The WooCommerce UPS Shipping Method is one of the most popular ways for online store owners to provide real-time shipping rates and reliable order fulfillment. However, if you’ve been using the old UPS Developer Access Key, you’ll need to update your integration. UPS has officially deprecated Access Keys and moved to a more modern and secure OAuth 2.0 authentication model.
This change impacts all merchants and developers who connect WooCommerce with UPS services. Here’s what you need to know about the update, why it matters, and how to set up your new credentials.
Why UPS Replaced Access Keys with OAuth 2.0
UPS is modernizing its developer ecosystem by moving away from legacy authentication. The reasons for this update include:
- Improved Security: OAuth 2.0 provides stronger authentication and helps reduce fraud risks when exchanging data between WooCommerce and UPS.
- Modern API Standards: UPS is transitioning toward RESTful APIs with better adaptability, scalability, and feature support.
- No New Access Keys: As of now, UPS no longer issues new Access Keys, meaning merchants must migrate to OAuth 2.0 to continue using UPS API products.
For WooCommerce store owners, this means updating credentials is not optional—it’s required for future compatibility.
How to Get New UPS API Credentials (Client ID and Secret)
To continue using the UPS Shipping Method plugin with WooCommerce, you’ll need to generate new API credentials using the UPS Developer Portal. Follow these steps:
- Create a UPS.com Account If you don’t already have one, sign up for a free UPS.com account.
- Log in to the UPS Developer Portal Use your UPS.com credentials to access the UPS Developer Portal.
- Create a New Application Within the portal, register a new application. This will generate the environment needed for OAuth 2.0.
- Subscribe to API Products Choose the UPS API products you’ll need, such as Rates, Tracking, or Shipping.
- Obtain Your Client ID and Client Secret Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to copy your Client ID and Client Secret—these replace the legacy Access Key.
Updating WooCommerce UPS Shipping Method
If you’re using the WooCommerce UPS Shipping Method plugin, you’ll need to update your API settings.
- Replace the Access Key field with your Client ID and Client Secret.
- Ensure you’re running the latest version of the plugin that supports OAuth 2.0.
- Test your integration to confirm that live shipping rates, label printing, and tracking all work correctly.
Most WooCommerce plugin providers are already rolling out updates to support OAuth 2.0, so check your plugin documentation for exact instructions.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
If your WooCommerce store continues using the deprecated Access Key method:
- You won’t be able to register for new UPS API products.
- Future updates to the UPS API may stop working with your store.
- Your shipping integration could break, leading to checkout errors and customer frustration.
Final Thoughts
The move from UPS Developer Access Keys to OAuth 2.0 is a critical update for all WooCommerce merchants. While the migration requires a little setup, it ensures your store benefits from stronger security, modern API standards, and reliable UPS shipping functionality.
If you run a WooCommerce store, take action now to update your UPS API credentials and keep your shipping operations running smoothly.
