Introduction

Before installing Customer History for WooCommerce, it’s important to verify that your server meets the minimum system requirements. This ensures optimal performance and prevents compatibility issues.

This guide covers all technical requirements, compatibility information, and recommendations for best performance.

Minimum Requirements

These are the absolute minimum specifications needed to run the plugin:

WordPress

  • Minimum Version: WordPress 4.0
  • Recommended Version: WordPress 5.8 or higher
  • Latest Tested: WordPress 6.8.3

WooCommerce

  • Minimum Version: WooCommerce 6.0
  • Recommended Version: WooCommerce 7.0 or higher
  • Status: Must be installed and activated
  • HPOS: Fully compatible with High Performance Order Storage

PHP

  • Minimum Version: PHP 7.4
  • Recommended Version: PHP 8.0 or higher
  • Latest Tested: PHP 8.3

MySQL/MariaDB

  • MySQL Minimum: 5.6 or higher
  • MySQL Recommended: 5.7 or higher
  • MariaDB Minimum: 10.1 or higher
  • MariaDB Recommended: 10.3 or higher

Server Memory

  • WordPress Memory Limit: 128MB minimum
  • Recommended: 256MB or higher
  • Large Stores (>10,000 products): 512MB
Checking Your Versions

You can check your current versions at WooCommerce → Status → System Status in your WordPress admin panel.

Server Configuration Requirements

Required PHP Extensions

The following PHP extensions must be enabled:

  • mysqli or pdo_mysql – Database connectivity
  • json – JSON data handling
  • mbstring – Multi-byte string handling
  • curl – External HTTP requests (for API calls)

WordPress Configuration

Add these to your wp-config.php if needed:

// Increase memory limit
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

// Enable debugging (during setup only)
define('WP_DEBUG', false);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', false);

Database Permissions

Your database user must have these permissions:

  • SELECT – Read data
  • INSERT – Add new records
  • UPDATE – Modify existing records
  • DELETE – Remove records
  • CREATE – Create new tables (required for installation)
  • ALTER – Modify table structure (required for updates)
  • INDEX – Create indexes for performance
Database Access

If you don’t have CREATE TABLE permissions, the plugin will fail to install. Contact your hosting provider to grant these permissions.

Compatibility Information

WordPress Multisite

Status: Compatible

  • Can be network-activated across all sites
  • Can be activated on individual sites
  • Each site maintains separate customer data

WooCommerce Features

Fully compatible with:

  • High Performance Order Storage (HPOS)
  • WooCommerce Subscriptions
  • WooCommerce Memberships
  • WooCommerce Product Add-ons
  • Variable products and variations
  • Grouped products
  • Digital and physical products

Popular Plugins

Tested and compatible with:

  • Yoast SEO
  • Elementor / Elementor Pro
  • WPBakery Page Builder
  • WPML (multilingual support)
  • Polylang
  • Contact Form 7
  • Wordfence Security
  • WP Rocket (caching)
  • Autoptimize

Page Builders

Works with all major page builders:

  • Elementor
  • WPBakery
  • Divi Builder
  • Beaver Builder
  • Gutenberg (WordPress Block Editor)
Plugin Conflicts

While rare, some caching or security plugins may interfere with session tracking. See our Plugin Conflicts guide for solutions.

Hosting Recommendations

Suitable Hosting Types

The plugin works on all major hosting types:

  • Shared Hosting: Works, but may be slow with large datasets
  • VPS Hosting: Good performance for medium stores
  • Managed WordPress Hosting: Excellent performance (recommended)
  • Dedicated Servers: Best for large-scale operations
  • Cloud Hosting: Scalable performance

Recommended Hosting Providers

Tested and verified on:

  • SiteGround (managed WordPress hosting)
  • WP Engine (managed WordPress hosting)
  • Kinsta (managed WordPress hosting)
  • Bluehost
  • HostGator
  • A2 Hosting
  • Cloudways
  • Amazon AWS
  • Google Cloud Platform

Storage Requirements

Database storage needs vary based on store size:

  • Small store (< 1000 sessions/month): ~50MB/year
  • Medium store (1000-10000 sessions/month): ~200MB/year
  • Large store (> 10000 sessions/month): ~500MB+/year
Hosting Tip

Managed WordPress hosting providers optimize servers specifically for WordPress and WooCommerce, resulting in better performance for Customer History tracking and analytics.

Browser Requirements (Admin Panel)

For the best experience using the admin dashboard:

Supported Browsers

  • Google Chrome (latest version)
  • Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari (latest version)
  • Microsoft Edge (latest version)
  • Opera (latest version)

JavaScript Requirements

  • JavaScript must be enabled
  • Cookies must be enabled
  • Minimum screen resolution: 1024×768
Mobile Admin Access

The admin interface is responsive and works on tablets and smartphones, though desktop browsers provide the best experience for analyzing data.

How to Check Your System

Method 1: WooCommerce System Status

  1. Go to WooCommerce → Status
  2. Click the System Status tab
  3. Review the Environment section for:
    • WordPress Version
    • WooCommerce Version
    • PHP Version
    • MySQL Version
    • PHP Memory Limit
    • Max Execution Time
  4. Compare with requirements listed above

Method 2: Site Health Check

  1. Navigate to Tools → Site Health
  2. Click the Info tab
  3. Expand the Server section
  4. Review PHP version, database, and extensions

Method 3: Contact Your Host

If you’re unsure about your server specifications:

  • Contact your hosting provider’s support
  • Ask them to confirm PHP version, MySQL version, and memory limits
  • Request upgrades if needed (often free on better hosting plans)
Upgrade If Needed

If your server doesn’t meet minimum requirements, upgrade your hosting plan or switch providers before installing the plugin. This prevents installation failures and performance issues.

When to Upgrade Your Hosting

Consider upgrading your hosting if you experience:

  • Slow page loading times (> 3 seconds)
  • Timeout errors when viewing analytics
  • Database errors during high traffic
  • Memory limit errors in error logs
  • Frequent downtime or 503 errors
  • Poor performance with > 1000 customers

Signs you’re ready for better hosting:

  • Your store is growing (> 100 orders/month)
  • You need faster load times for better conversion
  • You want to use advanced analytics features
  • You’re planning marketing campaigns that increase traffic
Growth Planning

Invest in quality hosting early. Better performance leads to higher conversion rates, which quickly pays for the hosting upgrade through increased sales.