For many store owners (especially those using WooCommerce), importing orders can be overwhelming! The thought of losing vital WooCommerce import orders, mismatched details, or incomplete uploads definitely feels like a nightmare.
But here's the good news: with the right tools and methods, you can breeze through this import process with confidence. In this guide, we'll discuss:
- How to import WooCommerce orders with built-in tools
- How to import using third-party plugins
- How to migrate your store with LitExtension
Without further ado, let’s get started!
WooCommerce Import Orders: At A Glance
Overall, uploading WooCommerce import orders means you transfer the order data from another system, file, or platform straight into your WooCommerce store.
The process carries over the full history of your customer transactions and lets you maintain precise control over your inventory (e.g., handling returns and refunds). More importantly, it helps you nurture long-term relationships with repeat customers, all while ensuring past order activities integrate smoothly into your WooCommerce system.
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How to Import WooCommerce Orders with Built-in Tools
Now, let's get into the exciting part of our import guides! If you own a small store or a start-up with very simple needs, then we have great news: you'll be up and running in no time using WooCommerce's built-in tools. Here's how they work:
Step 1. Prepare your import file
The first step is to prepare and format your CSV file. Make sure you keep all these criteria in mind so the file will be readable once imported:
Criterion | Requirements |
Format | UTF-8 |
Time and date | Use your store’s local timezone for dates |
Values | + Use 1 for true and 0 for false values + Separate multiple values with commas + Wrap values in quotes if they contain commas. |
Prefix | + Use “id:” when referencing an existing product ID (e.g., id:100) + No refix is needed for SKU (e.g., SKU101). |
Taxonomy | Use “>” for hierarchies (e.g., Women > Dress > Floral). |
Also, images must already be uploaded or available via public links. Note that draft products can still be imported (though this does not apply to export).
Step 2. Upload the file
Next, go to “WooCommerce”> “Products” in the WordPress dashboard and click “Import” at the top of the “Products” page.
Now, select “Browse” to upload your CSV file; if updating products, check “Update existing products.” Once done, set the CSV delimiter (a comma is the default) and check the box for “Column mapping preferences.”
As a rule of thumb, WooCommerce will auto-map your CSV columns to WooCommerce fields. Fortunately, you can always use the dropdown menu to map fields or select “Do not import” for columns you don't want to include.
Step 3. Upload WooCommerce import orders
Finally, click “Run the importer” and wait for the import process to finish. Remember, DO NOT refresh the browser while you're at it! Once the import is complete, click “View products” to check if everything is imported correctly.
Step 4 (Optional). Troubleshooting common errors
The three steps outlined above are very straightforward, but that doesn't mean everything will automatically go smoothly! Unexpected issues and conflicts can still arise, either with your site/hosting provider or within the database itself.
Hence, we've compiled a list of common challenges with WooCommerce import orders, along with suggested solutions to resolve them quickly:
Error | Possible Reason | Suggested fixes |
“Sorry, this file type is not permitted” | WordPress MIME check issue after the 2018 security update | + Update WordPress to the latest version + Use a plugin like "Disable Real Mime Check" to disable the MIME check. |
“Specified file failed upload test” | Conflict between plugins | + Deactivate all plugins and custom PHP/JS code snippets + Switch to the default theme + Check directory permissions. |
“Allowed memory size exhausted” | The server does not have enough memory | + Increase memory limit + Contact the hosting provider |
“Too many redirects” | Incorrect configuration | + Disable plugins + Switch to the default theme + Ensure WordPress and Site Address URLs match. |
“Invalid file type” | CSV file type is restricted | Add CSV to the allowed MIME types list using plugins |
“Invalid or duplicate SKU” | Orphaned product variations exist in the database | + Run the "Delete orphaned variations" tool + Disable mapping for the "ID" field during import. |
How to Import WooCommerce Orders Using Plugins
As mentioned earlier, the built-in tools will likely serve you well if you're running a small store with straightforward needs. However, there’s one huge drawback: you're stuck with a SINGLE import method!
That's where the Import Export Suite for WooCommerce shines. For just $10.75 a month (billed annually at $129), this plugin offers a decent number of import methods to suit slightly larger businesses. Once you've got the plugin installed and your CSV file prepared, here's how you can upload your WooCommerce import orders:
Step 1. Choose the post type
First, go to “WooCommerce > “Import Export Suite” and click on the “Import” tab. After that, choose “Order” as the post type for your import, then click “Step 2” to continue.
