Magento 2: Skip Shipping Method Step If Only One Exists

Aug 6, 2025 by Rajiv Sharma 56 views

Streamlining Your Magento 2 Checkout: Skip Shipping Method Step When There's Only One

Hey Magento 2 enthusiasts! Ever felt that the checkout process could be a tad smoother, especially when you have only one shipping method available? You're not alone! Many store owners aim to optimize the customer journey, reducing friction and boosting conversions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into how you can skip the shipping method step in your Magento 2 checkout when there's just one option. Let's make your checkout process a breeze!

Why Skip the Shipping Method Step?

Before we jump into the how, let's address the why. Why should you consider skipping the shipping method step when you have only one option? Here’s the deal: It's all about user experience, guys. Imagine a scenario where a customer adds items to their cart, proceeds to checkout, and then has to select the only available shipping method. It’s redundant, right? This extra click adds unnecessary friction, potentially leading to cart abandonment. Simplifying the checkout process can significantly improve the customer experience, making it quicker and more intuitive. By skipping this step, you’re essentially streamlining the journey, reducing the time it takes for customers to complete their purchase. This not only makes your customers happier but also increases the likelihood of them returning for future purchases. Moreover, a streamlined checkout process can boost your conversion rates. The fewer steps a customer has to take, the less chance they have to reconsider their purchase or get distracted. In today's fast-paced world, customers appreciate efficiency. By eliminating unnecessary steps, you show that you value their time and are committed to providing a hassle-free shopping experience. This can set you apart from competitors and build customer loyalty. Ultimately, skipping the shipping method step when there's only one option is a smart move that aligns with best practices in e-commerce. It’s a simple change that can have a significant impact on your store’s performance and customer satisfaction. So, if you're looking to optimize your Magento 2 store, this is definitely a tweak worth considering. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to implement this change!

Understanding the Magento 2 Checkout Flow

To effectively skip the shipping method step, it’s crucial to understand how the Magento 2 checkout process works. The standard checkout flow typically involves several steps, including shipping address, shipping method, payment method, and order review. Each step is designed to gather necessary information from the customer to complete the order. However, when there's only one shipping method available, the shipping method selection step becomes redundant. Understanding this flow allows you to identify the specific areas that need modification. Magento 2 uses a modular structure, which means that the checkout process is composed of various components that interact with each other. These components include JavaScript modules, PHP classes, and layout XML files. To skip the shipping method step, you’ll need to modify these components to bypass the shipping method selection process. This involves customizing the checkout logic to automatically select the default shipping method and proceed to the next step. A key part of the checkout process is the use of JavaScript to handle the dynamic loading of content and interactions on the page. The shipping method step is typically rendered using JavaScript, which fetches the available shipping methods and displays them to the customer. To skip this step, you'll need to modify the JavaScript code to automatically select the default shipping method and hide the shipping method selection section. Additionally, you'll need to modify the PHP classes that handle the checkout process to ensure that the shipping method is automatically selected on the server side. This prevents any issues that might arise if the JavaScript modifications are bypassed or disabled. By gaining a solid understanding of the Magento 2 checkout flow, you'll be better equipped to make the necessary modifications and ensure a seamless checkout experience for your customers. This knowledge will also be invaluable for troubleshooting any issues that might arise during the customization process. So, let's dive deeper into the technical aspects and see how we can make this happen.

Methods to Skip the Shipping Method Step

Alright, guys, let's get to the meat of the matter: how to actually skip that shipping method step. There are a couple of ways you can achieve this in Magento 2. We’ll explore two primary methods: using a custom module and leveraging JavaScript customization. Each approach has its pros and cons, so let’s break them down.

Method 1: Creating a Custom Module

Creating a custom module is a robust and Magento-recommended approach for making modifications to your store. This method ensures that your changes are isolated and won’t be overwritten during updates. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Module Creation: Start by creating a basic module structure in the app/code directory. You'll need to create a directory for your namespace (e.g., MyCompany) and then a subdirectory for your module (e.g., SkipShipping). Inside the module directory, create etc, registration.php, and composer.json files.

