The Shopify App Plugin Issue Guide

Shopify apps extend your store's features, but they can also cause billing surprises, checkout errors, or performance slowdowns. This guide shows you how to spot and fix the most common plugin problems.

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Who this is for

Shopify merchants who've run into unexpected app charges, checkout problems, site speed issues, or confusing plugin permissions.

You'll fix:

Billing & Trials

Unexpected charges, hidden fees, and expired trial surprises.

Support & Approval Quality

Poor developer support or buggy apps that still appear in the Shopify App Store.

Performance Slowdowns

Apps that inject heavy scripts and impact Core Web Vitals.

Permissions & Data Access

Confusing or overly broad OAuth requests for customer/order data.

1) Billing, Trials & Hidden Fees

Many merchants report being surprised by app charges. Free trials often roll into paid plans, and refunds can be tricky.

  • Set reminders for trial expiry dates.
  • Check your Shopify billing dashboard weekly.
  • Contact support within 24h for refund requests.

2) App Approval & Support Quality

Some apps are approved despite bugs or weak support. Merchants often complain about slow or copy-paste responses.

  • Read reviews on sites beyond the App Store (e.g. Trustpilot).
  • Test support before paying - send a basic question first.
  • Prefer apps with regular updates and changelogs.

3) Performance & Site Speed

Heavy apps can slow down your storefront, hurting sales and SEO.

  • Run a speed test with Google PageSpeed Insights.
  • Disable apps one by one and re-test.
  • Replace heavy plugins with lighter alternatives or Shopify-native features.

4) Permissions, OAuth & Data Access

Some apps ask for more data access than they need. Always check permissions carefully before approving.

  • Review requested permissions during install.
  • Prefer apps that use "scoped" access (only the data they need).
  • Remove unused apps in Shopify Admin → Settings → Apps.

5) Quick Rescue Checklist

Before installing or troubleshooting any app, run through this quick list:

  • Did you check trial end dates?
  • Is support responsive and clear?
  • Have you run a speed test?
  • Are permissions scoped to only what's needed?
  • Did you test checkout and email flows?

Keep your Shopify apps working smoothly

Follow these steps and you'll avoid most app headaches, from billing errors to site slowdowns.

Go to the Interactive Shopify Checklist

Worried you've missed something?

If you don't feel confident tackling plugin issues yourself, we can help.

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