Geolocation App Sunset: What You Need to Know
On December 1st, 2024, Shopify’s Geolocation app will be discontinued and uninstalled from all stores currently using it. This change is part of Shopify's ongoing efforts to enhance the platform and streamline localization features.
Why Is the Geolocation App Being Removed?
Shopify has introduced several powerful, built-in features that reduce the need for the Geolocation app's consent-based localization functionality. These advancements include:
- Automatic Redirection Expansion: This feature streamlines the customer journey by enabling seamless redirection based on user location.
- Browser Language Redirection: Automatically adapts the language of your store to match your customer's browser preference for a localized experience.
- GeoIP Feature Consolidation: Enhanced GeoIP technology ensures accurate location-based redirection and smoother cross-border shopping experiences.
Next Steps for Store Owners
If your store currently uses the Geolocation app and doesn't have an EU-specific top-level domain, follow these steps:
- Enable the Built-In Features: Navigate to Settings > Markets > Preferences to activate Shopify’s automatic redirection and localization features.
- Remove the Geolocation App: Once the above features are enabled, you can safely uninstall the Geolocation app from your store.
For EU TLDs: Additional Considerations
If your store uses an EU top-level domain (e.g., example.fr or example.de), consent-based redirection strategies are still required. In these cases, we recommend exploring third-party apps available in the Shopify App Store to meet compliance requirements.
Learn More
For further guidance, visit our help documentation. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure your store remains optimized for customer localization needs.