Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0 in WooCommerce WordPress website
As an experienced WordPress developer, I've encountered a wide range of technical issues, including the dreaded "Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0" error in WooCommerce. This error can be quite frustrating, as it often points to an issue that's not immediately obvious. However, with a systematic approach and some troubleshooting, you can typically identify and resolve the underlying problem.
Understanding the Error
The "Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0" error typically occurs when your website is unable to parse a JSON response correctly. In the context of WooCommerce, this error often arises during the checkout process, as the checkout functionality relies heavily on AJAX requests and JSON data.
The error message itself provides a few clues:
- Unexpected token <: This indicates that the response received by the browser is not in the expected JSON format, but instead starts with the HTML tag
<
.
- in position 0: This tells us that the issue is present right at the beginning of the response, suggesting a more fundamental problem rather than a specific parameter or value within the JSON.
So, what could be causing this issue? Let's explore some common culprits and how to troubleshoot them.
Troubleshooting the Issue
Step 1: Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce
The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to rule out any plugin conflicts. Start by deactivating all plugins on your WordPress site, except for the WooCommerce plugin. This will help you determine if the problem is caused by a third-party plugin or if it's an issue within the core WooCommerce functionality.
Once you've deactivated all other plugins, try to reproduce the error on your checkout page. If the issue is resolved, you can be relatively certain that the problem is caused by a plugin conflict.
Step 2: Activate plugins one by one
If the issue is resolved after deactivating all plugins, you'll need to reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit. Start by activating the first 5 plugins, then test the checkout process. If the error reappears, you've likely found the problematic plugin.
If the first 5 plugins don't cause the issue, deactivate them again and activate the next 5 plugins. Continue this process until you've identified the plugin that's causing the "Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0" error.
Step 3: Inspect the problematic plugin
Once you've identified the plugin causing the issue, it's time to take a closer look at it. Start by checking the plugin's documentation and forums to see if there are any known issues or conflicts with WooCommerce. If you don't find any relevant information, you'll need to dig deeper.
Open the plugin's main PHP file and try to identify any code that might be interfering with the WooCommerce checkout process. Look for any AJAX or JSON-related code that could be modifying or interfering with the WooCommerce checkout functionality.
In my case, the culprit was a plugin called "Akismet3," which was full of hacking code. This plugin was responsible for the unexpected token error, as it was modifying the JSON response in an unexpected way.
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Step 4: Update or replace the problematic plugin
If the plugin is the source of the issue, you have a few options:
- Update the plugin: Check if there's a newer version of the plugin available, as the issue may have been resolved in a recent update.
- Replace the plugin: If the plugin is not actively maintained or the issue persists, consider finding an alternative plugin that provides the same functionality without causing conflicts.
- Modify the plugin code: As a last resort, you can try to modify the problematic plugin's code to fix the issue. However, this approach is not recommended for most users, as it can be risky and may cause compatibility issues in the future.
Step 5: Optimize WooCommerce settings
If you've ruled out plugin conflicts, the issue may be related to your WooCommerce settings or configurations. Review your WooCommerce settings, particularly the checkout and payment gateway settings, to ensure they are correctly configured.
You can also try clearing your browser cache and cookies, as well as clearing the cache on your WordPress site, to see if that resolves the issue.
Real-World Example
In one of my recent projects, I encountered the "Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0" error on a WooCommerce-powered website. After following the steps outlined above, I was able to identify the root cause and resolve the issue.
The website had a large number of plugins installed, and the issue was caused by a plugin called "Akismet3." This plugin was responsible for modifying the JSON response in an unexpected way, leading to the error.
To fix the problem, I first deactivated all plugins except WooCommerce, and the issue was resolved. I then reactivated the plugins one by one, and when I activated the "Akismet3" plugin, the error reappeared.
After inspecting the "Akismet3" plugin's code, I found that it contained a significant amount of hacking code that was interfering with the WooCommerce checkout process. I immediately deactivated the plugin and replaced it with a different anti-spam solution, which resolved the issue.
Conclusion
The "Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0" error in WooCommerce can be a frustrating problem to troubleshoot, but with a systematic approach, you can typically identify and resolve the underlying issue.
Remember, the key steps are:
- Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce
- Activate plugins one by one to identify the culprit
- Inspect the problematic plugin's code
- Update, replace, or modify the plugin as needed
- Optimize your WooCommerce settings
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issue, ensuring a smooth checkout process for your WooCommerce-powered website.
If you're still having trouble resolving the issue, consider reaching out to the WooCommerce support team or a WordPress development expert for further assistance.
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