Registration.php: This file tells Magento about your module. Add the following code:

<?php

use Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar;

ComponentRegistrar::register(
    ComponentRegistrar::MODULE,
    'MyCompany_SkipShipping',
    __DIR__
);

Composer.json: This file is used for dependency management. Add the following code:

{
  "name": "mycompany/magento2-skipshipping",
  "description": "Skip shipping method step if only one method available",
  "type": "magento2-module",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "license": ["OSL-3.0", "AFL-3.0"],
  "require": {
    "php": "~7.1.0|~7.2.0|~7.3.0",
    "magento/framework": "102.0.*"
  },
  "autoload": {
    "files": ["registration.php"],
    "psr-4": {
      "MyCompany\\SkipShipping\\": ""
    }
  }
}

Etc/module.xml: This file declares your module. Add the following code:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<config xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:Module/etc/module.xsd">
    <module name="MyCompany_SkipShipping" setup_version="1.0.0"/>
</config>

Create a Plugin: Plugins (also known as interceptors) allow you to modify the behavior of public methods in Magento classes. Create a di.xml file in your module’s etc directory and add the following code:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<config xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:ObjectManager/etc/config.xsd">
    <type name="Magento\Checkout\Model\ShippingInformationManagement">
        <plugin name="skip_shipping_method" type="MyCompany\SkipShipping\Plugin\ShippingInformationManagement" sortOrder="10" disabled="false"/>
    </type>
</config>

Create the Plugin Class: Create a PHP class ShippingInformationManagement.php in MyCompany/SkipShipping/Plugin and add the following code:

<?php

namespace MyCompany\SkipShipping\Plugin;

use Magento\Checkout\Model\ShippingInformationManagement;
use Magento\Quote\Api\CartRepositoryInterface;
use Magento\Quote\Api\ShippingMethodManagementInterface;

class ShippingInformationManagement
{
    /**
     * @var CartRepositoryInterface
     */
    protected $cartRepository;

    /**
     * @var ShippingMethodManagementInterface
     */
    protected $shippingMethodManagement;

    public function __construct(
        CartRepositoryInterface $cartRepository,
        ShippingMethodManagementInterface $shippingMethodManagement
    ) {
        $this->cartRepository = $cartRepository;
        $this->shippingMethodManagement = $shippingMethodManagement;
    }

    /**
     * @param ShippingInformationManagement $subject
     * @param callable $proceed
     * @param $cartId
     * @param $addressInformation
     * @return int|
     */
    public function aroundSaveAddressInformation(
        ShippingInformationManagement $subject,
        callable $proceed,
        $cartId,
        $addressInformation
    )
    {
        $shippingAddress = $addressInformation->getShippingAddress();
        $shippingMethod  = $shippingAddress->getShippingMethod();
        $availableMethods = $this->shippingMethodManagement->getList($cartId);

        if (count($availableMethods) === 1) {
            $shippingAddress->setShippingMethod($availableMethods[0]->getCode());
            $shippingAddress->setShippingMethodCode($availableMethods[0]->getCode());
        }

        return $proceed($cartId, $addressInformation);
    }
}

Enable the Module: Run the following commands in your Magento root directory:

php bin/magento module:enable MyCompany_SkipShipping
php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento setup:di:compile
php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f
php bin/magento cache:flush

This method ensures that if there's only one shipping method, it will be automatically selected, effectively skipping the shipping method step during checkout. Creating a custom module might seem a bit complex initially, but it’s the most reliable way to customize Magento 2. It ensures that your changes are well-organized and maintainable.

Method 2: Using JavaScript Customization

Another way to skip the shipping method step is by using JavaScript customization. This method involves modifying the JavaScript files responsible for rendering the checkout page. While this approach can be quicker, it's less robust than creating a custom module and might be more prone to issues during Magento updates.

Override the Shipping Methods Renderer: You'll need to override the default shipping methods renderer. This involves creating a custom JavaScript file that extends the default renderer and modifies its behavior.
Create a Custom JavaScript File: Create a file in your theme’s web/js directory (e.g., app/design/frontend/MyTheme/default/Magento_Checkout/web/js/view/shipping-methods.js).

Add the JavaScript Code: Add the following code to your custom JavaScript file:

define([
    'jquery',
    'Magento_Checkout/js/view/shipping-methods',
    'Magento_Checkout/js/model/quote'
], function ($, Component, quote) {
    'use strict';

    return Component.extend({
        defaults: {
            template: 'Magento_Checkout/shipping-methods'
        },

        /**
         * @return {Boolean}
         */
        isVisible: function () {
            return this.getShippingMethods().length > 1;
        }
    });
});

Modify the Layout XML: You'll need to modify the checkout_index_index.xml layout file to use your custom JavaScript component. Create or modify the file in your theme’s Magento_Checkout/layout directory (e.g., app/design/frontend/MyTheme/default/Magento_Checkout/layout/checkout_index_index.xml).

Add the following code to the layout XML file:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<page xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:View/Layout/etc/page_configuration.xsd">
    <body>
        <referenceBlock name="checkout.steps.shipping-method">
            <arguments>
                <argument name="viewModel" xsi:type="string">MyTheme\Magento_Checkout\web\js\view\shipping-methods</argument>
            </arguments>
        </referenceBlock>
    </body>
</page>

Deploy Static Content and Clear Cache: Run the following commands in your Magento root directory:
```
php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f
php bin/magento cache:flush
```

This method hides the shipping methods section if there's only one shipping method available. While this is a quicker solution, it’s important to note that JavaScript customizations can be more fragile and might require adjustments during Magento updates. However, if you're comfortable with JavaScript and need a quick fix, this can be a viable option. The key takeaway here is that you're essentially telling the system to only show the shipping method selection if there's more than one option.

