How to Cancel Shopify Subscription in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide to Pausing or Deactivating Your Store

Canceling a Shopify subscription is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation to avoid unexpected issues or loss of data. Whether you are closing your online business permanently, taking a temporary break due to seasonal demands, or switching to another platform, Shopify provides clear options to stop your subscription charges. The two primary paths are pausing your store with the affordable Pause and Build plan or fully deactivating it to cancel the subscription entirely. Understanding these choices helps ensure a smooth transition.

Shopify’s structure allows store owners to maintain control over their decision. Pausing keeps your store accessible for future reactivation at a low cost, while deactivating ends the subscription and limits access until you decide to return. Both options involve navigating the Shopify admin dashboard, and only the store owner can initiate these changes. This guide covers everything needed to make an informed choice and execute the process correctly.

Many merchants consider canceling when business needs change. Economic factors, shifts in strategy, or simply completing a testing phase often prompt this action. By following official procedures, you protect your data and avoid lingering charges from apps or other services.

Why Merchants Choose to Pause or Cancel Their Shopify Subscription

Deciding to pause or cancel often stems from practical business reasons. Financial pressures may make monthly fees unsustainable during slow periods. Others find their operations better suited to a different platform after gaining experience. Seasonal businesses frequently pause to avoid paying for inactive months.

Some store owners explore Shopify during a trial and decide it does not fit their long-term goals. Others face challenges with scaling or prefer simpler tools. Whatever the motivation, Shopify accommodates these decisions with flexible options that minimize disruption.

Pausing suits those planning a return, while full cancellation fits permanent closures. Both prevent ongoing subscription billing after the current cycle ends or the change takes effect.

Essential Preparations Before Pausing or Canceling

Before making changes, complete several key tasks to safeguard your business interests. Resolve outstanding orders, export critical data, and review connected services. These steps prevent complications after the store becomes inaccessible.

• Export store data: Download CSV files for products, customers, orders, and inventory. This backup ensures you retain information for future use or migration to another platform. Shopify provides export tools directly in the admin for easy access.
• Fulfill pending orders: Complete any unshipped orders and handle refunds or exchanges. Unresolved issues may lead to disputes or chargebacks that become harder to manage without admin access.
• Manage gift cards and subscriptions: Resolve outstanding gift cards and customer product subscriptions. These may require manual handling or communication to avoid customer dissatisfaction.
• Cancel or review third-party apps: Check all installed apps for recurring charges. Uninstall unnecessary ones and cancel their subscriptions separately to stop additional billing.
• Handle your domain: If using a custom domain, transfer it or disable auto-renewal. Shopify domains remain tied to the account, and proper management prevents unexpected renewal fees.
• Settle outstanding balances: Pay any pending fees for transactions, apps, or shipping. Clearing these ensures no surprises after deactivation.
• Backup themes and files: Download custom themes and any uploaded files. Themes remain licensed to the original store but can be transferred with support assistance if needed.
• Communicate with customers: Notify your audience about changes via email or announcements. This maintains trust and manages expectations during the transition.

Taking these precautions typically takes a few hours but saves significant time and stress later. Review Shopify’s billing considerations for complete guidance on potential charges.

How to Pause Your Shopify Store with the Pause and Build Plan

The Pause and Build plan offers an ideal solution for temporary breaks. At $9 per month, it significantly reduces costs while preserving admin access and the ability to edit your store. This option suits seasonal businesses or those undergoing renovations without fully closing.

During the pause, customers can view products but cannot purchase. You retain access to basic reports, product editing, and draft orders. Apps remain active unless canceled individually, allowing continued preparation for reopening.

To switch to Pause and Build:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin as the store owner.
2. Navigate to Settings > Plan.
3. Click Cancel plan and enter your password when prompted.
4. Review the displayed options after confirmation.
5. Select the Pause and Build plan.
6. Review the details carefully and click Switch to Pause and Build.

The change takes effect immediately, and your store operates at the reduced rate. You can hide product details or password-protect the storefront to prevent customer access during this period.

Resuming sales requires selecting a new plan from the same Plan section. Choose the desired tier, review details, and subscribe. Remove any store password to make the site fully operational again. This flexibility makes pausing a popular choice for merchants who anticipate returning.

How to Fully Deactivate Your Store and Cancel the Subscription

Deactivating cancels your subscription and closes the store permanently unless reactivated within two years. The process ends billing at the conclusion of your current cycle, and admin access is lost afterward. This option fits merchants permanently closing or migrating platforms.

