Shopify makes it easy to connect Google, but approval still depends on your store’s content. These are the Shopify settings and theme details that most often cause problems.
Policies
Go to Settings › Policies and complete the refund, privacy, terms of service, shipping and contact policies with your real details (don’t publish the generated template unchanged). Then add them to your footer: Online Store › Navigation › Footer menu.
Contact details and identity
- Settings › Store details: legal business name, address and contact email.
- Check your theme’s footer and Contact page for an old demo email or phone number: Online Store › Themes › Customize, and Edit code for hard-coded details in sections like
footer.liquid. - Search FAQ and policy pages (Online Store › Pages) for placeholder text.
Prices, markets and currency
If you use Markets, make sure each country in your feed sees the right currency and price. Check that discount or currency apps don’t show a price on the product page that the checkout doesn’t charge.
Apps that commonly cause issues
- Countdown timers and “X people are viewing” widgets that are not real.
- Review apps showing imported reviews you can’t verify.
- Trust badges for services you don’t use.
- SEO apps adding a second Product structured-data block.
Before you request a review
Run a scan, fix the top issues, and re-scan. Make sure your Google & YouTube channel shows the same business details and policies as your store.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my Shopify store suspended right after connecting Google?
New stores are often reviewed before they have complete policies, contact details or real content. Fix those first, then request a review.
Official sources
- Misrepresentation - Shopping ads and free listings policy
- Set up your return policies for Shopping ads and free listings
- Shipping settings / shipping costs guidance - Google Merchant Center Help
- Landing page requirements - Google Merchant Center Help
MerchantLion is independent and not affiliated with Google. Google’s documentation is the authoritative source; policies change, so check it before making decisions.
Related guides
Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation: Causes and How to Fix It
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