[Must-read for Shopify store operators] Traditional customer accounts will be discontinued. What you need to know about the impact and preparation steps
Hello to all Shopify users! Today, I'd like to talk about something very important that relates to the foundation that supports your shop operations.
February 26, 2026, from Shopify"We will abolish the 'traditional customer account' that you have been familiar with until now and replace it with a new, more secure 'new customer account'.Complete migration"There was an official announcement.
Shopify's official Changelog isHere (English only)
It can be a little nerve-wracking to have a system you've been using for years change.
Some people may be worried, wondering, "What will happen to my current shop?" or "Do I have to change right away?"
But don't worry. This update is a "positive generational change" to make your precious shop easier to use for customers and protect it with stronger security.
Details of when the switch will be fully implemented will be announced in late 2026, so it's not like "something will become unusable right away."
The important thing is not to rush, but to know the truth.
To help you prepare with peace of mind, we'd like to explain in the clearest terms possible "what exactly will be convenient about this update" and "what you should check in advance."
table of contents
Three major points of the update
First, let's summarize what these changes entail.
Old account is now "deprecated"
While this won't stop working immediately, Shopify will be consolidating all functionality into a "New Customer Account" going forward.
New stores cannot use the old settings
Any new shops you open from now on will no longer be able to select the old account, and shops already on the new account will no longer be able to be restored.
The complete end date is set for late 2026
Technical support for legacy accounts will be gradually phased out, with a deadline for complete termination to be announced in late 2026.
Currently, you can get it back within 30 days.
Switching to a new system takes courage, but currently, Shopify allows you to change to a new customer account.You can revert to your original "legacy customer account" from the admin panel within 30 days.is.
This does not mean that you can continue to use the old type forever, but it is a very effective period to check whether the new type is suitable for your company's operations and whether the app works properly, while minimizing risk.
The latest theme is not compatible with "old accounts"
Stores that are considering updating or switching their theme in the near future should be especially careful.Many of the latest themes released after 2025, such as the "Horizon" series, are designed from the start with the assumption that "New Customer Accounts" will be used.
These themes are designed so that you cannot select a "legacy customer account" in the first place, so you need to consider the design renewal and account migration together.
Why are we making this change?
This update is not just a system update.
Behind the scenes, Shopify is drawing"A new commerce experience in the AI era"There are solid strategies for this. Let's explore three key reasons why it's time to move away from the familiar password format.
1. Redefining security
Until now, the combination of "email address and password" has always been fraught with risk. Unauthorized logins due to reuse of passwords are the biggest threat to both stores and customers.
2. Tackling your biggest enemy: cart abandonment
"I forgot my password, so never mind..." Customer abandonment due to stress when logging in is a huge missed opportunity for your shop.
3. The world is moving towards a "passwordless" world
Platforms around the world, including tech giants such as Google and Apple, are now accelerating the transition to "passwordless" systems such as passkeys.
What is a "New Customer Account"?
Many people may be wondering, "I understand that it's new, but what exactly will change?"
In short, a new customer account is a system developed by Shopify as the standard for future e-commerce."A new password-free My Page system"This is what I mean.
The biggest change is "freedom from passwords"
The biggest difference is how you log in.
Until now, I had to enter my email address and password as a set, but with the new account, I will be sent an email every time I log in."6-digit authentication code"The input method will change to:
You no longer need to remember complex passwords or search for notes.
This experience of "not having to manage passwords" actually brings surprisingly big benefits to shop management.
1. Breaking down the login barrier and preventing abandonment
Forgetting a password on an e-commerce site directly leads to lost opportunities such as "cart abandonment." With the new account, the password reset process is eliminated, allowing customers to access the site from any device without stress.Dramatically lower the barrier to repeat purchasesIt is possible.
2. Expanding "self-service" to automate customer support
Complex procedures that previously required external apps or individual support will now be integrated as standard functions, significantly reducing the burden on customer service operations.
3. Essential infrastructure for accelerating B2B (corporate sales)
To fully utilize Shopify's "native B2B features"conditionsThe new customer account provides a solid foundation for smooth and complex corporate transactions, including company-level login management, dedicated catalogs, and application of payment terms.
"Constraints" and "Solutions" associated with migration
While things are becoming more convenient, there are also some things that were previously considered "normal" that will no longer be possible.
| item | Traditional Account | New Customer Account | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design customization | Liquid code for freedom | Direct code editing is not possible | Extend with "UI Extensions" compatible apps |
| Single Sign-On (SSO) | Multipass available | Multipass not supported | Migration to "ID provider integration" is required |
| My Page App | Freely insert code | Apps must comply with the new standard | Check compatibility and introduce alternative apps if necessary |
| Shopify Flow | "Enable/Disable" is available | Dedicated triggers are not available | Consider substituting a "Customer Created" trigger, etc. |
| Customer Segments | Can be extracted using account_status | Status extraction not possible | Recommend operational changes such as switching to tag management |
With the transition to new customer accounts, the conventional "Multipass" system will be discontinued and replaced with a new system using global standards."ID provider integration"It will be revamped to.
- structure: Synchronize logins with Auth0, Okta, or your own system as the parent device.
- merit: This enables single sign-on (SSO) login across brands.
- Points to note: If you are currently using MultipassRewriting the programis required.
The following features are "legacy account only" and will not work in the new environment. Please plan to switch to an alternative solution before migrating.
- Shopify Flow: The automation triggered by "activating/deactivating customer account" will stop.
- Customer segments: Extraction is not possible based on the account's enabled/disabled status.
To avoid failure: 3-step actions to start today
The nature of the migration to a "New Customer Account" is that once saved, it cannot be reverted to the original settings.
That's why it's important to proceed with preparations steadily and without rushing. Start by understanding the current state of your store with the following three steps.
Know your "location" in settings
First, check which account type your store is using.
*There is no need to press the switch button at this point. Just check first.
Perform an inventory of your login environment
To ensure a smooth transition, I will list what is currently happening around my page.
- Unique Design: Have you customized your My Page with Liquid code?
- External collaboration: Do you use a common login for external sites such as Multipass?
- Installed apps: What are the apps that link to my page for points, subscriptions, return management, etc.?
Technology research and migration planning
Switching over to Shopify without careful consideration can pose business risks, especially for Shopify Plus stores or those with complex system integrations. Supporting APIs (UI Extensions, etc.) specifically for new accounts requires specialized engineering knowledge.
First"Consult about your current technology stack"Starting with that is the surest approach.
lastly
This update may seem like a bit of a hurdle for store managers who have been accustomed to the "traditional account" system for many years.
However, what lies ahead is the "future e-commerce experience" in which customers will be freed from the constraints of passwords and will be able to shop more safely and smoothly.
This evolution that Shopify is aiming for will ultimately increase the credibility of your store and be a powerful weapon to improve your conversion rates.
"It's difficult for us to judge the extent of the impact on our own store." "The technical hurdles seem high, and we don't know where to start."
If you feel even a little bit of anxiety, we GO RIDE Based on the solid knowledge we have gained as a Shopify Plus Partner, we will work with you to create a "fail-proof roadmap" for a complete migration by 2026.
The specific deadline for how long traditional accounts will be usable will be announced in the second half of 2026.
This means there is still plenty of time to get it right and make a plan.
Why not start today with a small step: opening your admin panel and checking which setting your company is currently using?
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