If you run a Shopify store in the US, there may come a time when you need to pause operations for maintenance. Whether you’re working on a Shopify store redesign, updating inventory, or fixing technical issues, temporarily closing your store the right way ensures minimal disruption and maintains customer trust.
In this blog, 1o1 Development explains the best methods to temporarily close your Shopify store for maintenance while keeping it secure and functional.
1. Why Temporarily Close Your Shopify Store?
A temporary store closure might be necessary for several reasons:
- Website Redesign: Implement a new Shopify store redesign for better user experience.
- Inventory Updates: Restocking products or updating listings.
- Security Upgrades: Enhancing store security and payment systems.
- Bug Fixes: Resolving technical issues affecting checkout or site speed.
By using the right method, you can prevent lost sales while keeping customers informed.
2. Methods to Temporarily Close Your Shopify Store
There are three primary ways to close your Shopify store for maintenance:
Method 1: Enable Password Protection (Recommended)
The easiest and most effective way to temporarily close your Shopify store is by enabling password protection. This method ensures your site remains secure while keeping visitors informed.
Steps to Enable Password Protection:
- Log in to your Shopify Admin.
- Navigate to Online Store > Preferences.
- Scroll down to the Password Protection section.
- Check the box for Enable password.
- Enter a password and an optional message to inform visitors.
- Click Save.
Method 2: Use Shopify’s Puse and Build Plan
If you need to close your store for an extended period without losing backend access, Shopify’s Pause and Build plan is a great option.
Steps to Switch to Pause and Build Plan:
- Go to Settings > Plan in Shopify.
- Click Change Plan and select Pause and Build.
- Confirm the plan and Save Changes.
Benefits:
- Customers can still view your store but cannot make purchases.
- You pay a reduced monthly fee ($9/month).
Limitations:
- Checkout is disabled, so sales won’t be processed.
Method 3: Manually Hide Products and Disable Checkout
For a short maintenance period, you can manually hide products and disable checkout.
Steps to Hide Products:
- Go to Products in Shopify.
- Select all products and click Bulk Edit.
- Uncheck the Online Store sales channel.
- Click Save.
Steps to Disable Checkout:
- Go to Settings > Checkout.
- Set Customer Accounts to “Disabled”.
- Change payment settings to Manual Payment Methods and enter a message like “Store undergoing maintenance”.
- Click Save.
Benefits:
- Keeps the website active for SEO purposes.
- Customers can browse but won’t be able to purchase.
Limitations:
- Requires manual reactivation of products.
3. Best Practices for Store Maintenance
- Announce the Downtime in Advance: Inform customers via email, social media, or a site banner.
- Use a Custom Maintenance Page: Create a Coming Soon or Maintenance Mode page with an estimated reopening date.
- Backup Your Store Data: Before making major changes, save a backup of product listings, customer details, and settings.
- Test Everything Before Relaunching: Check site speed, checkout process, and mobile compatibility before reopening.
4. FAQs
1. Will closing my Shopify store affect SEO?
If you use password protection or pause your store temporarily, SEO impact is minimal. Avoid deleting pages or changing URLs.
2. How long can I keep my Shopify store in maintenance mode?
There’s no time limit, but extended closure might affect sales and customer trust.
3. Can I still access my store while it’s closed?
Yes, Shopify Admin remains accessible even if your store is password-protected or on the Pause and Build plan.
4. How do I reopen my Shopify store after maintenance?
Simply remove the password protection, re-enable products, and test your checkout before going live.
