WooCommerce, one of the most popular eCommerce solutions for WordPress, has released its latest update, version 9.7.1. While the update brings several improvements and bug fixes, it also comes with a significant change that has caught the attention of many users— the removal of the wishlist item counter from the free version.

What’s New in WooCommerce 9.7.1?

The WooCommerce 9.7.1 update focuses on enhancing overall performance, security, and compatibility with the latest WordPress versions. However, one of the notable changes is that the wishlist item counter, a widely used feature, is no longer available in the free version.

Impact on WooCommerce Users

The wishlist item counter has been a valuable tool for many eCommerce store owners, allowing customers to track their saved products conveniently. With this feature now locked behind a premium version, users may need to explore alternative solutions to display the wishlist count on their stores.

Top WooCommerce Themes No Longer Provide Wishlist Counter Updates

Popular WooCommerce themes like WoodMart and Porto no longer provide automatic updates for the wishlist counter in their free versions. This means that users relying on these themes may need to seek custom solutions or upgrade to premium versions of wishlist plugins to maintain this functionality.

1. WoodMart Demo : https://woodmart.xtemos.com/home/   

Screeshot : https://prnt.sc/7YTcX9FSqsoa 

2. Porto Thems Demo : https://www.portotheme.com/wordpress/porto/shop1/     

Screeshot : https://prnt.sc/dTw74rYli-Aa   

Alternative Solutions to Display Wishlist Item Counter

If you still want to provide your customers with a wishlist counter, here are some possible solutions:

1. Upgrade to the Premium Version

The most straightforward way to regain access to the wishlist item counter is by upgrading to the premium version of your wishlist plugin. This will unlock additional features that can enhance your store’s functionality.

2. Use Third-Party Wishlist Plugins

There are several third-party WooCommerce wishlist plugins available in the WordPress repository. Some of these still offer a free wishlist item counter, so it’s worth exploring alternatives such as:

• TI WooCommerce Wishlist

• YITH WooCommerce Wishlist

• WishSuite

3. Add a Custom Wishlist Counter Using Code

For users comfortable with coding, implementing a custom wishlist item counter using PHP and JavaScript can be a viable solution. Here’s a simple snippet to display the wishlist item count:

You can use the [wishlist_counter] shortcode to display the counter anywhere on your site.

4. Updating Wishlist Counter Without Page Reload

Many users have raised concerns about updating the wishlist counter dynamically without requiring a page reload. A discussion on the WordPress forum highlights that this functionality is available only in the premium version of the YITH WooCommerce Wishlist plugin. Free users might need to implement a custom AJAX-based solution to achieve a seamless update experience.

5. Downgrade to a Previous Version

If you prefer to continue using the wishlist item counter for free, you can downgrade to an older version of WooCommerce or your wishlist plugin. However, this approach comes with risks, including potential security vulnerabilities and incompatibilities with future WordPress updates. Be sure to test thoroughly and consider using a staging site before making changes to your live store.

Conclusion

The removal of the wishlist item counter from WooCommerce’s free version in update 9.7.1 may require adjustments for many store owners. However, with alternative plugins, premium upgrades, or custom coding, you can still provide this functionality to your customers. Whether you choose a third-party solution or a custom implementation, ensuring a seamless shopping experience remains the top priority.