Step 2. Choose your import method
From here, you can select from one of the following import methods:
- Quick import: Imports basic fields. You can import files from Local, URL, or FTP.
- Pre-saved templates: Imports data using a previously saved template (meaning you need to have used this plugin at least once before). There will be a list of templates for you to choose from.
- Advanced method: Allows for mapping specific columns and advanced customizations before importing.
For the first two methods, just click “Import,” and you're done! But if you pick the “Advanced Method,” move on to Step 3 to adjust more advanced settings.
Step 3. Map import columns
In step 3, you will be able to map the following import columns manually:
- Default Fields: Edit the column names if needed.
- Meta (custom fields) and Hidden Meta: Specify additional fields if necessary.
- Evaluate Field: Add or modify values using operators like +, *, and -.
Once mapped, click “Step 4” to proceed.
Step 4. Choose advanced options
Aside from column mapping, you can experiment with even more advanced options for your WooCommerce import orders here. Some examples:
- Update only: Update matching records only.
- If order exists: Skip or update existing orders.
- If conflict with post ID: Skip or import as new.
- Email customer: Notify customers about order status changes.
- Link products by SKU: Choose this option to link orders by SKU(though it's not recommended in case of conflicting IDs)
- Delete non-matching orders: Remove orders not in the input file if desired.
Even better, you can adjust the number of records processed per batch or schedule the import if needed. Save the template for future use if desired.
Step 5. Finish uploading WooCommerce import orders
Finally, click “Import/Schedule” to finish:
- If scheduling, configure the import time and click “Schedule now” to set it
- If directly importing, click “Import.”
Either way, after completion, a pop-up will display the process status and show you both successful and failed imports. That's it!
Advanced Store Migration with LitExtension
The Import Export Suite plugin above is a significant step over WooCommerce's built-in tools for importing orders and product-related data. But what about all the other complex data types like passwords, blog posts, taxes, CMS pages, and more? Unfortunately, this plugin cannot yet handle those.
Plus, since it's still just a small plugin at the end of the day, the number of entries and entities you can import is quite limited. And if you run into any technical issues with WooCommerce import orders, you're left to troubleshoot them on your own!
Here's where LitExtension steps in as a much better alternative for store migration. With LitExtension, you get two competitive package options: the Basic Migration (where you perform the migration yourself) and the All-in-One Migration (where our team of experts handles everything for you). Below are the detailed step-by-step guides for each package:
Basic Migration
Before exploring the Basic Migration package, remember to create your account first! Go to this link to enter your name, email, and password, then click “Register.” (Or, if you already have an existing Google Account, go to this link and click “Sign in with Google.”)
Once you're all set, you can move on to the next three steps described as follows:
Step 1. Set up your Source Cart
To kickstart the migration, head to the Migration page and select “Create new migration.” You'll then choose the type of your Source Cart (the store you want to migrate from) and enter its URL.
Next, you need to connect LitExtension to your store using one of the following methods, depending on your store type:
- Install LitExtension connector (for open-source stores)
- Provide API keys (for hosted carts)
Whichever method you choose, you'll find easy-to-follow instructions on the right side of the screen to guide you through the process. Just follow along, and you'll be set up in no time!
Step 2. Set up your Target Cart
Once your Source Cart is properly connected, it's time to set up your Target Cart (in this case, WooCommerce). Simply select “WooCommerce” from the dropdown, enter the URL, and install the LitExtension connector to link LitExtension to your store. Again, detailed step-by-step guidance will be on the right side of the screen to ensure everything goes smoothly for you.
When you're done, click “Next: Configure your migration” to move on to Step 3.
Step 3. Configure your WooCommerce migration
Now, it's time to decide what you want to migrate!
You can choose from a list of available entities we provided, such as “Customers,” “Products,” “Orders,” etc. If you want to transfer everything, simply hit “Select All” to include all data types. There are also mapping options (store, language, order status, and customer group) you may consider.
