Fix Shopify Checkouts Not Enabled Error After Trial Expiration

Published on Aug 20, 2024

By Liam Gallagher

#Shopify#E-commerce#Technical Support
Resolving the "Checkouts Not Enabled: Merchant's Trial Period Expired" Error in Shopify

Are you encountering the frustrating “Checkouts are not currently enabled: Merchant’s trial period expired” error on your Shopify store? This unexpected issue can bring your e-commerce operations to a grinding halt, preventing customers from completing their purchases. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the potential causes of this error and provide you with actionable solutions to get your store back up and running smoothly.

Understanding the Error

What Does This Error Mean?

The “Checkouts are not currently enabled: Merchant’s trial period expired” error typically indicates that there’s an issue with your store’s subscription or account status. This error message can be particularly confusing if you’re on a paid plan or have never been on a trial period.

Common Scenarios

There are several scenarios where this error might occur:

  1. You’ve recently transitioned from a trial to a paid plan
  2. Your store was developed by a Shopify Partner
  3. You’re a Shopify Partner with multiple development stores
  4. There’s a glitch in Shopify’s system

Potential Causes and Solutions

Subscription Status Mismatch

Checking Your Plan

The first step in resolving this issue is to verify your current subscription status. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel
  2. Navigate to Settings > Plan
  3. Review your current plan details

If you see any discrepancies or unexpected information, this could be the root of the problem.

Recent Plan Changes

If you’ve recently upgraded from a trial to a paid plan, there might be a delay in the system recognizing this change. In most cases, this resolves itself within a few hours. However, if the issue persists, it’s time to take further action.

Partner Development Store Issues

Transferring Ownership

If your store was initially set up by a Shopify Partner as a development store, there might be complications in the transfer process. This can lead to confusion about the store’s status and subscription.

Multiple Development Stores

For Shopify Partners managing several development stores, it’s possible that the subscription is accidentally attached to a different store. Double-check all your development stores to ensure the correct subscription is applied to the right store.

System Glitches

Temporary Errors

Sometimes, this error can occur due to temporary glitches in Shopify’s system. While rare, these issues usually resolve themselves within a few hours.

Persistent Problems

If the error persists for more than a few hours, it’s likely not a temporary glitch and requires further investigation.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Wait and Refresh

If you’ve just made changes to your plan or are experiencing this error for the first time, wait for a few hours and try refreshing your store. Often, the system needs time to process changes.

2. Verify Account Details

Double-check all your account details, including:

  • Billing information
  • Subscription status
  • Store ownership

Ensure everything is up-to-date and accurate.

3. Contact Shopify Support

If the issue persists, the most effective solution is to contact Shopify’s support team directly. They have the tools and access necessary to investigate and resolve account-specific issues.

How to Reach Shopify Support

For general merchant support:

  1. Visit the Shopify Help Center
  2. Click on the “Contact Support” button
  3. Choose your preferred method of communication (chat, email, or phone)

For Shopify Partners:

  1. Log in to your Partner Dashboard
  2. Create a support request using the dedicated link for partner-specific issues

4. Provide Detailed Information

When contacting support, be prepared to provide:

  • Your store URL
  • A description of the error
  • Any recent changes to your account or store
  • Screenshots of the error message

The more information you provide, the quicker the support team can assist you.

Preventing Future Issues

Regular Account Audits

Perform regular checks on your account status, subscription, and billing information to catch any potential issues early.

Keep Communication Open

If you’re working with a Shopify Partner or transferring store ownership, maintain clear communication to ensure a smooth transition.

Stay Informed

Keep an eye on Shopify’s status page and announcements for any system-wide issues that might affect your store.

By following these steps and maintaining vigilance over your store’s status, you can quickly resolve the “Checkouts are not currently enabled” error and prevent future occurrences. Remember, Shopify’s support team is always available to assist you with any persistent issues, ensuring your e-commerce business continues to thrive.

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