Important notes: Shopify Plus users must contact support for deactivation. Standard plans follow admin steps. Data remains guaranteed for two years, enabling reactivation without rebuilding if done timely.

Steps to deactivate:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin as the store owner.
2. Go to Settings > Plan.
3. Review any offered alternatives, such as Pause and Build.
4. If proceeding, click Cancel plan.
5. Select a reason for deactivation from the dropdown.
6. Add optional comments if desired.
7. Click Continue and confirm with your password.

You receive an email confirmation once processed. The store deactivates automatically at the billing cycle’s end, preventing further charges.

What Happens After Pausing or Deactivating Your Store

Outcomes vary based on your choice. Pausing maintains partial functionality at low cost, while deactivating restricts access but preserves data temporarily.

With Pause and Build, you continue editing products and viewing reports. Selling remains disabled, but the store structure stays intact for easy resumption. Billing continues at the reduced rate indefinitely until you upgrade.

Deactivation removes admin access entirely. Your online store becomes inaccessible, and no new orders process. Shopify retains data for two years, allowing reactivation by logging in, selecting a plan, and subscribing with payment details.

After two years, data may be purged, so timely decisions matter. Customer personal information can be deleted earlier upon request. Chargebacks may still occur, requiring prior evidence collection.

Canceling Third-Party App Subscriptions on Shopify

Deactivating your store does not automatically cancel app subscriptions. These continue billing unless uninstalled and canceled individually.

To manage apps:

1. Go to Apps in your admin.
2. Review installed apps for recurring charges.
3. Click on each relevant app and follow its cancellation process.
4. Confirm uninstallation to stop future billing.

Some apps offer internal cancellation without uninstalling to preserve data. Check each app’s settings or support for specifics. Addressing this early prevents unwanted charges post-deactivation.

Managing Domains, Billing, and Other Loose Ends

Custom domains require attention. Disable auto-renewal or transfer before deactivation to avoid fees. Shopify handles .myshopify.com domains uniquely, preventing reuse of the same name for new stores.

Review all billing aspects. Settle transaction fees, app charges, and payouts. Pending Shopify Payments may need resolution. Understanding these implications ensures no financial surprises.

For password-protected stores or hidden products during pause, adjust settings as needed. These tools help control visibility during transitions.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Shopify Subscription Cancellation

Experienced merchants share several strategies to make the process efficient.

• Document everything: Screenshot key settings and export data multiple times. This creates a reliable record for reference or disputes.
• Test reactivation early: If pausing, simulate resuming by checking plan options. Familiarity reduces stress when needed.
• Prioritize high-value data: Export customer lists and order history first. These prove most useful for marketing or analytics elsewhere.
• Communicate proactively: Send advance notices to customers and partners. Transparency builds loyalty during changes.
• Monitor for 30 days post-action: Watch bank statements for unexpected charges. Quick action resolves issues faster.
• Explore alternatives beforehand: Research other platforms before finalizing. This informs your decision and eases migration.
• Use Shopify support wisely: Contact help for complex cases like domain transfers or Plus plans. They provide tailored guidance.

These tips come from common experiences and help avoid pitfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reactivate my store after deactivation?

Yes, within two years. Log in as the owner, select a plan, and subscribe. Data remains intact for reactivation without rebuilding.

Does pausing stop all charges?

No, the Pause and Build plan costs $9 monthly. It reduces but does not eliminate subscription fees. Cancel apps separately to stop additional charges.

What happens to my products and customers after deactivation?

Data is retained for two years. Products, orders, and customer information stay preserved, allowing full restoration upon reactivation.

Will customers still see my store after pausing?

Yes, unless password-protected or products hidden. Customers view the storefront but cannot purchase during pause.

Do I lose my theme if I deactivate?

Themes remain licensed to the store. Download backups beforehand, and contact support for transfers if needed.

How long does deactivation take?

It processes at the end of your current billing cycle. You retain access until then.

Can I cancel individual app subscriptions without deactivating the store?

Yes, manage apps directly in the Apps section. Uninstall and cancel within each app’s interface to stop their billing.

Conclusion

Canceling or pausing a Shopify subscription involves clear steps through the admin dashboard. Whether choosing the low-cost Pause and Build plan for temporary breaks or full deactivation for permanent closure, preparation ensures minimal disruption. Export data, resolve orders, cancel apps, and handle billing first. These actions protect your business interests and facilitate a clean transition. Shopify’s two-year data guarantee provides flexibility for future reactivation. By following this guide, you confidently manage your subscription status in 2026.