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If you’re running a Shopify store and using Google Tags for tracking, here’s an important update you can’t ignore. Google is shifting support away from legacy tag setups, and Shopify now recommends using the Google & YouTube App for all your tracking and analytics needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to migrate your Google Tags to the new app so you can keep your campaigns optimised and avoid disruptions before it’s too late.
Why This Migration Is Crucial
Shopify’s new checkout experience, including the Post-checkout Thank You and Order Status pages, needs a new approach to integrating Google tags to your website. The legacy methods, such as using checkout.liquid or the “Order status page additional scripts,” are being deprecated.
If you fail to migrate your tags before Shopify’s enforcement deadlines, your conversion tracking will break, disrupt performance data, and ad optimisation.
What’s The Deadline?
Shopify’s deadlines for upgrading these pages are as follows:
- Shopify Plus merchants must migrate before August 28, 2025.
- Non-Plus merchants must migrate before August 26, 2026.
If you don’t migrate your Google tags by those deadlines, you will experience a complete loss of conversion data on your Thank you and Order status pages. This will severely affect:
- Campaign reach
- Ad performance
- Smart Bidding strategies
Moreover, migrating your tags early allows time for Google AI to learn and optimise ad campaigns.
What’s Changing?
Deprecated Tagging Methods:
- checkout.liquid (Shopify Plus only)
- Order Status Page > Additional Scripts
- Legacy Analytics via Online Store > Preferences
- Custom Pixels with Google tag configurations
These methods will not be supported on the new checkout and post-checkout pages.
Key Benefits: Why Use the Google & YouTube App?
The Google & YouTube app, developed by Google for Shopify, provides a future-proof solution for your tagging and measurement needs.
- Simple Setup: The Google & YouTube app is the easiest way to integrate Google Ads, Analytics, YouTube, and Merchant Center.
- Durable Tracking: Future-proof your tracking with Google’s app. Maintains compatibility with Shopify’s evolving checkout infrastructure.
- Better Optimisation: Maximise your ROI by using Customer Match to segment your customers and Enhanced Conversions to unlock powerful bidding.
Who Needs to Take Action?
1. Merchants Using checkout.liquid or Additional Scripts
These configurations will not work on the updated post-checkout pages.
💡 Recommendation: Migrate your tags using the Google & YouTube app, and remove duplicates to avoid conflicts.
2. Merchants Using Custom Pixels
Google does not support tags deployed via Shopify’s custom pixel feature. This method can lead to unreliable data and broken features.
💡 Recommendation: Transition your tag setup to the Google & YouTube app for reliable tracking.
3. Google Analytics via Shopify Preferences
Shopify deprecated the Preferences-based Analytics tag integration on February 2, 2025. Tags not updated were auto-converted to custom pixels, potentially degrading data accuracy.
💡 Recommendation: Update your Analytics tag using the Google & YouTube app to ensure full feature compatibility.
Important Notes You Need To Know
Google Tag Manager
You cannot use GTM via the Google & YouTube app due to Shopify platform limitations. If you’re using GTM, move your tags into the app for Checkout and Post-checkout pages.
Account Access Requirements
The connected Google account must have admin-level permissions for Ads, Analytics, and Merchant Center. If not, you can still migrate tags without linking accounts directly, but collaboration with your agency may be necessary.
Common Migration Scenarios
Can you use multiple Google Accounts?
You can only connect one account per product type (ads, analytics, etc.) in the app. For additional accounts, you’ll need to manually configure your tags.
Can you use third-party Tag Managers or plugins?
If using a non-Google TMS, validate its behaviour with the provider. Google cannot guarantee tag functionality on Shopify’s updated checkout if deployed outside their app.
Best Practice: Use the Google & YouTube app for measurement across all Shopify pages.
For merchants that use multiple domains
If your store uses multiple domains or vanity URLs, ensure the correct domain is claimed in Merchant Center:
- Go to Merchant Center > Business Info
- Edit your Online Store URL to match your product URLs
- Save, then Claim the domain
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Unsupported Features
Advanced tag customisations (e.g., privacy tweaks) from old setups may not be fully supported in the app. Check compatibility or consider alternate solutions if necessary.
Decreases in Reported Purchase Value
As of April 22, 2025, Shopify fixed a bug in how discounts are handled in the subtotalPrice field. If you’re using this value for conversions, expect lower reported revenue but more accurate data.
How To Migrate Your Tags
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to migrate your tags:
- Install the Google & YouTube app on Shopify.
- Go to the app’s Overview page.
- Look for a migration banner if you have existing tags.
- Click Get Started and follow the guided steps.
- Confirm your tags are migrated and working by checking your Google platforms.
Migrating your Google tags to the Google & YouTube app on Shopify is not optional; it’s essential. As Shopify phases out legacy integration points, brands must act now to protect their measurement integrity, maintain advertising performance, and ensure a seamless experience with Google’s suite of marketing tools.
Need a fresh perspective? Let’s talk.
At 360 OM, we specialise in helping businesses take their marketing efforts to the next level. Our team stays on top of industry trends, uses data-informed decisions to maximise your ROI, and provides full transparency through comprehensive reports.
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