There are multiple potential reasons why the Amazon cart may not function properly. If the “add to cart” feature does not work correctly, it renders the site unusable, as adding items to the cart is necessary for making purchases.
The issue could be due to user error, or it may be a problem on Amazon’s end with processing requests. It’s possible that the site has encountered a bug after a recent patch, which is not uncommon in websites that undergo frequent updates. While patching can resolve previous issues, it can also introduce new errors to the site.
Connectivity problems, such as poor internet connections, could also be a culprit for the “add to cart” feature not working. Additionally, it’s conceivable that Amazon’s server is offline, resulting in the temporary inaccessibility of its services.
Now that we have a general understanding of the potential problems that could be preventing the “add to cart” option from being functional, let’s delve into a deeper comprehension of these broad issues and explore possible solutions to resolve this issue.
Why is Amazon’s “Add to Cart” Not Working?
- A Bug May Be the Cause
A bug refers to an error in the code within Amazon’s website. Large websites like Amazon, which generates millions of daily sales, are prone to encountering errors during site activities.
Although developers and coders strive to identify and fix these errors, there is always a chance that a patch could introduce new errors.
Bugs can adversely impact websites, particularly if it affects crucial features like the “add to cart” option in an online retail site that relies on direct customer purchases.
Often, bugs may be linked to other functions on the site that are unrelated to the immediate issue, as corrections in one area of the code may inadvertently affect other features. So, what can you do?
Solution 1: Turn Off Notifications
To implement this solution, access the settings in your Amazon account via your mobile phone. Then, navigate to the “notifications” section and choose to turn off all notifications.
After disabling all notifications, check if the cart is now operational. While it’s unclear why turning off notifications might resolve the issue, this solution has been reported by some customers to be effective in the past.
It’s one of the simplest and quickest solutions to try out.
Fix 2 – Log Out and Log In
If the previous steps did not solve the issue, try logging out and logging back into your account. Go to the “account and lists” section at the top right of your computer screen, scroll down to “log out”, and click on it. This will refresh the content on your account’s servers, which can be helpful for websites that require an account to function properly. Repeat this process at least three times before proceeding to the next steps.
Note: If you have set up two-step verification, you may need to use your phone or other device to approve the login attempts, as continuous logging in and out may be flagged as suspicious activity. Make sure you have the necessary credentials before logging out, as logging back in without this information may be difficult.
Fix 3 – Clear the Cache
If the previous fixes did not work, try clearing the cache. Cached data are copies stored on a device of various actions performed within the device. To do this, open the browser you are using for Amazon, go to settings, then privacy and security, and select “clear browsing data”. This will delete all the stored data related to that browser, forcing a reboot and potentially fixing any bugs.
Note: Clearing the cache will not affect important metadata such as passwords and accounts, as they are stored in different settings and will not be inaccessible. Cached data is used by developers to improve websites and enhance online experiences, but clearing it may help resolve issues with Amazon.
- Poor Internet Connection
A weak internet connection can prevent apps and services from being accessible. If pages take a long time to load or if you experience frequent problems with a website, a poor connection may be the cause. To check your internet speed, run a speed test.
While speed tests may not always be completely accurate, the numbers can help determine if your internet connection is weak. A recommended speed for households is at least 100mbps, but for using Amazon, even 5mbps may be sufficient.
If your speed is below 5mbps, consider the following fix:
Fix One – Switch Between WIFI and Data
Switching between different means of obtaining internet, such as WIFI and cellular data, can change the strength of the connection. Sometimes cellular data may be stronger than WIFI.
If the problem disappears when you switch to a different internet source, it indicates that the connection you were using is unreliable. However, if the connection is still slow even after switching back and forth, noting the speeds it takes for pages to load on both WIFI and data may provide crucial information about the quality of the connections.
Using a speed test site for both WIFI and data can give you more accurate insights into how the services are performing in comparison to each other.
As mentioned earlier, while the recommended speed for an average person is around 100mbps, for using Amazon, 5mbps should be sufficient. If both your WIFI and data connections are showing speeds lower than 5mbps, consider contacting your internet service provider.
