How to Cancel Shopify POS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Retail business owners sometimes decide that Shopify Point of Sale (POS) no longer aligns with their store’s needs. The reasons might vary, budget constraints, a shift to a more advanced tool, or a desire to change direction for better growth. This article walks you through how to cancel Shopify POS, from early considerations to final steps, and suggests an alternative that could be a better fit.

Highlights:

• Businesses often cancel Shopify POS due to high costs, feature limitations, operational challenges, or a shift toward a more advanced omnichannel system.
• Consider offline functionality, inventory management, payment integrations, omnichannel support, and ease of integration with existing systems before switching to another Shopify POS app.

Reasons to Cancel Shopify POS

Each business has unique priorities. Reviewing whether Shopify POS still fits those priorities helps in deciding whether to continue or move on. A few leading reasons to cancel Shopify POS include:

• Cost Concerns: Some retailers want to reduce spending on monthly subscriptions and look for a simpler system or a plan with fewer features.
• Feature Limitations: Shopify POS may not cover all specialized functions certain stores want, such as advanced inventory management or specific industry add-ons.
• Operations Changes: A merchant might have multiple locations or specialized sales channels, leading them to seek an alternative with better cross-channel management.
• Shifting Strategy: Businesses evolving from simple in-person sales to more modern omnichannel approaches might choose another system that offers deeper customization options.

Shopify POS Pre-Cancellation Considerations

Before canceling, confirm any final sales and ensure that no open orders are left unfulfilled. Also, check your subscription billing cycle to avoid unintended charges. 

Some store owners export important business records (receipts, product catalogs, or historical sales data) beforehand. Keep in mind that once you downgrade from POS Pro to a different plan, certain features disappear for staff members or store managers. Assess the following:

• Outstanding Orders: Verify that you have processed and shipped any open orders. This helps you avoid confusion or refunds after you close the POS subscription.
• Shopify Billing Cycle: Check your renewal date so you don’t end up paying extra. If you plan to cancel the mid-billing cycle, you might not receive a prorated refund, so plan the exact cancellation time in line with your budget.
• Data Exports: Consider downloading sales records, customer profiles, and inventory data. These records serve as valuable references. They may also help you onboard a new POS system more easily.
• Staff Training and Access: Staff members could lose certain permissions once the POS subscription is canceled or downgraded. Update login credentials or remove unneeded staff accounts in advance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel Shopify POS

Following these steps ensures a smooth cancellation process:

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin Panel

Start by signing in to your Shopify admin using an account with full permissions. 

Use the account owner’s login details or an admin-level credential so you have permission to make subscription changes. If you log in with limited permissions, the system might block or hide plan-related settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the POS Section

Once inside your admin, head to Settings, then locate Plan or Billing. Some versions label it slightly differently, depending on updates. 

Look for anything referencing “Point of Sale” or “POS.” If you do not see this section, use the search bar in the admin to find “POS Pro” or “POS Lite.” Shopify’s interface may place everything under Plan and Permissions, so check thoroughly.

Step 3: Manage Your Subscription

When you see your current subscription plan details, select the part that references POS. Shopify usually shows your plan level (POS Lite or POS Pro) along with monthly or annual fees. You’ll have options such as Pause, Downgrade, or Close. 

If you want to stop the advanced paid features and only keep Shopify POS Lite, choose the downgrade path. If you want to remove the POS subscription entirely, proceed with the option that aligns with canceling or closing that service.

Step 4: Confirm Cancellation

A pop-up or screen typically asks you to confirm the cancellation or downgrade. This screen may show a quick summary of what you lose after removing the POS subscription. 

Read carefully so you are aware of any changes that affect your store’s functionality. 

Click Confirm to finalize the decision. 

And that’s it, Shopify POS Pro or the relevant subscription should be canceled. 

Step 5: Verify Cancellation

Return to the Plan or Billing page to double-check that Shopify POS is no longer active. Shopify may also send an email confirmation of the cancellation.

Post-Cancellation Actions

After completing the cancellation, a few tasks help keep your account and records organized:

• Billing & Account Monitoring: Check that no unexpected charges appear on your next statement. If charges persist, contact Shopify Support for assistance.
• Data & Re-activation: Shopify usually stores account data for a period, which allows for reactivation in case your business decides to return. The time frame may vary, so refer to Shopify’s documentation or ask Support if you plan to come back.
• Alternative Solutions: Some merchants switch to Shopify POS Lite instead of completely removing POS. Others explore solutions outside the Shopify environment. Doing some research and comparing several vendors lets you find the setup that matches your new needs.

Discover ConnectPOS: Your Next-Generation POS Alternative

For businesses seeking a stronger POS solution, ConnectPOS may be exactly what you need. This system merges offline and online selling for an excellent in-store experience. It connects smoothly with major eCommerce platforms (Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, and more), giving real-time updates on orders and inventory. Key highlights include:

• Speedy Checkout: Quick scanning, mobile-friendly operation, and self-service options help cut down wait times and lines.
• Detailed Inventory Tracking: Keep track of products across multiple locations or warehouses with full visibility. Stocks refresh immediately whenever there’s a change, so the chance of errors is limited.
• Flexible Payment Integrations: ConnectPOS lets you accept various payment methods (credit cards, gift cards, loyalty points, or split payments). You may integrate popular payment gateways for localized or global markets.
• Omnichannel Compatibility: Integrations with eCommerce platforms let you stay consistent online and in-store. You can set up buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or manage multi-warehouse shipping all from one dashboard.
• Customizable Features: The system supports custom workflows. Industries with specific needs (apparel, grocery, or vape) often adjust how the POS manages product categories, taxes, or staff accounts.
• Full Offline Mode: Unlike Shopify POS, ConnectPOS processes card and cash payments even without an internet connection, keeping operations uninterrupted.

If you’re ready for a solution that grows with you, ConnectPOS can help. The installation is usually straightforward, plus you receive thorough documentation and training support. 

FAQs: Cancel Shopify POS

1. Will I be charged after canceling my Shopify POS subscription?

You should not incur new fees related to POS Pro once the cancellation is confirmed. In some cases, there may be remaining costs in the current billing cycle, but no further monthly POS charges should appear. If charges continue, check your Plan settings or contact Shopify Support.

2. How do I know if my cancellation has been processed?

Return to the Plan or Billing page in your Shopify admin. If the POS subscription shows as inactive or if you see that you are now on POS Lite, it means the process is done. You can also watch for confirmation by email from Shopify.

3. What should I do if I face issues during cancellation?

Occasionally, system errors or billing complexities occur. The best approach is to reach out to Shopify Support through live chat, email, or phone. They can confirm the status of your subscription. If a bug prevents you from completing the steps in the admin, they can do it manually.

Final Thoughts

Canceling Shopify POS starts with checking your billing cycle, exporting important data, and confirming that all open orders are handled. Once you follow the step-by-step path in Shopify’s admin, you can officially cancel Shopify POS subscription. Afterward, monitor your billing records and plan your next move. If you find yourself wanting stronger control over inventory, payments, and omnichannel operations, ConnectPOS might suit your store’s evolving requirements.

Ready to upgrade your retail operations with ConnectPOS? Contact us for a personalized demo of ConnectPOS or to discuss your store’s needs. We’re here to help you build a seamless in-store and online experience.