCommerce integration works with:
- WordPress 5.3 or higher (tested up to 6.7.4)
- WooCommerce 4.0 or higher (tested up to 9.6.1)
- PHP 5.6 or higher
Once you’ve confirmed your versions, try these quick checks:
- Refresh the page – Sometimes server overload or temporary glitches can be cleared with a reload.
- Plugin audit – Keep your plugins updated to their stable releases, and deactivate them one by one to pinpoint conflicts.
- Theme audit – Swap to a default theme (like Storefront) to determine if the current theme is causing the error.
Common errors, causes & fixes
1. 500 Internal Server Error
A generic error often caused by corrupted .htaccess, plugin or theme conflicts, outdated PHP, or low memory limits.
Solution:
- Check PHP error logs for specifics
- Update PHP version
- Increase WP_MEMORY_LIMIT
- Regenerate or replace .htaccess
- Remove problematic plugins or switch themes if needed
2. 404 Error
This means your server can’t find the requested page. Often caused by broken links or permalink issues.
Solution:
- Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes to regenerate .htaccess
- Ensure URLs aren’t mistyped or outdated
3. HTTP Error 503, Service Unavailable; HTTP Error 502
This error usually indicates that the web host is lacking resources (being too slow) or the website is down or cannot be reached.
Solution:
- Contact your webhost to go through error logs
- Ask for a faster hosting plan
- Switch hosting providers
4. Connection timed out
Occurs when server resources are insufficient. Often seen on shared hosting or during resource-heavy tasks.
Solution:
- Consider upgrading the hosting plan
- Ask your host to increase PHP memory or server limits
5. Request couldn't process fast enough
Maximum execution time ran out, often due to import tasks or backup tasks running too long.
Solution:
- Increase max execution time via .htaccess or php.ini
- Test for plugin or theme causing long operations
6. Invalid response from your WooCommerce store
This means that your WooCommerce store returned a generic error. It can mean anything, and Printful wouldn't be able to see a cause.
Solution:
- Check if the store URL in Printful Dashboard → Settings → Store settings → General → Website is correct (e.g., https://store-url.com, if there is /shop or something similar try removing it)
- Contact webhost to go through error logs
- Disable plugins one by one to find an unsupported / conflicting one
7. PHP Fatal Error: Out of Memory
Your site ran out of PHP memory during a process.
Solution:
- Increase memory limit via wp-config.php or server config
- If your site still runs into limits, contact your hosting provider; they may need to raise the server’s memory cap
8. WooCommerce API error (403 Forbidden)
This may block API requests or syncing. Causes include misconfigured permalinks, security/firewall rules, or file permissions.
Solution:
- Ensure permalinks are set to non-Plain format
- Check file/folder permissions (folders: 755, files: 644)
- Disable interfering plugins or .htaccess rules
- If blocking persists, consult your host, especially if mod_security or a firewall is active
9. Valid route not found
Solution:
- Try disabling plugins one by one to pinpoint the cause
- Set your WooCommerce theme to default
- Contact your webhost
Summary table
| Error | Cause | Suggested fix |
| 500 Internal Server Error | Memory limit, corrupted files, and plugins | Inspect logs, increase memory, and refresh .htaccess |
| 404 Error | Broken links or permalink misconfiguration | Re-save permalink settings, check URL consistency |
| 503 / 502 Error | Website is down / resource limits | Investigate logs / upgrade hosting |
| Connection timed out | Hosting resource limits | Upgrade hosting or increase server limits |
| Execution time exceeds | Long-running scripts | Increase timeout limits or avoid heavy operations |
| Invalid response | Generic error; no specific cause | Investigate logs / disable plugins |
| PHP memory exhausted | Low memory cap | Increase memory allocation via config or host |
| API error 403 Forbidden | Permission or endpoint blocking | Check permalinks, permissions, and firewall rules |
| Valid route not found | Plugin or theme conflict | Disable plugins, set theme to default |
Final tips
- Always back up your site before making changes
- If errors appear after making changes to your site (adding a new plugin or changing the theme), try reverting the changes to pinpoint the cause
- Check if store URL, permalinks, OAuth 2.0 (click Reconnect on Printful plugin in WP admin), etc. are set up correctly according to the connection guide
- If an issue persists beyond these steps, your hosting provider should be able to investigate via server logs and configuration settings
Learn more about specific WooCommerce errors and troubleshooting tips
- Why does syncing my WooCommerce store give me a 404 error?
- How do I fix WooCommerce Sync error: Incorrect URL entered?
- How do I fix WooCommerce Sync error: PHP memory is running low?
- How can I fix the “consumer key is invalid” error in WooCommerce?
Still need help? Our Support Team is here for you—reach out anytime through our contact form or start a chat with us.