Is Shopify down

Why does Shopify downtime matter for online store owners?

Shopify is an important tool for online businesses, including Amazon sellers who use it for their own stores. If Shopify goes down, it can cause problems like:

  • Lost sales: Customers can’t browse or buy products.

  • Abandoned carts: Shoppers may leave if they can’t complete a purchase.

  • Damage to your reputation: Frequent downtime makes customers lose trust.

  • Business delays: Order processing and customer support may be disrupted.

For Amazon sellers who also use Shopify, these issues can hurt revenue and customer satisfaction. Knowing what to do during downtime can help keep your business running smoothly. Here you can hire our Shopify developers for real-time troubleshooting of any problems that occur in your store. 

How to check if Shopify is down?

If you’re having trouble accessing your Shopify store, it’s important to figure out if the issue is with Shopify itself or something on your end. Here’s a simple guide to check if Shopify is down:

Step 1: Visit Shopify’s status page 

The first thing you should do if you’re having trouble accessing your Shopify store is check Shopify’s official status page. This page provides real-time updates on whether Shopify’s services are working properly or if there’s an ongoing issue. You can visit the page at status.shopify.com.

If there’s a problem, you’ll see details about which features are affected, such as checkout, product listings, or payments. Shopify also provides an estimated recovery time, so you’ll know when they expect the issue to be fixed.

Step 2: Check third-party websites 

If you’re not getting enough information from Shopify’s status page, you can check third-party websites like Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow. These websites track outages based on reports from users all over the world.

They can tell you if others are experiencing the same issue, helping you determine if the problem is on your end or if it's a more widespread issue affecting many Shopify users.

Step 3: Look for official Shopify announcements on Twitter and forums

Shopify frequently posts updates about service disruptions or maintenance on its official social media accounts. Visit Shopify’s Twitter account (@ShopifySupport) to see if they’ve shared any updates about ongoing outages or issues. 

Shopify’s forums are another great place to check for announcements, as users often share information and solutions to common problems. These resources can help you stay informed about the situation and when Shopify expects the problem to be resolved.

Step 4: Try accessing Shopify from a different device or network

If Shopify’s status page shows that everything is up and running, the issue might be on your end. Sometimes, problems like a slow internet connection or an issue with your device can prevent you from accessing your store.

To rule out these possibilities, try accessing your Shopify store from a different device (like switching from a laptop to a phone) or using another network (switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data). This can help determine if the issue is specific to your device or internet connection.

Common reasons why Shopify might be down

#1: Shopify server issues

Sometimes, Shopify experiences server issues, whether due to planned maintenance or unexpected outages. Shopify regularly performs updates, which can cause brief downtime. If there’s an issue on Shopify’s end, it can affect the entire platform, including your store.

#2: Browser or device-related issues

Your browser or device might be causing the issue. If your browser is outdated or has cached data, you might not be able to access your Shopify store. Try clearing your cache or using a different browser or device to see if that resolves the problem. 

#3: Shopify app or theme conflicts

If you've installed third-party apps or custom themes, they could be causing conflicts with Shopify's platform. These apps or themes may not always work well with Shopify’s latest updates, which could lead to errors or make your store temporarily unavailable. You can select our developer, Shopify, for your ongoing support and maintenance. 

What to do if Shopify is down?
  • For Shopify’s servers: If the issue is with Shopify’s servers, the best thing to do is wait for official updates. Check Shopify’s status page for real-time information on when the issue will be fixed.

  • For local connection issues: If the problem is with your internet connection, restart your router and clear your browser’s cache. This can often solve the issue and get you back online quickly.

  • For Shopify store errors: If you’re seeing errors on your store, try disabling any third-party apps or custom themes you’ve installed. Sometimes these can conflict with Shopify updates. You can also try using a different browser to see if that helps.

  • For checkout issues: If customers are unable to complete checkout, test with different payment methods to see if the issue is payment-related. If the problem persists, contact Shopify Support for assistance.

How to minimise business impact during downtime?

Action

Why it’s important

Keep customers informed

Use email and social media to update customers about your store being temporarily unavailable. Keeping them informed reassures them that you’re working to fix it, helping to maintain trust.

Use alternative sales channels

If Shopify is down, sell through other platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or social media (Instagram, Facebook). This ensures you keep generating sales and keep your business running.

Monitor Shopify’s status

Regularly check Shopify’s status page for updates and recovery time estimates. Knowing when your store will be back online helps with planning and keeping customers informed.

Contacting Shopify support for help
  • Live chat: The quickest way to get help is by using Shopify’s live chat feature. Simply log in to your Shopify account and click the “Support” button to start a chat with a representative.

  • Email: If you prefer email, you can submit a support request via the Shopify Help Centre. You’ll get a response from their team as soon as they can.

  • Phone Support: For urgent issues, you can call Shopify's support team. To get the phone number, go to the Shopify help centre, and you'll be given a number based on your region. Phone support is available 24/7, so you can get help whenever needed.

Final thoughts

Downtime on Shopify can be frustrating, especially for Amazon sellers looking to grow their own online store. But with the right approach, you can minimise the impact on your business. By knowing how to check if Shopify is down, understanding why it happens, and taking quick action, you can stay in control.

If you’re juggling both Amazon and Shopify, it can be tough to manage. That’s where expert help can make a difference. As an Amazon consultant, we guide you through optimising both platforms, helping you boost sales, reduce downtime, and streamline your processes.