If you’re thinking about canceling your Shopify subscription, it’s important to follow the right steps to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you're closing your store or switching to a different platform, Shopify makes it relatively easy to cancel your account without complications. This guide will walk you through the five simple steps you need to follow to successfully a cancel Shopify subscription, and what to keep in mind before you take that final step.

Backup Your Store Data

Why You Should Backup Your Data

Before canceling your Shopify subscription, it's crucial to back up all your store data. Once you close your account, access to your Shopify store will be restricted, and any data left behind could be lost. This includes product information, customer details, order history, and any other essential data that may be useful in the future.

How to Backup Data

To back up your store, export your product listings, customer information, and order details. Shopify allows you to export most of this data as CSV files, which can be stored locally or in cloud storage. If you use third-party apps for analytics or marketing, make sure to backup that data as well. Having everything saved before you cancel ensures you have what you need if you reopen your store or move to a different platform later on.

Settle Outstanding Charges

Check for Any Unpaid Bills

Before you cancel your subscription, it's essential to review your account for any outstanding charges. Shopify operates on a billing cycle, and you may have pending charges for your store’s plan, apps, or services. If you have any unpaid balances, these will need to be cleared to prevent complications during the cancellation process.

Finalizing Payments

To avoid any billing surprises, check your Shopify admin for recent invoices and any upcoming charges. If you are on a paid plan, ensure that you pay all outstanding balances to close your store smoothly. Keep in mind that Shopify will charge for the full month if you cancel mid-cycle, and there are no refunds for unused time on your subscription. Settling these charges beforehand ensures that your cancellation process is smooth and hassle-free.

Disable Third-Party Apps and Subscriptions

Canceling App Subscriptions

If you’ve installed third-party apps on your Shopify store, you may need to cancel those subscriptions individually. While canceling your Shopify account will close the store, it doesn’t necessarily stop recurring payments for apps. Many apps charge independently of Shopify, so it’s important to review the apps you've installed and cancel any that you’re no longer using.

Reviewing App Terms and Conditions

Each app may have its terms regarding cancellations, and some may require extra steps to completely disable the service. Be sure to carefully review your app subscriptions, especially if they include ongoing services, such as marketing or customer service tools. Taking the time to disable these apps ensures that you won’t be charged for services after your Shopify store is closed.

Choose the Right Plan for Downgrading or Closing

Downgrading Your Plan

If you're not fully ready to leave Shopify but want to reduce costs, consider downgrading your subscription plan. Shopify allows users to downgrade to a lower-tier plan if they're not utilizing all the features of their current plan. This could be a better option than canceling completely, especially if you expect to reopen the store or maintain a small-scale operation. For instance, if you’re closing for a short period or experiencing a temporary business downturn, switching to a lower-cost plan can keep your store live without the higher monthly cost.

Closing Your Store Completely

If you’ve decided to close your Shopify store for good, you’ll need to take a few steps. In your Shopify admin, go to "Settings" and select "Plan." From here, you can choose to pause or completely close your store. Pausing your store allows you to maintain access to your store data while closing it will completely shut down the site. Shopify gives you the option to download and store your data even after the store is closed.

Close Your Shopify Store

Final Steps to Cancel

Once you’ve backed up your data, paid any outstanding balances, and canceled third-party subscriptions, you're ready to cancel your Shopify store. Go to your Shopify admin panel, click on “Settings,” and then choose “Plan.” From there, click on “Cancel Subscription” or “Close Store.” Shopify will ask you for confirmation, and you may be prompted to provide feedback on why you’re canceling.

After the Store Is Closed

Once the store is officially closed, you'll no longer have access to the Shopify admin panel or any of your store’s data unless you reopen the store. Shopify keeps your store data for a limited period after cancellation, but if you want to reopen, you'll need to choose a new plan and restart your subscription.

Conclusion

Canceling your Shopify subscription involves several steps, but with proper preparation, the process can be smooth and straightforward. Be sure to back up your data, settle any outstanding balances, and cancel third-party app subscriptions before closing your store. If you’re not ready to shut down completely, consider downgrading your plan or using a Shopify mobile app builder to maintain your store's presence at a lower cost. Following these steps ensures that your Shopify cancellation process goes smoothly, allowing for a clean transition.