Last updated: November 9, 2026. Based on Shopify’s Changelog, developer docs and Help Center, checked on November 9, 2026.
Quick answer: Shopify has two versions of customer accounts. Legacy customer accounts use an email and password and live in your theme’s Liquid templates. The newer customer accounts (Shopify now just calls them customer accounts) use a one-time code instead of a password, are hosted by Shopify like checkout, and are the only version that supports self-serve returns and cancellation requests, store credit, B2B and app extensions. Shopify deprecated legacy accounts on February 26, 2026: new stores can’t use them, they get no new features or support, and a final shutdown date is still to be announced. Most stores should plan the upgrade now.
Key takeaways:
- Legacy accounts are deprecated and closed to new stores.
- New features only reach the newer accounts.
- Test apps and email links before you switch.
In this guide
- Where legacy accounts stand
- Legacy vs new: comparison
- How login changes
- Features only in new accounts
- What can break when you switch
- How to upgrade, step by step
- Choosing apps for customer accounts
- The bottom line
- FAQ
Are Shopify Legacy Customer Accounts Being Removed?
They’re deprecated, and a final shutdown date will follow. Shopify’s changelog of February 26, 2026 says legacy customer accounts are no longer available to new stores or to existing stores not already using them, and that Shopify will stop providing feature updates and technical support for them. Shopify said a sunset date would be announced later in 2026; on November 9, 2026 we couldn’t find a published date.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | Legacy customer accounts deprecated; closed to new stores and to stores not using them |
| June 18, 2026 | Self-serve returns gain cancellation requests, with market rules and EU windows (newer accounts only) |
| June 19, 2026 | The EU withdrawal button becomes mandatory for stores selling to EU consumers |
| To be announced | Final sunset date, with legacy Liquid templates locked and then removed |
Shopify has also said theme developers should stop including legacy customer account Liquid files. If a store on legacy accounts switches to a theme without those files, it’s upgraded to the newer customer accounts automatically.
What’s the Difference Between Legacy and New Customer Accounts?
The newer accounts trade theme-level design control for passwordless login, more built-in features and less maintenance.
| Legacy customer accounts | New customer accounts | |
|---|---|---|
| Login | Email and password | Email and a 6-digit one-time code, plus Shop and social sign-in |
| Where pages live | In your theme (Liquid templates) | Hosted by Shopify, like checkout |
| Design control | Full, through theme code | Brand settings and app blocks in Shopify’s editor |
| Self-serve returns and cancellation requests | No | Yes |
| Store credit for customers | No | Yes, with balance shown in the account |
| B2B (company accounts) | No | Yes |
| App extensions | Liquid app blocks and theme code | Customer account UI extensions on order, profile and full pages |
| Feature updates and support | Stopped | Active |
How Does Login Work in New Customer Accounts?
Customers enter their email and get a one-time code instead of using a password. There’s no password to forget or reset, which removes one of the most common support questions. Existing customers keep their order history, because accounts are linked to their email address. Customers who used a password before simply sign in with a code the next time.
Make sure your store’s sender email is verified, so the codes arrive and don’t land in spam.
Which Features Only Work With New Customer Accounts?
Almost everything Shopify has added to accounts since 2024.
- Self-serve returns and cancellation requests, with rules by market, including EU windows of up to 14 days after delivery
- Store credit that customers can see and spend online, in POS and in Shop
- B2B company profiles, locations and payment terms
- Customer account UI extensions, so apps can add loyalty balances, reviews, order actions, wishlists and subscription pages directly in the account
- Order status pages with tracking and actions in one place
If you plan to offer store credit refunds, loyalty rewards in the account or a compliant EU withdrawal button, the newer accounts make it much easier.
What Can Break When You Switch to New Customer Accounts?
Anything that relies on your theme’s account templates. Check these before you switch:
- Custom Liquid code in customers/account, login or order templates doesn’t carry over.
- Apps that add to legacy account pages, such as wishlists, loyalty widgets or reorder buttons, need customer account extensions. Check each app’s listing or ask its support.
- Links in emails and menus that point to /account or /account/login may need updating.
- Multipass and single sign-on setups need a check, as Shopify recommends the Customer Account API for these.
- Headless storefronts using Storefront API customer mutations should move to the Customer Account API.
How Do You Upgrade to New Customer Accounts?
- List what your account pages do now. Note every app, custom field and link on the login, account and order pages.
- Check your apps. Confirm each one supports the newer customer accounts, and replace any that don’t.
- Customize the design. In Settings > Customer accounts, open the editor to set your logo, colours and fonts, and add app blocks to the order, profile and other pages.
- Switch the version. In Settings > Customer accounts, choose the newer customer accounts. You can preview before customers see it.
- Update links. Check your header account icon, footer links and email templates point to the new login.
- Test as a customer. Sign in with a code, view an order, request a return or cancellation and check app blocks, on mobile and desktop.
- Turn on the extras. Set up self-serve returns and cancellations, store credit and your EU withdrawal link.
Avoid switching account versions during a busy sales period such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Plan the change for a quieter week and test first.
What Should You Look for in Customer Account Apps?
Support for the newer accounts, and ideally both versions while you migrate. Many apps that add wishlists, loyalty points, reviews, order editing or cancellations were built for legacy Liquid pages. Before installing, check that the listing mentions customer account extensions or the newer customer accounts. If you’re still on legacy accounts, an app that supports both lets you upgrade without rebuilding everything twice.
Comparing options? See our guides to the best Shopify wishlist apps and letting customers edit or cancel orders.
The Bottom Line
Legacy customer accounts still work for stores already using them, but they’re deprecated, they won’t get new features and a shutdown date is coming. The newer accounts bring passwordless login, self-serve returns and cancellations, store credit, B2B and app extensions. Check your apps and links, switch on a quiet week, and test the full customer journey before you publish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shopify legacy customer accounts going away?
Yes. Shopify deprecated them on February 26, 2026 and said a final sunset date would be announced later in 2026. They’re no longer available to new stores.
Do new customer accounts use passwords?
No. Customers sign in with their email and a one-time code, or with Shop or social sign-in where available.
Will customers lose their order history when I switch?
No. Accounts are tied to the customer’s email, so their orders still appear after the switch.
Can I still customize the new customer account pages?
Yes, with brand settings and app blocks from customer account extensions, but not with Liquid theme code.
Does store credit work with legacy customer accounts?
No. Store credit for customers needs the newer customer accounts.
Can I switch back to legacy customer accounts?
Stores that leave legacy accounts can’t go back, because Shopify no longer offers them to stores not using them. Test in preview before you switch.
Related Reading
- EU Withdrawal Button for Shopify: What You Need (2026)
- How to Let Customers Edit or Cancel Orders on Shopify (2026)
- Shopify Store Credit as Loyalty Rewards
- Best Shopify Wishlist Apps (2026)
Update Log
November 9, 2026: First published. No final sunset date for legacy customer accounts had been announced when we checked.
