Why your Shopify store is slow on mobile, and what to fix first

Most slow Shopify stores aren't slow because of Shopify. They're slow because of what's been added to them over time. Here's what to check, in the order that usually makes the biggest difference.

1. Measure first

Run your homepage and a product page through Google's free PageSpeed Insights and look at the mobile tab. Note the score so you can see whether your changes help. Shopify also has a web performance report in Analytics showing how real visitors experience your store.

2. Apps you don't use

Many apps add code to every page, even pages where they do nothing. Go to Settings › Apps and sales channels and uninstall anything you're not actively using.

3. App embeds

Some apps load through your theme instead. Go to Online Store › Themes › Customize, open App embeds, and switch off any you don't need.

4. Leftover code from old apps

Uninstalling an app doesn't always remove the code it added to your theme. In the PageSpeed Insights results, look for scripts with names of apps you no longer have. Removing those safely means editing theme files, so make a copy of your theme first (Actions › Duplicate), or get help.

5. Heavy images and sliders

• Keep uploaded images under about 2000px wide. Huge originals slow everything down.
• Autoplay sliders and background videos at the top of the homepage are among the heaviest things on a phone. A single strong image usually loads faster and converts just as well.