Shopify _shopify_y and _shopify_s Cookies Will No Longer Be Set
Discover the Update: Real-World Impact in Plain English
On January 1st, 2026, Shopify will stop setting the _shopify_s and _shopify_y cookies on merchant storefronts. This change impacts how certain tracking and analytics functions are previously handled using these cookies. For example, if you’re an online store owner using Shopify to understand customer behavior, you might be using these cookies to track visitor sessions and unique identifiers. Going forward, you’ll need to pivot to using Shopify’s newer APIs, such as the Web Pixels API, to continue gathering this data securely and efficiently.
Let’s Talk on Tech Side
For developers, especially those who have relied on document.cookie to access Shopify’s _shopify_y and _shopify_s values, this update necessitates some code adaptations. You’ll need to transition to using the Web Pixels API, which provides a more structured and documented method of accessing user and session data. Here’s a snippet of how you can log client IDs using the Web Pixels API:
analytics.subscribe('page_viewed', (event) => { // Log the client's ID on every page view console.log("The client's ID is ", event.clientId); });Shopify won’t provide a direct replacement for the _shopify_s cookie, but it allows the creation of session-length cookies through browser APIs. This structured method enhances the security and reliability of tracking under consent guidelines.
Business Growth Unleashed: What This Means for Merchants
By removing these cookies, Shopify is pushing merchants towards using more advanced, privacy-focused tools, which could actually enhance your eCommerce business strategy in the long run. APIs like Shopify’s Web Pixels are built with privacy compliance in mind, allowing you to maintain customer trust and meet regulatory requirements effortlessly. This change provides an opportunity to streamline your analytics, focus more on customer relations by understanding their journey better, and improve your marketing strategies through accurate and reliable data insights.
Trident Spark: Your Trusted Shopify Innovation Partner
At Trident Spark, we specialize in adapting to the cutting edge of Shopify technology, securing your business’s place at the forefront of eCommerce innovation. Our team is equipped to handle these and other Shopify updates, ensuring your store remains efficient and competitive. Whether you need custom app development or targeted upgrades, we offer the deepest expertise and most reliable solutions in the industry.
Connect with Trident Spark Today!
Ready to leverage these changes for your Shopify store’s growth? Contact Trident Spark for expert guidance on Shopify migrations, the latest app developments, or to address any eCommerce challenges. We’re here to ensure your business thrives in this shifting digital landscape.