FAQ
Do I need to purchase an API key or sign up for a service?
No. GeoBlock uses WooCommerce's built-in geolocation engine, which reads from the MaxMind GeoLite2 database. WooCommerce downloads and maintains this database automatically. No API key, account, or third-party subscription is required.
Why are guest visitors not being restricted?
This usually means WooCommerce geolocation is not enabled. Guest visitors (not logged in, no saved address) are geolocated by IP, which requires the MaxMind database. Go to WooCommerce → Settings → General and set Default customer location to Geolocate.
A logged-in customer from a restricted country can still buy. Why?
By default, logged-in customers are identified by their shipping address, then their billing address, rather than their IP. If the customer's saved address is in a non-restricted country, they will not be restricted.
To always use IP-based detection instead, enable Force Geolocation in Advanced Settings.
Can I set different restriction messages per product?
No. The restriction message is a single global setting that applies to all restricted products, in both GeoBlock and GeoBlock Pro. If you need a different notice on a specific product, place the [geoblock_product_message] shortcode in a custom product template and add your own text around it.
Does the plugin work with variable products?
Yes. Rules are set on the parent variable product and apply to all its variations. When a restriction is triggered on a variable product in Message mode, the variation selector form and Add to Cart button are hidden via CSS, and the restriction notice is shown instead.
Can I restrict by region or state rather than just country?
No. GeoBlock and GeoBlock Pro both restrict by country only.
Will restrictions work if I use a caching plugin?
Yes, with the appropriate configuration. GeoBlock includes built-in compatibility with WP Rocket and SiteGround Speed Optimizer that prevents product pages from being cached. For other caching plugins, use the Geolocate (with page caching support) option in WooCommerce geolocation settings.
What happens when I deactivate the plugin?
All restrictions are immediately suspended - products become accessible to all visitors. The settings and per-product rules stored in the database are not deleted on deactivation, so re-activating the plugin restores everything exactly as you left it.
What happens when I delete (uninstall) the plugin?
Deleting GeoBlock from Plugins → Installed Plugins removes its settings, every product's country rules and its cached geolocation data.
If GeoBlock Pro is active, nothing is removed. Pro uses the same settings and product rules, so you can safely delete the free plugin after upgrading.
Can I exclude my own country from restrictions while testing?
Use Debug Mode (Advanced Settings) to see which country GeoBlock is detecting for your session. To test a different country, use a VPN set to that country.
Can GeoBlock restrict access to the entire site, not just products?
No - GeoBlock is designed specifically for WooCommerce product-level restrictions. For site-wide country blocking, a separate solution (such as a firewall rule or dedicated access-control plugin) would be needed.