Shopify does not provide a dedicated vacation mode. However, Shopify allows merchants to temporarily stop sales using two official methods. The best option depends on how long you plan to pause your business.
This guide explains how to put a Shopify shop on vacation using the main supported solutions.
Short-Term Solution: Password Protect Your Store
Password protection is suitable for short breaks when you want to fully restrict access to your store.
What Happens When You Enable Password Protection
When password protection is active, visitors cannot:
Access your website
View products or pages
Complete orders
Instead, customers see a password page with a custom message explaining that the store is temporarily closed.
Key Notes
Your Shopify subscription and recurring app charges continue as normal
The store becomes completely private until the password is removed
When to Use This Option
Short vacations
Maintenance periods
Temporary pauses without changing your plan
Long-Term Solution: Pause and Build Plan
The Pause and Build plan is designed for longer breaks while keeping your store visible online.
Features Disabled on Pause and Build
When you pause your store:
Online checkout is disabled
Point of Sale (POS) is disabled
Discounts, gift cards, and abandoned checkout recovery stop working
Third-party sales channels (Facebook, Google) are disabled
Customers can browse your store but cannot make purchases.
What You Can Still Do
Access Shopify admin
Edit products and content
Prepare your store for relaunch
Important Considerations
Monthly cost: $9 USD
You must choose a new plan when unpausing
Third-party apps with recurring charges remain active unless uninstalled
When to Use This Option
Extended vacations
Business restructuring
Seasonal closures
How to Choose the Right Method
| Situation | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Short break | Password protection |
| Long pause | Pause and Build plan |
| Want store hidden | Password protection |
| Want store visible | Pause and Build |
FAQs About Put Shopify Shop on Vacation
Does Shopify have a vacation mode?
No. Shopify does not offer a built-in vacation mode, but you can put a Shopify shop on vacation using password protection or the Pause and Build plan.
Will I still be charged when my store is on vacation?
Yes. Subscription fees continue with password protection. The Pause and Build plan reduces the monthly fee but does not stop all charges.
Can customers place orders during vacation mode?
No. Both methods prevent customers from completing purchases.
Can I still work on my store while it is paused?
Yes. Shopify admin access remains available with both methods.
Conclusion
Learning how to put a Shopify shop on vacation helps you protect your store while taking a break. For short-term pauses, password protection is the simplest option. For longer closures, the Pause and Build plan allows you to keep your store online without accepting orders.
Choose the method that fits your business needs to ensure a smooth and secure pause.
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