Thinking about closing your Shopify store? You're not alone. Shopify, founded back in 2006, is a giant in e-commerce, but it's not the right fit for everyone. Maybe you tried to launch that viral TikTok dropshipping business and found out it's a lot more work than the gurus let on. It happens. This guide will help you cancel your plan without any headaches. Subscriptions can run from $29 to $299 a month, so canceling can save you up to $3,588 a year. We'll cover how to do it right from your desktop.
How to Cancel Shopify Subscription on Desktop (Web Browser)
You can only cancel your Shopify store from a desktop computer. You can't do it from the mobile app, which is a bit of a pain. Make sure you're the store owner, as staff accounts don't have the permission to do this. The process is pretty direct, but they do try to convince you to stay.
1 Log In to Shopify Admin
First, head to the Shopify login page and sign in with your store owner credentials. This has to be the main account, not a staff member's.
2 Go to Your Settings
Once you're in, look for the 'Settings' gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. It's easy to miss if you're not looking for it.
3 Find Your Plan
In the Settings menu, click on 'Plan'. This page shows your current subscription details and billing cycle.
4 Deactivate Your Store
Scroll all the way to the bottom. You'll see an option that says 'Pause or deactivate store'. Click that. They really bury this option under a bunch of other stuff.
5 Select a Reason and Confirm
Shopify will ask why you're leaving. You have to pick a reason from the dropdown menu. After that, you'll be prompted to enter your password to confirm you're serious about deactivating.
6 Click the Final Deactivation Button
This is the final step. A big red button will appear that says 'Deactivate now'. Click it, and your store will be scheduled for deactivation. Honestly, I had to read the confirmation pop-up twice to make sure it was the right button.
Cancel Shopify Subscription with Live Chat
Shopify funnels most support through its Help Center. To reach a live agent, go to the Shopify Help Center, log in, and type your issue (e.g., 'cancel account'). The system will suggest articles first. Keep clicking 'I still need help' or a similar option until you see the 'Chat with us' button. Response times can vary. Sometimes it's instant, other times you're waiting 10 minutes.
Cancel Shopify Subscription with Email
Similar to live chat, email support starts at the Shopify Help Center. Follow the prompts, and if chat isn't available or you prefer email, you'll get an option to send a message. Expect a response within 24 hours, but it can be longer during busy periods.
Before you hit deactivate, there are a few things to know. First, Shopify doesn't offer refunds. If you cancel mid-month, you can use your store until the billing cycle ends, but you won't get any money back. Super annoying, but that's the policy. Your store data, like products and customer lists, isn't deleted right away. Shopify holds onto it for about two years in case you change your mind. If you think you might come back, consider their 'Pause and Build' plan. It costs about $9 a month and keeps your store offline but saves all your work.
Shopify Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Monthly Price (Billed Annually) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29 | Best for new e-commerce businesses. Includes 2 staff accounts, up to 1,000 inventory locations, and basic reports. Transaction fees are 2.9% + 30¢ online. |
| Shopify | $79 | Great for growing businesses. Includes 5 staff accounts, better reporting, and lower transaction fees (2.6% + 30¢ online). |
| Advanced | $299 | Designed for scaling businesses that require advanced reporting and the lowest transaction fees (2.4% + 30¢ online). Includes 15 staff accounts. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopify
Can I unsubscribe from Shopify anytime?
Can I get a refund from Shopify if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Shopify subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Shopify to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Shopify subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Shopify?
Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.
