How to Cancel Shopify Subscription: A Complete Guide & Smarter Alternatives

Running an online store requires flexibility. Sometimes, business needs change, and you may decide to cancel your Shopify subscription. Whether you want to switch to another platform, cut costs, or pause your operations, understanding the cancellation process is essential to avoid unexpected charges.

This guide will take you through the entire process of canceling your Shopify subscription step by step. We’ll also explore alternative solutions to manage subscriptions on your store more effectively without shutting it down completely.

If you’re still on a free trial and haven’t chosen a paid plan, no action is required—your account will automatically deactivate once the trial period expires.

Common Reasons for Shopify Subscription Cancellation

There are several reasons why merchants or customers might want to cancel their Shopify subscriptions. Some common ones include:

• Change in Business Needs– Your business model may have evolved, and you no longer require subscription-based services.
• Cost Considerations – Subscription fees may not be feasible anymore, especially for startups and small businesses.
• Switching to a Different Subscription Model – You may have found a more suitable service or app that better fits your needs.
• Temporary Pause Instead of Cancellation– If you’re unsure about long-term cancellation, pausing might be a better alternative.

Steps to Cancel Your Shopify Subscription

Here’s how you can cancel your Shopify subscription.

1. Log in to Shopify Admin
   
2. Go to Settings (bottom left corner)
3. Click on Plan
   
4. Click Deactivate Store
   
5. Choose a Cancellation Reason
6. Enter Your Password
7. Click Deactivate Now

Once completed, your Shopify store will be deactivated.

Important Things to Do Before Canceling

1. Uninstall Paid Apps

   If you’re using paid apps, be sure to uninstall or downgrade them before canceling. Otherwise, they may still charge you when you reactivate your store.

   How to uninstall apps:

   • Navigate to Shopify Admin, then select Settings followed by Apps and Sales Channels.
   • Find the apps you want to remove
   • Click Uninstall
2. Backup Important Data

   Shopify keeps your data for 2 years, but it’s best to save your own copy.

   How to export product data:
   

   • Navigate to Shopify Admin, then go to Products and select Export.
   • Select All Products
   • Choose a file format
   • Click Export Products, and the file will be sent to your email.
3. Transfer Your Domain

   If you purchased a domain through Shopify, you might need to transfer it to a different platform.

   How to remove or transfer a domain:
   

   • Navigate to Shopify Admin, then go to Settings and select Domains.
   • Click Remove next to the domain
   • Update DNS settings with your new provider

   If your domain was purchased through Shopify, you’ll need to transfer it to another hosting provider.

4. Disconnect Login Services
   

   If you logged in using Google, Apple, or Facebook, disconnect them to enhance security.

   How to check login services:

   • Navigate to Shopify Admin, then go to Manage Account > General > Login Service.
   • Remove any linked accounts
5. Log Out from Other Devices
   

   Your account may be signed in on multiple devices. Log out for security.

   How to log out of devices:
   

   • Navigate to Shopify Admin, then go to Manage Account > Security > Devices.
   • Sign out of any active devices

Conclusion

Canceling your Shopify subscription requires careful planning to avoid data loss and unexpected charges. Make sure to back up your data, transfer your domain, and uninstall paid apps before deactivating your store.

If you’re shutting down due to low sales, consider using tools like Easy Subscriptions to create recurring revenue and retain customers. Subscription and bundling apps can help boost sales and stabilize your income without closing your store.

For additional strategies to expand your Shopify business, explore our other articles. We hope this guide helps—wishing you success in your eCommerce journey!

Shopify Cancellation FAQs