How to Pause a Shopify Store the Correct Way: A Simple Guide

Did you know that 93% of online consumers prioritize their shopping experience over price? For Shopify merchants, this highlights the importance of constantly improving their store’s offerings and functionality. But what happens when you need a break, whether it’s for seasonal updates, rebranding, or just to recharge?

If you’re considering how to pause your Shopify store temporarily without losing progress, Shopify’s Pause and Build plan is the perfect solution. This plan allows you to halt sales while still working behind the scenes on your store.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of pausing your Shopify store, what it entails, and key considerations to keep in mind. 

Let’s dive into the details to help you make the right decisions for your business!

What Does Pausing a Shopify Store Mean?

Pausing a Shopify store means temporarily suspending its operations while keeping all of your data, products, and customer information intact. You won’t be charged the usual monthly subscription fee but will still retain access to your store’s backend to make updates or plan future strategies.

There are two options available when pausing your store:

Pause and Build Plan: This plan allows you to pause your store while still working on it behind the scenes, without customers being able to make purchases. It’s perfect for when you need time to make updates but don’t want to lose any progress.

Close Your Store: This option completely closes the store and removes access to your online storefront. While it’s reversible, you can lose the customer-facing features until you reactivate your store.

How to Pause a Shopify Store: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Log in to Your Shopify Admin Panel

Step 2: Go to the ‘Settings’ Section

Once logged in, click on Settings from the bottom-left corner of the admin panel.

Step 2: Select ‘Plan’

Under Settings, locate and click on Plan. This will take you to the page where you can view and manage your Shopify subscription and store plan.

Step 4: Choose ‘Pause and Build Plan’

Click on “Deactivate Store.” In the Plan section, select the “Deactivate Store” button. Shopify will then direct you to choose the Pause and Build Plan option.

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On the Plan page, you will find the option to pause your store. If you want to keep building behind the scenes without customers placing orders, select Pause and Build.

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Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Choice

Shopify will provide a brief overview of the Pause and Build plan, including its features and limitations. Review everything carefully to ensure this is the right option for you. When ready, confirm the plan.

Step 6: Make Necessary Updates

After your store is paused, you can still make changes, update products, and work on your store. Just keep in mind that customers won’t be able to access the checkout or make purchases during this time.

What Happens During the Pause and Build Plan?

While your store is paused under the Pause and Build plan:

• Customers can browse your store, but they won’t be able to make purchases.
  
• You retain access to your Shopify admin to make necessary changes or updates.
  
• Your store remains visible to the public, but will have a notice that says the store is paused.
  
• You will not pay the full Shopify subscription fee (depending on the plan), but will still need to pay a reduced amount for the paused period.
  

When Should You Pause Your Shopify Store?

There are several scenarios in which you might consider pausing your Shopify store:

• Seasonal Breaks: If you need to take a break during off-peak seasons but still want your store active later.
  
• Site Maintenance or Redesign: Pausing your store gives you time to refresh your design, update product pages, and optimize for better performance.
  
• Temporary Closure: If you need to take a break from marketing or shipping but don’t want to lose access to your store’s data.
  

What Happens When You Pause Your Shopify Store?

• Customer Data Retention: All your customer information, product details, and order history remain safe, and you can access them anytime.
  
• No Sales: Since your store is paused, customers can no longer check out or complete purchases.
  
• Marketing Is Paused: Any marketing campaigns that involve sales will be halted during this time, but you can still plan new campaigns and prepare for a future relaunch.

Difference Between Pause and Deactivate Your Store 

There are significant differences between pausing and deactivating your store, so it’s important to understand your options before deciding to deactivate.

Pausing Your Store	Deactivating Your Store
Switches to a different subscription plan	Subscription is canceled
Products remain visible on your website	Products are removed from the website
Shopify admin remains accessible	Shopify admin is not accessible (unless a new plan is purchased)
Your website can still be used by customers	Your website becomes inactive and can’t be accessed
The MyShopify domain can be used in the future	The MyShopify domain is no longer available
You can re-enable the store at any time	The store can be re-enabled within 2 years

Final Thoughts: How to Pause Your Shopify Store

Pausing your Shopify store allows you to take a break or work on your store without permanently closing it. The Pause and Build plan is an excellent option for store owners who need time to work behind the scenes while maintaining their store data and customer information. 

Whether you’re updating your website or just need a temporary break, pausing your store ensures that you can come back stronger without losing progress.

Looking for expert assistance with pausing or managing your Shopify store? Our team of Shopify Experts can provide professional support and guidance to help you optimize your store’s functionality during the Pause and Build phase.

FAQs: How to Pause Your Shopify Store

1. What happens when I pause my Shopify store?
When you pause your Shopify store, your online store will be hidden from customers, and they won’t be able to make purchases. However, you can still access your store’s backend to make updates, manage inventory, and prepare for the relaunch.

2. How long can I keep my Shopify store paused?
You can keep your Shopify store paused for as long as needed. The Pause and Build plan allows you to maintain access to the backend while keeping the store temporarily inactive for an extended period.

3. Can I still update my products and make changes while my store is paused?
Yes, while your store is paused, you can continue to update products, make changes to your store’s design, and work on other aspects behind the scenes. The store will just not be accessible to customers for purchases.

4. Will I be charged while my Shopify store is paused?
If you choose the Pause and Build plan, you will be charged a reduced monthly fee. However, you won’t be billed the full Shopify subscription cost. If you fully close your store, you won’t incur any charges until you reactivate it.

5. How do I unpause my Shopify store?
To unpause your store, simply log into your Shopify admin, go to the Plan section, and select the Unpause option. Once done, your store will be active again, and customers can start making purchases.