1/23/2025

How to Handle Shopify Account Lockouts: Quick Remedies for Store Owners

Shopify is a magnificent e-commerce platform that empowers businesses of all sizes, but every so often, it can throw a curveball —like account lockouts. This can be frustrating, especially when you have customers waiting or sales to make. But fret not! In this blog post, we’ll dive into practical solutions to handle Shopify account lockouts with confidence. Let’s get to it!

Common Causes of Account Lockouts

Before we dive into solutions, it’s essential to understand why you might find yourself locked out in the first place. Here are a few common culprits:

Incorrect Passwords: Forgetting your password is surprisingly common.
Two-Step Authentication Issues: If you've activated two-step authentication (which you SHOULD for added security), you might have trouble if you do not have access to your authenticator app or mobile device.
Browser issues: Sometimes your browser can get in the way. Clearing your cache or cookies might be all you need!
Unrecognized Login Attempts: If there’s suspicious activity detected, Shopify might lock your account as a precautionary measure.
Email Issues: If you’re not receiving password reset emails or recovery options, that could lead to a lockout.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Unlock Your Account

Here’s a breakdown of remedies to help you regain access to your Shopify store smoothly.

1. Reset Your Password

If you suspect the lockout is due to a forgotten password, follow these steps to reset it:

Go to the Shopify login page.
Enter your store URL, then click Next.
Choose the Forgot password? option.
Provide the email address associated with your account.
Follow the link sent to your email to create a new password.

2. Accessing Your Account Using Recovery Codes

If you’ve set up two-step authentication and cannot access your authentication method, recovery codes can save the day:

Store Your Codes: Upon setting up two-step authentication, you were prompted to save 10 recovery codes — so make sure you have them handy!
Using Recovery Codes: When prompted for the code, enter one of your saved recovery codes.

If you lost your recovery codes, don't worry — just contact Shopify Support. They can assist in regaining access to your account.

3. Try Local Troubleshooting

Sometimes the issue is with your device or browser. Try these local troubleshooting steps:

Log in using incognito mode or a different browser.
Clear browser cache & cookies, which can often solve hidden problems.
Ensure your date & time settings on your device are correct; out-of-sync settings can lead to authentication issues.
Make sure you’re not using a VPN that could potentially interfere with the Shopify login process.

4. Check Your Email for Lockout Notifications

If your account was locked due to suspicious activity, you would receive an email from Shopify explaining the issue. If you see such an email:

Follow the prompts in that email to unlock your account.
Check your spam and filtered folders just in case the email landed there.

5. Contact Shopify Support

If all else fails, it’s time to contact the pros:

Head over to the Shopify Help Center to fill out a support ticket.
Go through the live chat or email options for your specific issue. Type Can’t log into my account into the chat assistant for a quick connection to support.

6. Prevent Future Lockouts

Here are some best practices to minimize the chances of account lockouts:

Activate Two-Step Authentication: Activating it enhances security but can lead to lockouts if not managed properly. Ensure you ALWAYS have access to your second authentication method. Get details about setting up two-step authentication here.
Backup Authentication: Set up a backup two-step authentication method to avoid getting locked out if your main method fails.
Use Unique Passwords: This is crucial for the security of your account and for reducing lockout chances due to phishing attempts.
Monitor Login Activity: Keep an eye on suspicious login attempts! If you see anything out of the ordinary, take immediate action to secure your account.

An Easy Way to Improve Customer Engagement: Try Arsturn

As a Shopify store owner, enhancing customer engagement is critical. If you're looking to make your store more interactive and productive, consider using Arsturn. Arsturn is an amazing tool that allows you to instantly create customized chatbots to boost engagement & conversions on your website.

Benefits of Using Arsturn:

Effortless No-Code Chatbot Creation: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can create chatbots effortlessly.
Instant Responses: Make sure your customers get answers fast, thus improving satisfaction & increasing chances of conversion.
Detailed Insights: Arsturn offers analytics to understand your audience's questions and interests, helping you improve your service continuously.

Join thousands of businesses today using Arsturn to build meaningful connections across digital channels. No credit card required to get started!

Conclusion

Account lockouts are an annoying yet manageable aspect of using Shopify. With the right remedies and preventative measures, you can ensure that your shop remains accessible and secure. Remember to utilize all resources available to you, including Shopify Support, recovery codes, and looking into user security settings. By following this guide, you can minimize downtime and continue serving your customers effectively. Don’t forget to check out Arsturn for all your customer engagement needs!