- Most Shopify suspensions come from template policies left half-finished, missing store contact details, and product data that doesn't match the page.
- Every fix below has a path in your Shopify admin, so you rarely need a developer.
- Your products reach Google through the Google & YouTube channel, so fix the data in Shopify and let it sync.
- Once fixed, request the review in Merchant Center, not in Shopify.
Why Shopify stores get suspended
Shopify stores aren't treated differently by Google. But the way Shopify stores are usually set up leads to the same handful of problems again and again:
Template policies with gaps
Shopify can generate refund, privacy, terms and shipping policies from templates. Left unedited, they can contain placeholders, the wrong return window or details that contradict your FAQ.
Missing store details
No address or phone number in the store details, so nothing appears on your Contact page or in the footer.
Policies not linked in the footer
Shopify creates policy pages, but they only help if shoppers and reviewers can find them from every page.
Prices that don't match Google
Compare-at prices, currency conversion or sale prices that update on the site but not in your product data.
Shipping settings out of step
Delivery costs in Shopify, on your delivery page and in Merchant Center that don't agree.
Theme demo content
Sample text, demo reviews, "as seen in" logos or testimonials that came with the theme.
Dropshipping tell-tales
Long delivery times hidden away, supplier branding on products, or product descriptions copied from suppliers.
Store still password-protected
If your store is password-protected, Google can't review it at all.
Where to fix each one in Shopify
| What to fix | Where in your Shopify admin |
|---|---|
| Refund, privacy, terms and shipping policies | Settings, then Policies |
| Business name, address, phone and email | Settings, then Store details |
| Footer links to your policies and Contact page | Online Store, then Navigation, then Footer menu |
| Contact page wording and details | Online Store, then Pages, then Contact |
| Homepage title and meta description | Online Store, then Preferences |
| Store password | Online Store, then Preferences, then Password protection |
| Delivery costs and times | Settings, then Shipping and delivery |
| Barcodes (GTIN) and product details | Products, open a product, then Inventory |
| What's sent to Google, and sync status | Sales channels, then Google & YouTube |
| Theme demo sections and text | Online Store, then Themes, then Customize |
Step-by-step fix for Shopify
- 1
Find the issue in Merchant Center
Open Merchant Center, go to Products, then Needs attention, then View setup and policy issues. Note the policy named.
- 2
Complete your store details
In Settings, Store details, add your business name, address, phone and a business email. Make sure your theme shows them on the Contact page and footer.
- 3
Edit every policy
In Settings, Policies, go through refunds, privacy, terms and shipping. Replace template wording and placeholders with your real return window, who pays return postage, delivery costs and times.
- 4
Link the policies in your footer
In Online Store, Navigation, add Refunds, Delivery, Privacy, Terms and Contact to the Footer menu.
- 5
Check prices, stock and delivery
Open a few products and compare the page with what Merchant Center shows. Fix anything that differs in Shopify, then check your shipping settings match your delivery page.
- 6
Remove demo content and claims
In your theme editor, remove sample sections, demo reviews and any claims you can't prove, such as "best in the UK" or health benefits.
- 7
Scan, then request a review
Run a free scan to catch anything left, then request a review in Merchant Center. The full report gives Shopify steps for every issue it finds.
Your Shopify checklist
Tick these off as you go. Your ticks are saved in this browser.
- Product structured data from your theme showing a different price or stock status from the page
- Star ratings your theme or a reviews app adds to the page code
- Currency mismatches between your product data and storefront
- Missing brand, barcode (GTIN) or part number in your product data
- Template wording or placeholders left in Shopify's generated policies
- Policy text copied from another store, still naming their business
- Delivery times that differ between product pages, the FAQ and your shipping policy
- Tracking pixels running without cookie consent
- Google's ads crawler (AdsBot) blocked in robots.txt
- Dropshipping warning signs reviewers look for
Common questions
- Shopify Help: Google product disapprovals and warnings
- Google Merchant Center guidelines
- Google Merchant Center: Request a review of your issues
Certanza is independent and not affiliated with Google. This guide is general information, not legal advice, and Google's policies can change.