Updating themes

What is a 'theme update'?

A theme update refers to the process of upgrading the theme used in a Shopify store to a newer version. We release updates to our themes to introduce new features, improve performance, and enhance the overall functionality and appearance.

How to update a theme

If you're looking to update your theme, there are various scenarios to consider. Some updates can be fully automated while others require more manual steps. To ensure you take the appropriate action based on your specific situation, refer to the official Shopify guide to updating themes. By reading this guide, you can gain insights into the recommended steps to follow when updating your theme.

Theme changelogs

Our changelogs can be found on the theme listing page under release notes. 

What does the 'Updates are not supported' message mean?

This message means the theme zip file was uploaded instead of being installed directly from the Shopify theme store.

To get the updated theme, it will need to be downloaded from the Shopify Theme Store. 

If the store is inactive, contact the Shopify billing team to request the transfer of the purchased license to your new account. Only Shopify can handle these requests, so for any billing inquiries, reach out to Shopify directly.

If you acquired the theme from a third-party source outside of Shopify. We do not sell our themes outside of the Shopify theme store. Please be aware that this goes against Shopify's TOS. A purchase of the theme will be required in order to download any future updates.

FAQs

Are theme updates free?

Yes, all theme updates are free.

Is it mandatory to update my theme?

No, you only update if you want to. Your theme will continue to function. You would only need to update if there are certain features you would like to have in the newer version. 

Is my custom code is carried over when I auto-update?

No. If you, a developer or an installed app has made any code changes to your theme files, these won’t be included in the updated version. If you want to keep these changes, then you, your developer or the App's support team will need to copy your code to the new version or reconfigure some apps.

This falls outside the scope of our theme support and we will guide you to take the above actions.

How do I know what's included in the new theme version and if it will auto-update?

It's advisable to always check the release notes on the theme listing page for advice. The release notes list what is included in the latest release. They will also flag any larger theme updates when an auto-update from a previous version is not possible due to structural changes in the theme code. 

Is there an app that can help apply my updates and backup my store?

Yes. Theme Updater Plus app is a paid app by Out Of The Sandbox that can help you to manage theme updates. It helps merchants to keep their store up-to-date, optimized, and backed up. It preserves content, customizations and settings across updates. This app will transfer over all shop settings that have been configured through the Theme Editor. It will also attempt to transfer over any tweaks or changes that have been made directly to the code, but will let you know if any files have code that cannot be carried over automatically.

Can I get the latest features without updating?

No, we do not offer any service like this and will suggest you update. New features and improvements in an update may require changes to the theme's underlying structure, such as the way code is organized or functions are implemented. Older versions of the theme might lack these structural changes, making it difficult to incorporate the new features seamlessly.

Can you manually update my theme?

No, we do not provide this service. We recommend reaching out to a developer specializing in the provision of these services and customizations. 

What does the 'could not be added to the Theme Library' message mean?

Shopify includes space to hold up to 19 unpublished themes in your store. Check that there is a space available to add the new version.

In addition, some larger theme updates include structural changes to the theme schema and settings which mean it's not possible to seamlessly apply the update. In these circumstances it may be necessary to add the theme directly from the theme store and recreate your settings by copying them across from your existing theme.