Integration of WooCommerce with Google Merchant Center (Google Shopping) is a great way to increase visibility of products in Google search, Google Shopping, and product ads. Google offers official integration through the “Google for WooCommerce” extension, which allows automatic product submission to Google without using CSV files or manual feed management.
Unfortunately, users encounter problems, especially during configuration and account linking. One common issue is when:
“…Google Merchant Center shows that WooCommerce is connected, but the ‘Continue’ button is inactive (grayed out) and cannot be clicked.”
In this guide, we explain what this problem means, why the button may be inactive, and how to properly complete the integration process of WooCommerce with Merchant Center.
Typical problem: “Connected to Merchant Center, but the Continue button is gray”
Possible causes:
1. Lack of complete business information in Google Merchant Center
* Google requires full company details: address, contact data, and domain.
* Check in Merchant Center: Settings → Business Information.
2. Unverified domain
* Merchant Center must have a verified and approved domain.
* Verification can be done through HTML tag, DNS, or Google Search Console.
3. Incomplete return and shipping policies
* Google requires clear return and shipping policies (Shipping & Returns).
* Go to: Merchant Center → Tools → Return Policies and fill them in.
4. Session or authentication error
* Check all form fields – even those not marked as required.
5. Complete the integration process again – delete the account and reconnect.
Additional tips:
1. Clear browser cache or perform configuration in incognito mode.
2. Temporarily disable security, firewall, or cookie blocker plugins that may interfere with the process.
3. In case of Google-side errors – check for warnings in Google Merchant Center → Diagnostics.
Summary
Integrating WooCommerce with Google Merchant Center through the official “Google for WooCommerce” extension is a convenient and automated way to export products to Google Shopping. However, when the “Continue” button is gray and inactive:
1. Check the correctness of Merchant Center account data.
2. Ensure the store domain is verified.
3. Comply with all Google requirements (address, return policies, contact).
4. Refresh the login session and browser environment.
Proper completion of the integration allows for full use of product advertising features and increased sales without manual feed management.