Still have more requirements? No problems! Aside from the basics, LitExtension also offers additional data migration options, such as migrating recent data, creating the 301 redirects on Target Cart, and more (as shown in the image below):
Step 4. Run your demo and full migration
At the bottom of the Configuration page, you'll see the option to start a free demo migration; this allows you to transfer up to 20 entities at no cost!
After the demo, you'll receive an email confirming the successfully imported entities. If everything looks good to you, return to the Configuration page and settle your payment, then click “Start Full Migration” to complete the process.
(Would you prefer to skip the demo and jump right into the full migration? No problem; just check the box for “Skip demo migration” and click “Start Full Migration.”)
That's it! Now, all you have to do is sit back and wait until the migration is completed.
All-in-One Migration (Recommended)
As you can see, although the Basic Migration package is easy to use and quickly gets the job done, you'll still have to manage every step yourself. Plus, for more complex needs, settling for the basics might not be enough! That's why we suggest the All-in-One package, a complete solution that offers personalized service every step of the way. Here's how it works:
Step 1. Consultant by LitExtension experts
First, let's get things started by contacting our team. We'll look into exactly what you need to transfer, whether it's WooCommerce import orders, products, blog posts, or custom requests.
Throughout the discussion, we will walk you through our services and break down the pricing clearly. Once you're on board, you can sit back and relax while we handle the rest.
Step 2. Data mapping and setting by experts
Now, our team will get everything ready for the migration. This step includes:
- Setting up your WooCommerce store
- Installing essential plugins
- Creating 301 redirects
- Clearing out sample data.
Curious about how things will work? We can even provide a free demo if that's what you need!
Step 3. Perform full eCommerce replatforming
Here comes the big moment: the full migration! Our team will take care of it all while keeping you updated every step of the way. And unlike the Basic Migration package, all additional options that arise during- and post-migration will be covered at no extra cost!
Once it's done, we'll run final checks, address technical issues (if any), and make sure your store is ready to launch on WooCommerce. During the next 6 months, we will ensure none of your important data is missing by providing Re-migrations, Free/Unlimited recent migrations, and Smart update services. Better yet, if that data makes up less than 10% of the total, you'll receive these services completely free of charge!
Ready to Migrate to WooCommerce?
WooCommerce Import Orders: FAQs
How do I import all orders in WooCommerce?
Start by preparing a CSV import file that follows WooCommerce’s format requirements. Once your file is ready, you can either use WooCommerce’s built-in import tool or opt for a third-party plugin to upload WooCommerce import orders. While most plugins will work, we highly recommend the Import Export Suite for a smoother experience.
How to migrate WooCommerce orders?
The manual method remains the most popular: you export the data from your current platform first and then import it into WooCommerce. Nevertheless, this process is highly error-prone (as is the case with most manual tasks). Plus, you'll definitely need to conduct some technical research to handle the differences between WooCommerce and your previous platform.
Hence, for a hassle-free WooCommerce order migration, LitExtension is the go-to solution! Whether the Basic or All-in-One package, LitExtension makes it easy to migrate not just product information but also other types of data.
How do I import Shopify orders into WooCommerce?
To move Shopify orders into WooCommerce, you must first export your orders in CSV format from Shopify, then reformat the file to meet WooCommerce's requirements. Afterward, you can either use WooCommerce's built-in tools or rely on third-party plugins to bring the data into your new store (as instructed above).
But here's the catch: formatting the file correctly can be quite a challenge, especially for beginners. Even with a sample file in hand for references, human mistakes are inevitable and will likely cause headaches down the line.
Hence, we highly recommend using reputable Shopify-to-WooCommerce migration services (like LitExtension) to save time! Better yet, these services ensure that even your non-product data (passwords, blog posts, CMS pages, etc.) will be seamlessly transferred to your WooCommerce store without hassle.
(Note that the opposite - to import orders from WooCommerce to Shopify - also applies here).
Final Words
Our article has broken down several methods for WooCommerce import orders, each with its own merits. However, if you're looking for the most comprehensive and budget-friendly solution, LitExtension clearly stands out from the rest!
Not only can our team simplify your order imports, but we also handle multiple other data types for a thorough, all-in-one WooCommerce migration. Plus, with 12 years of experience and 300,000+ successful migrations under our belt, we can handle all kinds of custom requests that go far beyond what standard WooCommerce plugins offer.
For more information, check out our WooCommerce guides and join our Facebook Community.
