Shopify questionAnswer3 min read
How Do I Update My Shopify Theme to the Latest Version?
Click the update notice, add the new version as a draft, check it and publish. Here is what carries over and how to protect custom code.
Key takeaways
- When a Theme Store theme has an update, a notification replaces the version number in Online Store > Themes. Click it, then Add to draft themes.
- Theme editor customizations, including settings, sections, block content, templates and app embed settings, are copied to the new version.
- Code edits carry over only if they don't conflict. If not, the theme card says "code edits could not be included", so save a copy of custom code first.
- Themes uploaded from outside the Theme Store, and Shopify's Vintage themes, don't get these updates.
- Who it is for
- Store owners on an older theme version
- Time needed
- 3 minutes to read
- What you need
- Admin access and a backup
To update your Shopify theme, go to Online Store > Themes, click the update notification where the version number normally shows, and choose Add to draft themes. Shopify creates an "Updated copy of" your theme with your theme editor settings carried over, which you review and then publish. Custom code edits may not come across, so back them up before you start.
I update client themes regularly, and the part that needs care is always custom code. Steps below come from the Shopify Help Center, as checked on 7 November 2026.
How to update your theme
- Back up. Duplicate your live theme from the actions menu, and save a copy of any code you changed.
- Find the notification. In
Online Store > Themes, the version number is replaced by an update notice when a new version exists. - Read the release notes. Click View release notes to see what changed.
- Add to draft themes. Click Add to draft themes. Some themes take several minutes to finish.
- Check the copy. Open "Updated copy of" your theme in the editor and preview every page type on desktop and mobile.
- Re-add code if needed. If the card says code edits could not be included, copy your changes into the new version.
- Publish. Publish when you are ready. The old version stays in Draft themes.
What carries over
| Item | Carried over? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Theme settings | Yes | Colors, fonts, logo |
| Sections and blocks | Yes | Including their content |
| New templates | Yes | Created in the editor |
| App embed settings | Yes | Check apps still work |
| Custom code edits | If no conflict | Back up first |
Shopify notes that changing a theme's schema limits, such as how many blocks a section allows, can make an update fail. Manual edits to the Templates folder and settings_data.json aren't treated as code changes for this purpose.
Theme update rules
- Updates come fromTheme StoreOnly themes installed from it.
- Vintage themesNo updatesShopify no longer updates them.
- Uploaded themesNo auto updatesUpdated only by their designer.
- Old versionKeptStays in Draft themes after publishing.
If there is no update button
If Add to draft themes doesn't appear for a Theme Store theme, Shopify's advice is to install a fresh copy from the Theme Store and reapply your settings and customizations by hand. Themes bought outside the Theme Store, such as on ThemeForest, are updated only by that designer, so check their site. For uploaded themes, see using a theme from outside the Theme Store.
Updating a Vintage theme to Online Store 2.0
Vintage themes use the original architecture, without sections on every page, and Shopify no longer updates them. There is no button to turn one into a 2.0 theme. You either switch to a current theme, such as Horizon or Dawn, or have a developer upgrade a paid Vintage theme so it becomes eligible for updates. My guide to Online Store 2.0 sections explains what you gain.
For stores in several countries
After updating, check the store in each market's language and currency. Theme text translations made in Translate & Adapt may need reviewing in the new version. Horizon's November 2026 update, for example, changed cart messages for taxes and shipping fees, which matters for VAT-inclusive pricing in the UK, EU and Australia.
What to do next
Check your theme's version now and read the release notes. If your theme has a lot of custom code and you want the update handled safely, my development work starts from $300, and a free review is the place to start.
Free tools
Check your own store
Free, no sign-up. Each one runs a part of this guide for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I update my Shopify theme?
In Online Store > Themes, click the update notification that replaces the version number, then Add to draft themes. Review the "Updated copy of" theme and publish it.
Will I lose my customizations when I update?
Theme editor customizations carry over, including settings, sections, block content and templates. Code edits carry over only if they don't conflict with the update, so back them up first.
Why can't I see an update for my theme?
Either no update exists, your theme wasn't installed from the Theme Store, or it is a Vintage theme. For a Theme Store theme with no button, install a fresh copy and reapply settings.
How do I update a Vintage theme to 2.0?
There is no automatic upgrade. Switch to a current theme, or have a developer upgrade a paid Vintage theme so it can receive updates.
Is it safe to update my Shopify theme?
Yes, because the update is added as a draft and your live theme stays untouched until you publish. Preview every page type before publishing.
Does Shopify update my theme automatically?
Shopify can push automated updates that fix bugs or security issues without changing your theme's look, content or settings. Feature updates need you to add the new version.
Sources
- Updating themes, Shopify Help Center
- Theme architecture versions and sources, Shopify Help Center
- Publishing themes, Shopify Help Center
Related services and work
I'm a Shopify developer and CRO specialist. I have built and improved Shopify stores since 2018, completed more than 1,000 projects, and hold a 4.96 average rating across 719 client reviews.
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