Cancel Shopify subscription is a critical decision for any store owner. Whether you’re switching platforms, dealing with high transaction fees, or stepping away from e-commerce, following the correct process ensures a smooth transition without unexpected charges or data loss.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to take before closing your Shopify store. By handling pending orders, exporting important data, transferring domains, and settling outstanding fees, you can avoid potential issues. Follow this step-by-step guide to cancel your Shopify subscription properly in 2025.

Preparation Before Canceling Shopify Subscription

Before you officially close your Shopify store, it’s crucial to complete several key tasks to prevent disruptions.

Handle or Cancel Pending Orders

Before shutting down, make sure all customer orders are managed. Unfulfilled orders can lead to disputes, chargebacks, or negative reviews. If you have open orders, fulfill them before canceling. If a refund is necessary, process it in advance. For subscriptions or pre-orders, notify customers and offer refunds if required. Addressing these issues ensures a smooth exit and maintains your brand’s reputation.

Export and Download Data

Shopify deletes store data once an account is closed, so backing up important information is essential. Export customer details, product data, sales reports, and billing history to ensure you retain critical records. This data can be useful for tax purposes or future business ventures. Use Shopify’s export tools to download CSV files of your inventory, orders, and customer lists.

Transfer Your Domain

If you purchased a custom domain through Shopify, transfer it to another provider before canceling your subscription. If your domain is registered externally, update DNS settings to avoid disruptions. A failure to transfer your domain could result in losing ownership or accessibility issues.

Settle Outstanding Fees

Check your Shopify billing section to ensure there are no unpaid invoices. Shopify does not allow store closure if there are outstanding fees. If you’re on an annual plan, consider whether requesting a refund for unused time is possible. Paying off any pending charges prevents unexpected deductions after cancellation.

Close Third-Party Applications

Many Shopify apps have separate billing structures, meaning uninstalling them isn’t always enough to stop charges. Log into each third-party service and cancel active subscriptions directly with the provider. This prevents ongoing fees after your Shopify store is shut down.

5 Steps to Cancel Shopify Subscription

Once you have handled pending orders, exported your data, transferred your domain, and settled outstanding fees, you can proceed with canceling your Shopify subscription. Follow these steps to deactivate your store properly:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Plan in the Shopify Admin Dashboard

Log in to your Shopify account and navigate to the Settings menu in the lower-left corner of your dashboard. From there, click on Plan to access your store’s subscription settings.

Step 2: Click on “Deactivate Store” and Review Cancellation Options

In the Plan section, locate the option to Deactivate Store and click on it. Shopify may present alternative options, such as pausing your store at a reduced rate instead of full cancellation. Review these carefully if you are considering returning to Shopify in the future.

Step 3: Choose a Reason for Cancellation and Click Continue

Shopify will ask why you are closing your store. Select the most relevant reason from the list. This step helps Shopify improve its services, but your response does not affect the cancellation process. After selecting your reason, click Continue to proceed.

Step 4: Enter Your Password

To confirm that you are the store owner, Shopify will prompt you to enter your account password. This security measure ensures that only authorized users can close the store.

Step 5: Click “Deactivate Store” Again to Confirm

After entering your password, click Deactivate Store one final time. This action completes the cancellation process, and your store will be officially closed.

Post-Cancellation: What Happens Next?

After deactivating your Shopify store, you’ll lose access to the admin panel, storefront, and store data. However, Shopify retains your store information for two years, allowing you to reactivate it anytime by logging in and selecting a new plan. Your order history, customer details, and product listings will be restored, though some third-party apps may need reinstallation.

If you plan to switch platforms, ensure all essential data is backed up before cancellation. Domains purchased through Shopify can still be managed or transferred even after store closure, but failing to do so may result in loss of ownership.

Additionally, while Shopify app subscriptions end automatically, third-party services may continue billing you. Cancel these manually to avoid unexpected charges.

Alternatives to Shopify After Cancellation

If you’re leaving Shopify but still want to run an online store, there are several alternative platforms to consider. Each has its strengths, depending on your business needs and technical expertise.

WooCommerce 

WooCommerce is a powerful WordPress plugin that offers complete control over your eCommerce store. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to tailor everything from product pages to checkout processes. However, it requires technical knowledge for setup, hosting, and maintenance. If you’re comfortable with WordPress and want full control, WooCommerce is a great choice.

BigCommerce 

BigCommerce is a hosted eCommerce platform similar to Shopify but without transaction fees. It provides built-in SEO features, multi-channel selling, and robust analytics. While it offers similar tools to Shopify, its pricing and customization options might appeal more to growing businesses looking for a scalable solution.

Wix 

Wix is a drag-and-drop website builder with built-in eCommerce features. It’s extremely beginner-friendly, making it ideal for small businesses or individuals who want a simple online store. However, Wix lacks the scalability and advanced eCommerce features of Shopify, making it less suitable for larger businesses.

Magento 

Magento (now Adobe Commerce) is a powerful open-source platform designed for large-scale eCommerce businesses. It offers advanced customization, scalability, and performance optimization. However, it requires significant technical expertise and higher costs for hosting, development, and maintenance. Magento is best suited for enterprises with dedicated development teams.

Choosing the right Shopify alternative depends on your business size, budget, and technical expertise. If you prefer an easy-to-use solution, Wix or BigCommerce might be ideal. If you need full control and customization, WooCommerce or Magento are better options.

Conclusion

Canceling a Shopify subscription is a straightforward process when done with proper preparation. By handling pending orders, exporting important data, transferring your domain, and settling outstanding fees, you can avoid complications and unexpected charges. Following the outlined steps ensures a smooth transition, whether you’re closing your store permanently or planning to return in the future.

If you’re looking for an alternative platform, options like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, and Magento offer different advantages depending on your technical skills, business size, and growth plans. Evaluating these choices can help you find a platform that better suits your long-term needs.

Carefully planning your store closure and exploring the right eCommerce solution will set you up for success in your next venture.