WooCommerce usage tracking

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding usage tracking in WooCommerce
  3. Data collected when usage tracking is enabled
  4. Data collected when Jetpack is installed
  5. Disabling data sharing for analytics
    1. WooCommerce usage tracking settings
    2. Suggestion settings
    3. Jetpack tracking settings
  6. Official WooCommerce extensions
  7. Account-related data

Introduction

At Woo, privacy and user control over data are paramount; our core WooCommerce plugin is built with these protections in mind.

We are committed to complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other relevant privacy regulations to protect your information and ensure responsible data practices.

Usage tracking is turned off by default for stores using the core WooCommerce plugin downloaded from WordPress.org. This gives you complete control over whether or not to share data with us.

If you choose to enable usage tracking, the collected data will help us improve WooCommerce and develop features to support your business growth. You can change your preference anytime via your dashboard settings.

Understanding usage tracking in WooCommerce

WordPress’s open-source nature prioritizes user autonomy, with complete data control for site owners and developers. WooCommerce follows these principles by not enabling usage tracking by default.

While this approach ensures user control, it results in a lack of clear insight into:

  • The number of existing WooCommerce stores.
  • How WooCommerce is used.
  • Where our users encounter difficulties.

These factors can make improving our platform a challenge.

To help address this, we encourage store owners to enable usage tracking from within their WordPress admin (WP Admin) dashboard. Doing so sends us basic information about their store and how WooCommerce is set up and used.

Enabling usage tracking helps us:

  • Understand store setups to guide the development of new WooCommerce features.
  • Assess how many stores might be affected by an issue — and respond quickly to resolve it.
  • Notify users of potential security issues.
  • Tailor product recommendations to your store’s needs.
  • Personalize marketing emails (if your email address is subscribed to receive them).

By sharing this data, you’re helping us make WooCommerce better for everyone.

Data collected when usage tracking is enabled

Once tracking is enabled, we collect data regarding how a store is set up and managed. We process this data because it is in our legitimate interests to provide services, improve our products, and support your business needs.

When you enable usage tracking, this data is sent automatically to our servers.

What we may collectHow we use it
Basic store details: Store URL, admin email, and connection status to WooCommerce.com.To manage accounts and provide critical updates or alerts.
Store setup and configuration: WordPress version, active theme, plugins, server environment (PHP, SQL), localization, payment gateways, cart/checkout setup, and mobile app usage.To ensure compatibility, optimize performance, and tailor features to store needs.
Store usage metrics: Order counts, revenue per payment gateway, product/category counts, and review counts.To better understand store performance, prioritize feature development, and improve order attribution.
User behavior within WooCommerce: Interaction with onboarding, product management, and settings.To streamline workflows, simplify navigation, and improve merchant onboarding.
Extension-specific data: Configuration and usage of WooCommerce extensions (such as Stripe, WooCommerce Bookings, WooCommerce Subscriptions, etc.).To ensure extensions function correctly, enhance their functionality, and notify users of any important updates.

The items listed in the table above are examples of the types of data we collect and how we may use that data. It is not an exhaustive list of everything shared when usage tracking is enabled.

Data collected when Jetpack is installed

Once Jetpack is installed, we collect limited information about how your customers navigate store-related pages. This helps us prioritize features, identify areas for improvement, and enhance overall store usability.

What we may collectHow we use it
Customer behavior: Actions on pages such as My account, product views, cart interactions, checkout steps, and order confirmations.To refine key customer-facing features such as cart and checkout for improved usability and effectiveness.

Learn more about WooCommerce information collected via Jetpack.

Disabling data sharing for analytics

WooCommerce usage tracking settings

In WooCommerce 3.6+

To opt out of data-sharing for analytics purposes: in your store’s WP Admin dashboard, navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced > WooCommerce.com and deselect the Enable tracking checkbox.