Selling subscriptions through the Shop app
Shopify now supports selling subscriptions directly through the Shop app. This feature uses a native Shopify experience that you cannot customize.
This guide explains how selling subscriptions through the Shop app works, and any considerations.
- Shopify Checkout Integration
- Migrated Shopify Checkout Integration
Subscriptions in the Shop app
Customers can view subscription products in the Shop app and choose between a one-time purchase or a subscription option. If they choose the subscription option, the app displays available delivery frequencies.
Disabling selling subscriptions through the Shop app
Disabling subscriptions in the Shop app is done at a store level in Shopify. When disabled, customers are redirected to the online store in a browser to complete the purchase:
- Click Shop under Sales channels and then Settings.
- Locate the Subscriptions section.
- Click Disable to stop selling subscriptions through the Shop app.
To prevent a specific product from appearing in the Shop app, you would need to stop selling that product through the Shop app entirely. You can manage your sales channels per product in your Shopify admin.
Considerations
Consider the following when selling subscriptions through the Shop app:
Consideration |
Notes |
|---|---|
| Selling plan names | Shopify doesn’t use selling plan names in the Shop app. Instead, it reads the delivery frequencies and displays them in a custom format. You can't change how these options appear. |
| Prepaid subscriptions |
The Shop app incorrectly displays prepaid subscriptions as standard recurring plans, however, Recharge still processes and schedules the subscription correctly. As a workaround, you can clarify the prepaid details in your product description to ensure customers understand the details of their prepaid subscription. |
| Shop app customizations |
Defaults and styling are not supported in the Shop app. Contact Shopify's support team if you have customization questions. |
| A/B testing | Not supported or recommended, as all plans are visible as a subscription option in the Shop App. |
| Subscription management |
Customers cannot fully manage their subscriptions through the Shop App. While they can update their payment method within the app, actions such as pausing, canceling, or skipping a subscription must be completed through the Customer Portal or via email/SMS interactions. |
| Customizable bundles |
Both fixed and dynamically priced customizable bundles are not supported in the Shop app. |
| Products without one-time purchase options |
Due to a Shopify limitation, products that offer only subscription plans (no one-time purchase option) cannot be sold through the Shop app. |
| Gift subscriptions |
Customers can’t purchase gift subscriptions through the Shop App. Gift subscriptions are only available when purchased directly through your online store. |
