1/14/2025

Common Causes of Missing Sections in Shopify and Their Solutions

Navigating through Shopify can be a BREEZE until you run into that pesky problem of missing sections in your themes. This can lead to confusion & frustration, especially if you're eager to get your store running smoothly. Let's jump into the common causes of this issue & explore some effective solutions to help you tackle them.

What Are Shopify Sections?

First up, let’s clarify what Shopify sections actually are. Sections are customizable components of your online store, allowing you to create a unique layout and design. They can be anything from testimonials, sliders, to product grids. The flexibility they offer is what makes Shopify so popular!

Common Causes of Missing Sections

Here’s a rundown of some frequent culprits when sections go POOF in your Shopify theme.

1. Theme Compatibility Issues

Some themes simply don’t operate well together. If you’ve recently switched themes or updated your Shopify theme, it’s possible that some sections may not display as expected. The Dawn theme, for instance, is known for having certain features that may not be compatible with other third-party themes.

2. Browser Cache Problems

Believe it or not, sometimes the solution to your problem could be as simple as clearing your browser cache. Outdated cache files can mess with how your theme loads, leading to sections not showing up. Try clearing Chrome cache & see if that does the trick.

3. Faulty Code Changes

Have you recently dabbled in theme customization? Mistakes in your Liquid code can inadvertently lead to missing sections. If something seems off, consider reverting to a version of the theme before your changes or using the Shopify Help Center to troubleshoot.

4. App Conflicts

Apps are amazing for extending your Shopify store's functionality, but they can also be the source of chaos. If you've recently added apps, these could interfere with your theme sections causing them to disappear. Check each app's settings or try disabling them to see if the sections return.

5. Custom Sections Not Added

When creating a custom section in Shopify, there are essential guidelines to ensure they’ll appear properly. If presets aren't correctly defined in your section’s schema, they may not show in the theme editor. The absence of the

metaobject_type

property can also lead to complications — make sure it reflects the correct values as outlined in your JSON schema.

6. Limitations of Shopify Lite Plan

If you’re on Shopify Lite, you need to know that this plan has limitations on the number of sections you can implement. Within your theme settings, you might need to consolidate sections to fit what’s allowable under your current plan.

Solutions to Missing Sections

Now that we’ve pinpointed possible reasons why your sections are playing hide and seek, let’s dive into some clever solutions.

1. Check Theme Updates

Updates from Shopify or your theme developer could address bugs & missing features. Keep your theme updated for optimal performance & functionality. You can check for updates directly through your Shopify admin.

2. Restoring Your Theme

If you suspect that changes led to missing sections, restoring your previous theme version can work wonders. In the Themes tab of your Shopify dashboard, simply locate your theme, click Actions, and then select Older versions to revert back.
This way, you can retain any customizations while retrieving missing sections.

3. Debugging Custom Code

For those savvy with code, dive into the Edit code section of your theme where you can undo recent changes. Lookout for coding nightmares such as misplaced brackets or forgotten commas which can throw off the entire structure.

4. Communication with App Developers

If it’s an app causing the fuss, reach out directly to the app developers for guidance. Most reputable apps have support teams that can help troubleshoot integration issues affecting your theme sections.

5. Engage with Shopify Support

Sometimes you just need a little expert advice. If all else fails, reaching out to Shopify Support can provide insight into persistent issues. They can assist in diagnosing issues beyond mere browser troubleshooting.

6. Experiment with Different Browsers

If you encounter a loading problem, try switching browsers. Some browsers work better with Shopify than others. If you're locked into one option, here’s where the trusty incognito mode can be your secret weapon by enabling a fresh view without pesky cache!

7. Customization Considerations

When working with custom sections, ensure compliance with schema requirements. If your section isn’t appearing, double-check your schema for missing

presets

. As mentioned earlier, it is vital to have defined settings like this:

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{% schema %}
{ 
   "name": 'My Custom Section', 
   "settings": [{...}], 
   "presets": [{"name": "Default", "category": "Custom"}]
}
{% endschema %}

Making sure these elements are correctly formatted can lead to huge victories in visibility!

Conclusion

Missing sections can be exasperating, but the solutions are often right under your nose! Remember, Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, even when tech hiccups appear. From addressing browser settings to ensuring proper coding etiquette, you can navigate through these challenges with relative ease.

Boost Engagement with Arsturn!

And while you’re revamping your online store, consider enhancing customer interaction with Arsturn. This remarkable platform lets you create custom ChatGPT chatbots for your website, converting visitor engagement into meaningful conversations. It takes the hassle out of communicating by providing instant responses to your audience while saving you the effort needed to keep your chat fresh & dynamic! Whether you’re soliciting feedback or educating customers on the go, an AI chatbot from Arsturn can help keep your operations running smoothly.

Ready to level up?

Check out Arsturn today & dive into the world of AI-driven conversations. Trust me, customers will appreciate the instant interactions & your store performance will thank you!

Stay strong in the pursuit of your eCommerce dreams – with these solutions and Arsturn's chatbot support, your Shopify experience will reach new heights!

Happy Selling!