1. Introduction
The WooCommerce Error REST API 401 is a common error that appears among users who use WordPress e-commerce plugin, WooCommerce. This error is typically encountered when users are attempting to make a request to a WordPress site enabled with REST API via WooCommerce.
2. What Does WooCommerce Error REST API 401 Mean?
The WooCommerce Error REST API 401 is technically a HTTP status code. The error code, REST API 401, implies that the requested resource requires user authentication. In simpler language, the error means that the user is not authorized to execute the requested operation on the server due to invalid credentials (access keys).
3. What Causes This Error?
A few common reasons for the WooCommerce Error REST API 401 to appear are:
– Incorrect consumer keys: Consumer keys in WooCommerce serve as username/password and need to be correct for successful API requests.
– SSL Certificate: If your WordPress site is SSL secured but your WooCommerce API is not, this could trigger the error.
– Hosting Errors: Certain hosts do not support the Authorization header by default.
4. How to Fix WooCommerce Error REST API 401
Fix #1: Double-check Your Keys
Ensure that the consumer keys you are using are correct and given the proper rights.
Fix #2: Implement SSL
Make sure that SSL is implemented on your site if it’s SSL secured. This secures your API.
Fix #3: Fix Hosting Errors
In case your hosting service does not support the authorization header, you can contact their customer service and ask them to whitelist it.
5. Additional Tips
Always keep your WooCommerce and WordPress versions updated to the latest versions to avoid encountering this error. Prior to any major updates or changes, ensure to back up data.
6. When to Contact Support
Should the WooCommerce Error 401 persist even after trying the mentioned fixes, it might be high time to contact WooCommerce support or submit a support ticket through your hosting service.
7. Conclusion
The WooCommerce Error REST API 401 is a common error encountered when users attempt to make a request to a WordPress site enabled with REST API via WooCommerce. While this can be fixed with the methods discussed above, it’s important to ensure a valid SSL, correct consumer keys, and an appropriate hosting service in order to prevent encountering this issue in the first place.
Optional Additions:
This error is similar to REST API errors that return confusion with user credentials, such as Error 403, for which similar troubleshooting steps can be taken.