How to Put Your Shopify Store Under Maintenance – Pro Tips 2023/24

Imagine this: You’ve built your online business on Shopify, and it’s thriving. But there comes a time when you need to perform updates, make significant changes, or simply take a breather. During these moments, it’s crucial to know how to put your Shopify store under maintenance. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to pause Shopify store by understanding what Shopify maintenance mode is and the step-by-step methods to implement it. Let’s discuss how to put Shopify store under construction!

Does Shopify have a maintenance mode?

First things first, does Shopify even have a maintenance mode? The short answer is no, Shopify doesn’t have a built-in maintenance mode feature like some other platforms. But don’t worry; there are still effective ways to achieve the same result.

What is Shopify Maintenance Mode?

Maintenance mode is essentially a state where your online store becomes temporarily inaccessible to the public (Shopify Account Frozen) while you work on improvements or perform necessary updates. It’s a way to prevent visitors from seeing a half-finished website by making sure that your brand image remains professional.

Why should you put your Shopify store under construction?

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” Why should you consider putting your Shopify store under construction? Several reasons make this a smart move:

• Maintain Professionalism: An under-construction page conveys that you care about your customers’ experience and are actively working to improve it.
• Avoid glitches: Updating your store without taking it offline can sometimes lead to unexpected errors or glitches. Maintenance mode helps prevent these issues.
• SEO Benefits: If you’re making significant changes, hiding your site from search engines temporarily can protect your rankings.
• Security: It reduces the risk of security breaches during updates.

Considerations Before Putting Your Shopify Website on Maintenance Mode

Now that you’re convinced of its importance, here are a few things to consider before you activate maintenance mode on Shopify:

• Announce It: Let your customers know in advance. Send out an email or post on your social media to inform them about the upcoming maintenance.
• Timing Matters: Plan the maintenance during your store’s least busy hours to minimize disruption.
• Backup: Always back up your data before making any significant changes.

Now, let’s explore the benefits of Shopify and how they played a role in your decision to put your store under maintenance.

Shopify, as a platform, offers a range of features and advantages that make it a preferred choice for e-commerce entrepreneurs. These benefits include a user-friendly interface, customizable themes, and a variety of payment options. Understanding these benefits is essential, as they highlight why it’s crucial to maintain your Shopify store effectively.

How to Put Your Shopify Store Under Maintenance (Complete Steps)

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to put your Shopify store under construction. We’ll explore three methods to achieve this:

Method 1: Set Password Protection

One way to pause Shopify store is to restrict access by setting up password protection. This method is straightforward:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Go to “Online Store” and select “Preferences.”
3. In the “Password protection” section, check the box that says “Enable password.”
4. Enter a password.
5. Save your changes.

Now, anyone trying to access your store will be prompted to enter the password.

Method 2: Using a Shopify App

Shopify offers various apps to help you create a maintenance mode page. These apps simplify the process and often offer additional customization options.

1. Browse the Shopify App Store for maintenance mode apps.
2. Choose one that suits your needs and install it.
3. Follow the app’s instructions to set up your under-construction page.

Method 3: Create a Coming Soon Page

To deactivate your Shopify store, you can create a “coming soon” page that effectively communicates that your store is under construction and will be live soon. Here’s how:

1. Go to “Online Store” in your Shopify dashboard.
2. Select “Themes” and then “Customize.”
3. Create a new page or select an existing one.
4. Customize the content to inform visitors that your site is under construction.
5. Save your changes.

But have you ever wondered how long you can you pause my Shopify store?

How to Remove Your Shopify Store Password Page

Once you’re done with the Shopify site maintenance, it’s time to make your store accessible again. If you’ve used the password protection method, follow these steps:

1. In your Shopify admin, go to “Online Store” and then “Preferences.”
2. In the “Password protection” section, uncheck the box that says “Enable password.”
3. Save your changes.

How to Pause Your Shopify Store for Maintenance?

You have 3 options to temporarily close your Shopify store, one is you can use password protection so that no one see your web pages. Second, you can also use third party app available on Shopify App store or you can build your custom Shopify app from a trusted Shopify partners.

Last but not least, you can create a simple landing page with the Title “coming soon” to educate your users that very soon, these under-construction pages will be live.

If you’ve used an app or a “coming soon” page, you can simply reverse the process by disabling or unpublishing the page you’ve created. This is how to turn off Shopify maintenance mode

If you still not sure that you can do all the process alone and you don’t want to to put your brand at risk, you can get Shopify maintenance services from Swishtag – A Shopify plus developers company

FAQs About How to put Shopify website in Maintenance Mode

Let’s address some common questions related to putting your Shopify store under maintenance:

Can I put my Shopify store in maintenance mode? 

Yes, you can, even though Shopify doesn’t have a built-in maintenance mode feature.

How do I temporarily take my Shopify store offline? 

You can achieve this by using password protection, apps, or creating a “coming soon” page.

How do I lock my Shopify store for maintenance? 

Using password protection or a dedicated app will help you lock your store temporarily.

How do I make my Shopify store say under construction? 

Create a “coming soon” page or use an app to convey that your store is under construction.

How much does Shopify maintenance cost? 

The cost depends on whether you use an app or choose a free method like password protection.

How much is Shopify’s monthly maintenance fee? 

Shopify doesn’t charge a specific monthly maintenance fee. Costs can vary based on the tools and apps you use.

If I close my Shopify store can I reopen?

Yes, you can reopen your Shopify store at any time, even if you close it completely. Shopify keeps your store data and information for up to 2 years, so you can pick up where you left off when you reactivate it

Wrapping Up How to Close Shopify Store Temporarily

Learning how to put your Shopify store under maintenance is a smart move to ensure your website remains professional, your audience engaged, and functional during updates and improvements. By following the steps and considerations outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly manage your store’s downtime and keep your customers informed. Remember, a little maintenance can go a long way toward providing a better shopping experience and boosting your brand’s reputation.