Documentation
Everything you need to install, configure, and troubleshoot GateCoupon - Coupon Required for WooCommerce Checkout.
Installation
Free Version (WordPress.org)
- Go to your WordPress dashboard → Plugins → Add New.
- Search for "Coupon Required for WooCommerce Checkout" or "GateCoupon".
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
PRO Version (manual upload)
- Download the PRO zip file from your purchase confirmation email.
- Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
- Select the zip file and click Install Now.
- Activate the plugin.
- Go to GateCoupon in the sidebar and scroll to the PRO License section to enter your license key.
Configuration
General Settings
Navigate to GateCoupon in the sidebar of your WordPress admin. All options are on a single page:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable GateCoupon | Master toggle. When off, checkout works normally. |
| Require Specific Coupon | When checked, only the exact code you enter below will be accepted. |
| Required Coupon Code | The coupon code customers must enter (case-insensitive). Only shown when "Require Specific Coupon" is enabled. |
| Accepted Coupon Codes (PRO) | One code per line. When filled, any of these codes satisfies the gate. Overrides the single code field above. |
| Minimum Cart Amount | Only enforce the gate when the cart subtotal is at or above this value. Leave empty to always enforce. |
| Block at Cart Level | Show the error on the cart page. If unchecked, the error only appears at checkout. |
| Schedule Start (PRO) | The gate activates after this date/time. Leave empty to start immediately. |
| Schedule End (PRO) | The gate deactivates after this date/time. Leave empty for no end date. |
| Custom Redirect URL (PRO) | Redirect blocked users to this page instead of the cart. Useful for a "how to get a code" landing page. |
| URL Coupon Parameter (PRO) | Name of the URL parameter that auto-applies a coupon. Default: coupon. Example: yourstore.com/?coupon=SAVE20 |
| Cart Error Message | Message shown on the cart page. |
| Checkout Error Message | Message shown during checkout validation. |
| Redirect Error Message | Message shown when a customer is redirected back from checkout. |
| Message Display Style (PRO) | Choose between default WooCommerce notice, full-width banner, or popup modal. |
| Message Colors (PRO) | Custom background and text colors for the banner or modal style. |
PRO Features
Scheduling
Set a start and end date/time for the coupon gate. The gate activates automatically at the start time and deactivates at the end time. Ideal for pre-launch windows, flash sales, and seasonal promotions. Uses your WordPress timezone setting.
Multiple Coupon Codes
Accept a list of valid codes - one per line. When "Require Specific Coupon" is enabled and multiple codes are listed, any of them will unlock checkout. Perfect for giving different codes to VIPs, employees, and partners.
Usage Analytics Dashboard
A built-in analytics section on the GateCoupon settings page shows: how many times the gate blocked a customer, how many orders went through, and the top coupon codes used. Includes a reset button to start tracking from a new date.
Custom Redirect URL
Instead of redirecting blocked users to the cart page, send them to any URL - like a "how to get a code" landing page, registration form, or membership signup page.
Auto-Apply Coupon via URL
Add a URL parameter to any link (e.g. yourstore.com/?coupon=VIP20) and the coupon is applied automatically when the visitor arrives. The parameter name is customizable. Great for email campaigns, QR codes, and paid ads.
Custom Gate Message Design
Choose how the gate error message is displayed: default WooCommerce notice, a full-width banner, or a centered popup modal. Customize the background and text colors to match your brand.
Category Restrictions
Select one or more product categories. The coupon gate only applies when the cart contains at least one product from the selected categories. Leave empty to apply to all products.
Role Exclusions
Select user roles that should bypass the coupon gate entirely. For example, administrators or wholesale customers can checkout without a coupon.
WooCommerce Blocks
Full compatibility with the block-based Cart and Checkout pages introduced in WooCommerce 8.x. Server-side validation through the Store API ensures the gate cannot be bypassed.
Automatic Updates
With a valid license, plugin updates appear in your WordPress dashboard just like any other plugin. No manual downloads needed.
License Activation
Activating Your License
- Go to GateCoupon in the sidebar of your WordPress admin.
- Scroll down to the PRO License section.
- Paste your license key (received via email after purchase).
- Click Activate.
- The status should change to Active with your expiration date.
Moving to a Different Site
- On the old site, go to GateCoupon in the sidebar, scroll to PRO License, and click Deactivate.
- On the new site, enter the same key and click Activate.
Troubleshooting
The gate is not working
Make sure "Enable GateCoupon" is checked in the GateCoupon settings page. Also verify that WooCommerce coupons are enabled in WooCommerce > Settings > General.
Double checkout button
Some themes render the checkout button in a custom way. GateCoupon does not duplicate the button - it disables it via CSS. If you see a duplicate, it's likely your theme. The server-side block still works regardless.
Blocks checkout not blocked
Make sure you are using the PRO version. The free version only supports the classic checkout shortcode. PRO hooks into the WooCommerce Store API for Blocks support.
License activation fails
Check that your server can make outbound HTTPS requests (wp_remote_post). Some hosting providers block external API calls. Contact your host or our support.