Overcoming Shopify’s Password Management Limitations: Workarounds You Can Trust
Managing user passwords is a fundamental aspect of building any eCommerce experience. However, if you’re working with Shopify, you may have discovered a significant roadblock: Shopify’s APIs do not allow you to create or update user passwords. While this restriction is in place for strong security reasons, it can make user authentication more challenging for developers and merchants alike.
But don’t worry—this blog will explore why this limitation exists and offer practical, effective workarounds to help you deliver secure and seamless user experiences.
Why Can’t You Manage Passwords Directly in Shopify?
Shopify’s decision to restrict password creation and updates through its APIs stems from a commitment to security. Allowing external systems to handle passwords increases the risk of data breaches and weakens the platform’s integrity. Instead, Shopify provides a built-in password reset mechanism for users, ensuring password management is handled securely within its ecosystem.
While this approach is great for security, it can limit flexibility—especially if you want to customize password policies, integrate external authentication systems, or create an automated password update process. That’s where these workarounds come in.
Workarounds for Managing User Passwords in Shopify
1. Shopify Multipass: For Shopify Plus Merchants
If you’re on Shopify Plus, you’re in luck. Multipass is a powerful feature that allows you to authenticate users externally and log them into Shopify seamlessly without needing them to enter their credentials again.
How It Works:
- Manage user authentication and passwords in your system.
- Generate a secure Multipass token for authenticated users.
- Redirect users to Shopify with the token for instant login.
Why It’s Great:
- You get complete control over the user authentication process.
- It creates a smooth, frustration-free login experience for your customers.
The Catch:
- Multipass is only available for Shopify Plus merchants, which may not be an option for smaller businesses.
2. External Password Management
If you’re not on Shopify Plus, you can take password management entirely into your hands by using an external system. This involves handling all authentication responsibilities in your backend or a third-party service.
Steps to Implement:
- Use a secure system (e.g., your backend or a service like Auth0) to store and manage user credentials.
- Sync user details, like names and email addresses, with Shopify using the Customer API.
- Authenticate users through your system and use Shopify APIs for operations like orders or product browsing.
Why It’s Great:
- You gain full control over password policies and security protocols.
- Shopify becomes a purely eCommerce backend, while your system handles user authentication.
The Catch:
- Building and maintaining a secure authentication system requires technical expertise and resources.
3. Use Shopify’s Built-In Password Reset Mechanism
If customization isn’t a priority, Shopify’s built-in password reset feature is a simple and secure option. Users can reset their passwords through the storefront or via an admin-triggered email.
How to Make It Work:
- Guide users to the “Forgot Password” link on your storefront.
- Trigger password reset emails through Shopify Admin for specific users, if needed.
Why It’s Great:
- It’s secure and easy to set up.
- You don’t have to worry about storing or managing passwords.
The Catch:
- This method lacks flexibility and customization options.
4. Go Headless with Custom Authentication
A headless Shopify setup allows you to decouple the frontend from the Shopify backend, giving you complete control over the user experience—including authentication.
How It Works:
- Build a custom authentication system for your site.
- Authenticate users via your backend.
- Use Shopify’s APIs to display relevant data, such as orders or product catalogs, for authenticated users.
Why It’s Great:
- Provides full flexibility over the user experience.
- Allows you to integrate advanced authentication methods like biometrics or two-factor authentication.
The Catch:
- Requires significant technical investment to set up and maintain.
5. OAuth or SSO for Authentication
OAuth or Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies the login process by allowing users to authenticate via a trusted third party (e.g., Google or a custom identity provider).
How It Works:
- Users log in through an external provider.
- Your system handles authentication and communicates with Shopify APIs to manage customer data.
Why It’s Great:
- Users don’t have to remember another password.
- It’s a scalable solution for businesses with external authentication needs.
The Catch:
- Initial setup can be complex and time-consuming.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify’s password management limitations exist for strong security reasons, but they don’t have to restrict your ability to create a great user experience.
- Whether you choose Multipass, external password management, or a headless architecture, there are solutions for businesses of all sizes and technical capabilities.
- Always prioritize security by using HTTPS, implementing strong password storage practices (e.g., bcrypt or Argon2), and adhering to data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure which solution is best for your business, we’re here to help. Our team of Shopify experts can guide you through the process of implementing secure, user-friendly authentication systems tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more!