Best Practices and Considerations

Before you implement any of these methods, let’s talk about some best practices and considerations to keep in mind. Skipping the shipping method step can significantly improve the user experience, but it’s crucial to do it right to avoid potential issues. First and foremost, always test your changes thoroughly. After implementing either method, go through the checkout process multiple times to ensure everything works as expected. Test with different products, shipping addresses, and payment methods to cover all bases. This will help you identify and fix any unexpected behavior before it affects your customers. Another important consideration is compatibility with third-party extensions. If you’re using any checkout-related extensions, make sure they are compatible with your changes. Some extensions might rely on the standard checkout flow, and skipping the shipping method step could cause conflicts. It’s a good idea to test your changes in a staging environment before deploying them to your live store. This gives you a safe space to experiment and troubleshoot without impacting your customers. In addition to testing, documentation is key. If you're working with a team or plan to update your store in the future, make sure to document your changes. This includes noting which method you used, which files you modified, and any specific configurations you made. This will make it easier to maintain and update your customizations in the long run. Furthermore, consider the impact on your shipping logic. If you have complex shipping rules or custom shipping methods, ensure that skipping the shipping method step doesn’t interfere with these rules. For example, if you offer free shipping based on certain conditions, make sure those conditions are still being evaluated correctly. Lastly, monitor your store’s performance after implementing the changes. Keep an eye on your conversion rates and cart abandonment rates to see if the changes are having the desired effect. If you notice any issues, be prepared to roll back your changes and try a different approach. By following these best practices and considerations, you can ensure that skipping the shipping method step improves your checkout process without introducing any new problems. Remember, the goal is to create a smoother, more efficient checkout experience for your customers, and with careful planning and execution, you can achieve just that.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, so you've implemented one of the methods to skip the shipping method step, but something's not quite right? Don't panic! Troubleshooting is a natural part of the development process. Let's look at some common issues you might encounter and how to tackle them. One common issue is that the shipping method isn't being automatically selected, even though there's only one available. This can happen if there's an error in your code or if the logic for checking the number of shipping methods isn't working correctly. Start by checking your Magento logs for any error messages. These logs can provide valuable clues about what's going wrong. If you're using the custom module method, double-check your plugin code to ensure that it's correctly identifying the single shipping method and setting it on the shipping address. Pay close attention to the conditions in your if statement and make sure they're evaluating as expected. Another potential issue is that the checkout page is behaving strangely or throwing JavaScript errors. This is more likely to happen if you've used the JavaScript customization method. If you're seeing JavaScript errors, use your browser's developer tools to inspect the console and identify the source of the error. It might be a syntax error in your custom JavaScript file or a conflict with another JavaScript library. If the checkout page isn't rendering correctly, check your layout XML file to ensure that your custom JavaScript component is being loaded and used correctly. Make sure the file paths and class names are correct. Another frequent problem is related to caching. Magento 2 has a robust caching system, and sometimes changes don't appear immediately because of cached data. After making changes, always clear your Magento cache using the php bin/magento cache:flush command. This will ensure that you're seeing the latest version of your code. If you're still having trouble, try disabling the cache temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. If disabling the cache fixes the problem, then you know it's a caching-related issue, and you can investigate further. Additionally, consider the order of operations. Sometimes, the order in which different parts of the checkout process are executed can cause issues. For example, if the shipping address is being saved before the shipping method is automatically selected, it might cause problems. In such cases, you might need to adjust the order in which your code is executed. Finally, don't underestimate the power of debugging. Use debugging tools like Xdebug to step through your code and see what's happening at each step. This can help you pinpoint the exact location where the issue is occurring. By systematically troubleshooting these common issues, you can identify and resolve any problems that arise when skipping the shipping method step in Magento 2. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to successful troubleshooting.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Skipping the shipping method step in Magento 2 when there's only one option is a fantastic way to enhance the checkout experience for your customers. By streamlining the process, you reduce friction, boost conversions, and ultimately make your store more user-friendly. We've covered two primary methods: creating a custom module and using JavaScript customization. The custom module approach is more robust and Magento-recommended, while the JavaScript method offers a quicker, albeit potentially more fragile, solution. Remember to always test thoroughly, consider compatibility with third-party extensions, and document your changes. And if you run into any snags, don't sweat it – our troubleshooting tips will help you get back on track. By implementing these strategies, you're not just making a small tweak; you're investing in a better shopping experience for your customers, which can lead to increased loyalty and sales. So go ahead, optimize your checkout process and watch your conversions soar!