Remove Unwanted Language Switcher in Shopify Store Easily

Are you struggling with an unwanted language switcher at the bottom of your Shopify store? You’re not alone. Many Shopify merchants face this issue, especially after experimenting with translation apps. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens and provide step-by-step solutions to remove the language switcher and optimize your store’s user experience.

Understanding the Language Switcher Issue

What Causes the Persistent Language Switcher?

The language switcher often appears due to remnants of translation apps or Shopify’s built-in localization features. Even after uninstalling these apps, the switcher may persist, causing confusion for store owners and potentially impacting the user experience.

Why Removing the Switcher Matters

A clean, uncluttered interface is crucial for a positive shopping experience. An unnecessary language switcher can:

1. Distract customers from your products
2. Create confusion if it doesn’t align with your store’s language offerings
3. Potentially slow down your site’s performance

The Most Effective Solution: Editing Your Theme’s CSS

Accessing Your Theme Files

To remove the language switcher, you’ll need to edit your theme’s CSS. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel
2. Navigate to “Online Store” > “Themes”
3. Find your current theme and click “Actions” > “Edit code”

Locating the Correct File

The file you need to edit is:

theme.scss.liquid

This file is typically found in the “Assets” folder of your theme.

Adding the CSS Code

Here’s the most reliable solution to remove the language switcher:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the theme.scss.liquid file
2. Add the following CSS code:

.shopify-localization-form {
  display: none !important;
}

3. Save the changes

This code effectively hides the language switcher across your entire store.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

Checking for Active Translation Apps

Before editing your theme, ensure you’ve uninstalled any translation apps you’re not using. Sometimes, simply removing these apps can solve the issue.

Theme-Specific Solutions

Some Shopify themes may have built-in options to disable the language switcher. Check your theme’s settings or documentation for any language-related toggles.

Custom JavaScript Solutions

For more advanced users, a JavaScript solution might be preferable. This could involve dynamically removing the language switcher element when the page loads.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Multiple Language Switchers

If you’re seeing multiple language switchers, it’s likely due to conflicting apps. Try the following:

1. Disable all translation apps
2. Re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit
3. Contact the app developer for support if needed

Switcher Reappearing After Updates

Theme updates can sometimes revert custom changes. If this happens:

1. Keep a backup of your CSS changes
2. Reapply the changes after each theme update
3. Consider using a child theme or custom app for more permanent solutions

Best Practices for Multilingual Stores

Choosing the Right Translation App

If you need multilingual functionality, research thoroughly before choosing an app. Look for options that integrate seamlessly with your theme and offer easy customization.

Implementing Hreflang Tags

For SEO purposes, properly implement hreflang tags to indicate language variations of your pages. This helps search engines understand the structure of your multilingual site.

User-Friendly Language Selection

If you do need language options, consider implementing a more user-friendly selector in your header or footer, rather than relying on the default Shopify switcher.

By following these steps and considerations, you should be able to remove the unwanted language switcher from your Shopify store and create a cleaner, more focused shopping experience for your customers. Remember to always test your changes across different devices and browsers to ensure consistency.