Connecting WooCommerce with Google Merchant Center is a smart move for any online store looking to showcase products across Google platforms like Search, Shopping, and Ads. Thanks to the official Google for WooCommerceintegration, syncing your product catalog no longer requires managing CSV files or external feeds.
However, some store owners encounter a frustrating issue during setup — namely:
“Google Merchant Center shows WooCommerce is connected, but the Continue button is greyed out and can’t be clicked.”
This guide explains what causes this issue, how to solve it, and how to complete the integration process correctly.
🛒 What is Google for WooCommerce?
Google for WooCommerce (also called Google Listings & Ads) is an official plugin developed by WooCommerce in partnership with Google. It allows store owners to:
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Automatically sync WooCommerce products with Google Merchant Center
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Run Google Shopping campaigns through Google Ads
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Update stock levels, prices, and product info in real time
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Avoid manual product feed generation or CSV file management
Setup is managed through a guided wizard — but sometimes that wizard doesn’t work as expected.
🧱 The Common Issue: “Connected to Merchant Center, But Continue is Greyed Out”
🔎 Likely causes:
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Missing or incomplete business details in Merchant Center
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Google requires a full business address and contact info.
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Go to Merchant Center → Settings → Business Information to verify.
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Unverified or unclaimed website URL
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Your store’s domain must be verified and claimed through Google Search Console or directly in Merchant Center.
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Check under: Merchant Center → Website → Verification & Claiming.
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No shipping or return policy added
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Google requires clear shipping and return policies before activation.
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Go to: Merchant Center → Tools → Shipping and Returns to set this up.
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Session timeout or browser conflict
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A browser extension or expired login session may block the wizard.
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Try restarting the process in an incognito window.
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Browser or plugin interference
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Extensions like ad blockers or script managers may disable interface elements.
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Disable them temporarily or switch to another browser.
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✅ How to Properly Connect WooCommerce with Google Merchant Center
Step 1: Install the Plugin
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Navigate to Plugins → Add New, and search for “Google Listings & Ads”
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Install and activate it.
Step 2: Start the Setup Wizard
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Go to WooCommerce → Marketing → Listings
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Begin the onboarding process and log in with your Google account.
Step 3: Connect to Merchant Center
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Choose an existing account or create a new one.
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Ensure your business details, domain verification, and policies are complete.
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Once all requirements are met, the “Continue” button will become clickable.
🧪 Still Greyed Out? Here’s What to Try:
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Check every field — even optional ones — for completeness.
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In your Google Merchant Center account:
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Review the Business Information section.
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Make sure your store’s URL is marked as “Verified and Claimed”.
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Ensure your return and shipping policies are active.
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Restart the connection wizard — disconnect and reconnect your account if necessary.
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Use a private/incognito browser window to avoid cache issues.
💡 Extra Tips
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🧼 Clear your browser cache before retrying the process.
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🧩 Disable browser extensions (especially blockers or firewalls).
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🔐 Make sure cookies and scripts from Google are not being blocked.
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🧾 Check for account issues in Merchant Center → Diagnostics.
🧯 Does This Error Break Anything?
Not at all. Your WooCommerce store will continue working normally. However:
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The integration process will remain incomplete until this is fixed.
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Your products will not sync with Google, and you won’t be able to launch Shopping ads.
🧭 How to Avoid This in the Future
To ensure a smooth connection between WooCommerce and Google:
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Always provide full business information in Merchant Center.
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Verify your website domain before connecting.
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Add and publish your store’s shipping and return policies.
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Run the integration from a clean browser (without extensions).
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Periodically check for changes in Google’s requirements or plugin updates.
🧾 Final Thoughts
If you’re seeing the message:
“Google Merchant Center is connected, but the Continue button is greyed out…”
you’re likely missing a required step in the setup.
To resolve this:
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Complete your business profile and website verification.
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Add shipping and return policies in Merchant Center.
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Restart the setup wizard using a clean browser session.
Once properly connected, your WooCommerce store will sync with Google automatically — keeping your listings up to date and ready for Shopping campaigns.
