How to Add a "Back to Cart" Button at the Checkout Page in Magento 2

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Importance of a "Back to Cart" Button
  3. Steps to Add a "Back to Cart" Button
  4. Potential Challenges and Solutions
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQ
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Introduction

Navigating e-commerce platforms should be seamless, ensuring that users can move between pages without frustration. In the case of Magento 2, a common request from users is to have a "Back to Cart" button accessible on the checkout page. This functionality can significantly enhance the user experience by allowing easy modifications to the cart before finalizing a purchase.

This blog post will delve into the details of adding a "Back to Cart" button at the checkout page in Magento 2. We'll explore why this feature is valuable, the steps to implement it, potential challenges, and how to address them. By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to enhance your Magento 2 store with this useful feature.

Importance of a "Back to Cart" Button

Enhancing User Experience

The eCommerce ecosystem thrives on smooth user experiences. Providing a "Back to Cart" button at the checkout page offers:

  • Convenience: Users can quickly return to their cart to modify quantities, add or remove products without using the browser's back button or navigating manually.
  • Reduced Frustration: Users who find a mistake in their cart contents can correct it swiftly, leading to higher satisfaction and potentially lower cart abandonment rates.
  • Improved Navigation: Seamless transitions between different stages of the buying process can improve overall user navigation and satisfaction.

Business Considerations

From a business standpoint, the "Back to Cart" button can:

  • Increase Sales: Easy access to the cart can encourage users to make additional purchases or correct any oversights in their initial selection.
  • Lower Abandonment Rates: By simplifying the process of revising orders, retailers can reduce the instances of users abandoning their carts due to frustration.
  • Customer Retention: Enhanced user experience leads to higher satisfaction, promoting customer loyalty and retention.

Steps to Add a "Back to Cart" Button

Understanding the Magento 2 Structure

Magento 2 is structured with a combination of PHP, XML, and front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These components interact to render the various pages and functional elements of the site. Adding a button requires modifications to the layout XML files and possibly some custom CSS for styling.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Modify the Layout XML File

First, we need to locate the checkout page layout file. This file controls the structure and rendering of checkout elements.

  • Navigate to your theme's directory: app/design/frontend/{Vendor}/{Theme}/Magento_Checkout/layout.
  • Create or modify the checkout_index_index.xml layout file.

Here’s a simple snippet to add a button:

<page xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:View/Layout/etc/page_configuration.xsd">
    <body>
        <referenceContainer name="checkout.shipping.method.additional">
            <block class="Magento\Framework\View\Element\Html\Link" name="back_to_cart">
                <arguments>
                    <argument name="label" xsi:type="string">Back to Cart</argument>
                    <argument name="path" xsi:type="string">checkout/cart</argument>
                </arguments>
            </block>
        </referenceContainer>
    </body>
</page>

This XML snippet defines a new button within the checkout page, linking back to the checkout/cart route.

2. Customize the Button Through CSS

After adding the button, you might want to style it to match your site’s theme. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Navigate to or create app/design/frontend/{Vendor}/{Theme}/Magento_Checkout/web/css/source/_module.less.
  • Insert CSS rules to style the button:
.back-to-cart {
    background-color: #2196F3;
    color: white;
    padding: 10px;
    text-align: center;
    text-decoration: none;
    display: inline-block;
    font-size: 16px;
}

Use the class defined here for button styling in your layout XML file:

<block class="Magento\Framework\View\Element\Html\Link" name="back_to_cart" ... >
    <arguments>
        <argument name="label" xsi:type="string">Back to Cart</argument>
        <argument name="path" xsi:type="string">checkout/cart</argument>
        <argument name="cssClass" xsi:type="string">back-to-cart</argument>
    </arguments>
</block>

3. Deploy the Static Content

After making these changes, the static content needs to be recompiled. Run the following command from the Magento root directory:

bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy

This ensures all your changes are available on the front end.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Cache Issues

One common challenge is that Magento’s caching system might not reflect changes immediately. Clear your cache using the following command:

bin/magento cache:clean
bin/magento cache:flush

Custom Theme Conflicts

If using a custom theme, ensure that overrides do not conflict with default Magento files. Verify theme-specific layout files and customizations.

Responsive Design

Ensure the button looks and functions well across different devices. Utilize responsive design principles in your CSS modifications.

Conclusion

Adding a "Back to Cart" button on the checkout page of a Magento 2 store can significantly enhance the user experience by providing a convenient way for customers to amend their cart content. This minor yet crucial adjustment could lead to higher conversion rates and better customer satisfaction.

Following the steps outlined, you can implement this feature with minimal effort. Investing time in these small improvements is crucial for growing an eCommerce business by creating a user-friendly and efficient shopping environment.

FAQ

Q: How do I ensure that my changes do not get overridden during Magento updates?

A: It’s best to make changes in your custom theme’s directory rather than the base files. This ensures that your customizations are preserved during updates.

Q: Can I add the button without modifying XML files?

A: While XML modifications are the standard approach, you could technically use JavaScript to insert elements dynamically. However, this is less maintainable and not recommended for scalable solutions.

Q: Will this button work with custom checkout modules?

A: If the custom checkout modules drastically alter the HTML structure, additional adjustments might be necessary. Always test in a staging environment before deploying to production.

Adding this button might seem small, but the cumulative effect on user experience and satisfaction can be substantial. Implement these steps to make your Magento 2 store more user-friendly and ultimately more profitable.