What should I test before launching a Shopify migration?

Data accuracy, the whole purchase flow, redirects and SEO settings, tracking and integrations, and behaviour on real mobile devices.

How do I test a Shopify store before it goes live?

Use the pre-launch store with password protection on, place test orders with each payment method, and work through the checklist above. Re-test key items right after the domain switch.

What breaks most often after a Shopify migration?

Missing or wrong redirects, tracking that no longer fires correctly, and integrations that were not fully tested. All are catchable with a QA pass.

Shopify Migration QA Checklist: What to Test Before You Go Live

1. Catalogue and data

Product, customer and order counts match the source store.
Spot-check variants, options, prices, compare-at prices, SKUs and inventory on a sample of products from every collection.
Images load, are in the right order and have alt text.
Collections contain the right products and sort as intended.
SEO titles, descriptions and handles were carried across.

See what data can be migrated for the items that need special handling.

2. The full purchase flow

Add to cart from product pages, collection pages and search.
Apply a discount code, and test one that should be rejected.
Check shipping rates and taxes for each region you sell to.
Complete a test order with every payment method you offer.
Confirm order emails, and that fulfilment and inventory update as expected.

3. SEO and redirects

Every entry in the redirect map returns a single 301 to a live page, with no chains or loops.
Canonical tags, titles, headings and structured data are present on key templates.
robots.txt and noindex settings are correct for launch.
The sitemap is reachable and ready to submit.

The full process is in our guide to migrating without losing rankings.

4. Tracking and integrations

Analytics, ad pixels and conversion events fire once, with correct values.
Search Console is verified for the live domain.
Email platform, reviews, shipping and accounting integrations work end to end.
Forms, popups and consent banners behave properly.

5. Devices, then launch day

Test on real phones and at least two browsers, not only a desktop emulator.
Check accessibility basics: keyboard navigation and colour contrast.
After the domain switch, repeat a live order, re-test redirects and watch errors and 404s closely.

Our migration team runs this QA as standard on every project.

Frequently asked questions

What should I test before launching a Shopify migration?: Data accuracy, the whole purchase flow, redirects and SEO settings, tracking and integrations, and behaviour on real mobile devices.
How do I test a Shopify store before it goes live?: Use the pre-launch store with password protection on, place test orders with each payment method, and work through the checklist above. Re-test key items right after the domain switch.
What breaks most often after a Shopify migration?: Missing or wrong redirects, tracking that no longer fires correctly, and integrations that were not fully tested. All are catchable with a QA pass.