- Internet Connection Issue
If there are ongoing issues with page loading and functionality, it’s important to investigate the potential causes of low data transfer. Several factors can affect the performance of your internet connection.
Connectivity issues don’t always indicate slow speeds. It could be due to poor information processing between the modem and router, or even a problem with your internet service provider. Contacting your internet provider for more accurate information about your connection can be helpful.
Fix One – Switch Between Data and Wi-Fi
Similar to the previous fix, switching between data and Wi-Fi can provide insights into your connection speeds. If you notice that the issue persists when using data connectivity, it may indicate a problem with your internet service. Conversely, if the issue persists when using Wi-Fi, it could be related to your mobile carrier.
Fix 2 – Turn Off VPN
VPNs are useful for enhancing online privacy and security, but they can sometimes impact connection speeds. The encryption process used by VPNs can result in decreased speeds, particularly if your internet connection has low data caps. Many VPN services offer tools to measure internet speeds with and without the VPN. If these tools are not available, you can also run tests using your browser with and without the VPN to determine if it’s affecting your connection.
Fix 3 – Restart Router
If you have ruled out the VPN as the issue or are not using a VPN, you can try restarting your router. Most internet connections consist of a modem and router, with the router responsible for wireless connectivity. Restarting the router involves unplugging it from the power source, waiting at least 2 minutes, and then reconnecting it. This allows the router to reboot and potentially resolve any software-related issues. After restarting the router, you can test if Amazon’s “add to cart” feature is functioning properly.
Routers play a crucial role in spreading internet connectivity wirelessly throughout your home. They receive regular updates to enhance security and speed. Restarting your router is typically the best approach as it doesn’t delete any updates.
After restarting your router, it may take longer than usual to reconnect to the internet, possibly due to an interrupted update that needs to restart the download process.
Fix 4 – Reset Router
If you continue to experience internet connection issues even after restarting your router, you may need to reset it. Resetting erases all recorded data on the router and requires pressing a special button, usually located on the side or bottom of the router, with a pin for about 30 seconds. After resetting, the router may take longer to reconnect to the internet as it may be downloading and installing updates provided by your internet provider to operate with new standards.
Device Issue
If none of the previous fixes have worked and the Amazon cart still doesn’t function properly, there may be an issue with the device itself. Heavy device usage and multiple open apps or programs can interfere with other services.
Fix One – Restart Device
Try restarting your device by turning it off and waiting for about 30 seconds before turning it back on. For phones and tablets, simply turning off and on the device should suffice. This allows the device to reboot and properly initialize software processes, potentially resolving the issue with the Amazon cart.
Before restarting your device, ensure that there are no unsaved documents or ongoing processes that may be lost during the restart.
After restarting your device, check Amazon to see if it’s working properly and try adding items to your cart to continue shopping.
Fix 2 – Force Restart Device
If a regular restart doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to perform a force restart, which is more common in Apple devices.
To force restart an iPhone 10 or newer model, quickly press the volume up and volume down buttons, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
For other devices, you may need to search for specific steps or terms like “emergency” to perform a force restart.
If you’re unable to force restart your device, you can try turning it off completely and waiting a few minutes before rebooting.
A force restart is typically used when a device becomes unresponsive to commands, and it’s a last resort to get your device working again.
The Bummer of Them All… Amazon is Down
If you’ve tried all the previous fixes and Amazon is still not working, it’s possible that the website itself is down, which can affect all its services.
In this case, the best thing you can do is wait for the Amazon servers to come back online so you can continue shopping.
To check if Amazon’s servers are down, you can search for “Amazon server status” on your preferred web browser.
Look for websites that provide server status updates and overall information about the site’s performance in different parts of the world.
With this information, you can determine if the issue is localized to a specific area or if it’s a widespread problem with the entire platform.
When facing issues with Amazon, it’s important to consider multiple factors that could be causing the problem, from reloading the page to checking your internet connection.
Try different fixes and don’t hesitate to revisit previous ones if needed, as the issue could be caused by multiple factors.
Understanding the complexities of online services like Amazon can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.