Theme Licensing and Transfers

All theme purchasing, licensing, and billing are managed directly by Shopify.

To use a paid theme, you must purchase it from the official Shopify Theme Store and own a valid license.

A theme license is valid for one store only.

1. Theme license ownership

When you purchase a theme:

• The license is assigned to a specific Shopify store

• The license cannot be shared or reused across multiple stores

• Each store requires its own license

Example

• Theme purchased for store-a.myshopify.com → valid only for that store

• To use the same theme on another store → a new license is required

2. Theme license transfer

Shopify allows transferring a theme only under strict conditions.

2.1. Requirements

To transfer a paid theme to another store:

• Both stores must have the same account owner

• You must be the registered owner of both stores

• The original store must be closed permanently

2.2. Transfer process

1. Go to Online Store → Themes

2. Click Actions → Download theme file

3. Download the theme file from the email sent by Shopify

4. Remove the theme from the original store (including all copies)

5. Close the original store permanently

6. Go to the new store → Online Store → Themes

7. Click Add theme → Upload zip file

8. Purchase the theme again for the new store

2.3. Important

• After closing, the original store cannot be reopened

• Transferring a theme is effectively equivalent to closing the old store and purchasing a new license

2.4. Refunds and pricing

After transferring a theme, you may contact Shopify Support to request a refund for the original purchase.

3. Unlicensed themes

A theme is considered unlicensed if it was not obtained from the Shopify Theme Store.

3.1. Consequences

• No access to support or updates

• Risk of enforcement actions under Shopify policies

• Possible store disruption

3.2. Recommendation

To avoid issues:

• Purchase the theme from the official Shopify Theme Store

• Remove any unlicensed theme from your store

4. FAQs

4.1. Do I need to purchase the theme again for another store?

Yes.
Each Shopify store requires its own theme license.

4.2. Can I use one theme license for multiple stores?

A paid theme can only be used on one store at a time.

Allowed

• One Shopify store with multiple markets (e.g. different regions or currencies)
  → Only one license is required

Not allowed

• Using the same theme on multiple Shopify stores

• Uploading or reusing a theme file on another store without a valid license

4.3. Can I reuse or upload a theme file to another store?

No.
You must purchase a license for each store before using the theme.

4.4. Can I transfer my theme to another store?

Only if:

• You own both stores

• The original store is permanently closed

In most cases, this is not practical.

4.5. Will I get a refund after transferring a theme?

You can request a refund from Shopify.
However, refunds are not guaranteed and are based on the original purchase price.

4.6. Who manages theme licenses and billing?

• All licensing, billing, and refunds are handled directly by Shopify.

• Theme developers do not control licensing or payments.