How to delete a Shopify store
If you no longer need your Shopify store, you can permanently delete (close) it from your Shopify admin. This process cancels your subscription and removes your store from public view. It's important to follow the correct steps to avoid unexpected charges and data loss.
Deleting your Shopify store is straightforward, but make sure you understand the consequences—once your store is deleted, your data can't be recovered, and your store URL may not be available if you want to reopen in the future.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For All Shopify Stores
- Log in to your Shopify admin at shopify.com.
- In the left sidebar, click Settings.
- Select Plan (or Account in some versions).
- Scroll down and click Deactivate store (or Close store).
- Shopify may ask for your password and a reason for closing. Enter these as prompted.
- Confirm your decision by clicking Deactivate store.
- Follow any final on-screen instructions. Your store will be closed, and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
For Free Trial Stores
- If you are still in your free trial and haven't selected a paid plan, you can simply stop using your store. Shopify will automatically close it after the trial period ends. No action is required.
Before You Start
- Backup your data: Export important information like orders, customer lists, and product data, as you won’t be able to recover this after deletion.
- Settle any outstanding charges: Make sure all invoices are paid to avoid billing issues.
- Cancel third-party apps: Uninstall or cancel any apps or services billed outside Shopify to prevent ongoing charges.
- Domain management: If you purchased a domain through Shopify and want to use it elsewhere, transfer or remove it before closing your store.
Alternatives to This Action
If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your Shopify store, consider these options:
- Pause and Build Plan: Temporarily pause your store at a reduced rate, keeping your data and settings intact.
- Pause Plan: Make your store inactive and stop customer access, but preserve your store for future use.
These options can be found in your Plan settings under Pause or deactivate store.
FAQs
Q: Can I reopen my Shopify store after deleting it?
Once your Shopify store is deleted, you cannot reopen it or recover your data. You would need to start a new store from scratch if you want to return to Shopify.
Q: Will I be charged after I delete my Shopify store?
No, once you delete your Shopify store and settle any outstanding invoices, you won’t be billed further. Make sure to cancel any third-party app subscriptions separately.
Q: What happens to my custom domain after closing my Shopify store?
If you purchased your domain through Shopify, you can transfer it to another provider before closing your store. Otherwise, you may lose access to manage the domain.
Q: Can I pause my Shopify store instead of deleting it?
Yes, Shopify offers pause plans that let you temporarily disable your store while preserving your data and settings. This is a good option if you may return in the future.
