For Shopify page speed optimization, focus on the things you control: your theme, installed apps, images and third-party scripts. Shopify manages the hosting and server, so the biggest gains usually come from removing unused apps, optimizing product images, choosing a lean theme and keeping popups and widgets under control. Test your store pages with our free website speed test first.
Key takeaways
- On Shopify you control the theme, apps, images and scripts, not the server.
- Apps are the most common cause of a slow Shopify store because each can add code to your pages.
- Test each page type: home, collection, product and cart.
- Aim to pass Core Web Vitals: LCP of 2.5 seconds or less, INP of 200 milliseconds or less and CLS of 0.1 or less (Google, web.dev).
Why is my Shopify store slow?
A Shopify store is usually slow because of heavy apps, large images, a feature-rich theme and extra scripts for reviews, chat, popups and tracking. Since Shopify handles hosting, the cause is almost always something added to the theme or pages.
How do you speed up a Shopify store? 10 fixes
1. Test every page type
Test your home, a collection, a product page and the cart on mobile with our free page speed checker. Shopify’s admin also has an online store speed report, so check what is available in your account.
2. Remove unused apps
Every app can add scripts and styles. Uninstall apps you do not use and check whether the ones you keep are worth their cost to speed.
3. Clean up leftover app code
Some apps leave code in your theme after you uninstall them. Check your theme files or ask a developer to remove leftovers. Back up your theme first.
4. Choose a lean, up-to-date theme
A lightweight, well-maintained theme loads less code. Review your theme’s features and turn off sections and effects you do not use.
5. Optimize product images
Upload images at a sensible size and compress them first. Use your theme’s responsive image settings so phones load smaller versions. See how to optimize images for page speed.
6. Do not lazy-load the main image
Load the top banner or main product image normally and lazy-load images below the fold. See how to fix LCP for the principle.
7. Limit popups, chat and widgets
Popups, chat widgets and countdown timers add scripts and can cause layout shifts. Keep only what earns its place.
8. Reduce fonts and custom code
Use fewer font families and weights, and avoid adding large blocks of custom code to your theme.
9. Be careful with tracking scripts
Each pixel and tag adds requests. Keep only the ones you use and review them regularly.
10. Re-test after every change
Change one thing at a time and test again, because it is the only way to know what helped.
What is a good Shopify page speed?
A good result is passing Core Web Vitals on your key pages, with a mobile performance score of 90 or above as a guide. Real-user data matters more than a lab score. See website performance metrics.
How is Shopify different from WooCommerce for speed?
On Shopify, hosting and the server are managed for you, so you mainly improve apps, theme and images. On WooCommerce you also manage hosting, caching and plugins. For general store advice, read ecommerce site speed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Shopify site slow on mobile?
The mobile test simulates a slower phone and network, so heavy apps and images stand out. See how to increase mobile page speed.
Do Shopify apps slow down my store?
Many can, because they add code to your pages. Test before and after installing an app.
Does my Shopify theme affect speed?
Yes. Themes differ in how much code they load, so a lean theme helps.
Can I speed up Shopify without a developer?
Often yes: removing apps, compressing images and trimming popups need no code. Removing leftover code may need help.
How often should I test my store?
Test after every theme change, app install or major update, and at least once a month.
Conclusion
Shopify speed comes from the parts you control: apps, theme, images and scripts. Test every page type, remove what you do not need and re-test after each change. Start with our free website speed test, then read our guide on how to improve website speed.
