IMPORTANT: Only proceed if you’re comfortable working in the Shopify theme editor. Incorrect changes can break your checkout links. If you’re unsure, reach out to support or consult with a Shopify expert or developer first.
This optimization is not done automatically to preserve your theme’s design and prevent any potential conflicts with your existing theme setup.
Why Optimize?
By default, checkout links use your store’s header and footer. Removing these elements:- Reduces page load time - Fewer assets and scripts to load
- Simplifies the checkout experience - Customers focus on completing their purchase
- Improves mobile performance - Less scrolling and faster loading on mobile devices
Do not remove the “Checkout links” app block - it’s essential for links to work. Only remove header, footer, and other optional theme sections.
Optimizing Your Template
1
Access Theme Editor
Log in to your Shopify admin and navigate to Online Store > Themes. Click Customize to open the theme editor.
2
Navigate to Checkout Links Template
From the top bar, click Home page and scroll down to find Checkout links at the bottom of the dropdown menu.
3
Select the Template
Under the meta-object pages section, click Checkout links. You’ll see a template named “App—3135504385—checkout links (default)” - this is the template used for all your checkout link pages.
4
Review Current Setup
You’ll see your theme’s header and footer sections, plus a box that says:
“This section will handle your links. Please do not remove this section or make any changes to this template.”This is the Checkout Links app block extension - keep this intact.
5
Remove Header and Footer
To optimize performance:
- Select your Header section and remove it
- Select your Footer section and remove it
- Remove any other optional sections on the page
6
Save Your Changes
Click Save to apply your optimization. Your checkout links will now load faster without the header and footer.
What to Keep vs. Remove
| Element | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Checkout links app block | ✅ KEEP | Essential for links to function |
| Header section | ❌ Remove | Optional - reduces load time |
| Footer section | ❌ Remove | Optional - reduces load time |
| Other theme sections | ❌ Remove | Optional - reduces load time |
Verifying Your Changes
After saving, test your checkout links:- Open any checkout link from your store
- Verify the page loads quickly
- Confirm the checkout link functionality still works
- Check that products, discounts, and cart features function correctly
If you want to restore your header and footer later, simply add them back to the template. Your theme settings are never permanently changed.
Disable Third-Party Apps on Checkout Link Pages
For even better performance, disable third-party apps from loading on your checkout link pages. Many apps like pop-ups, help centers, and chat widgets allow you to exclude specific pages.Common Apps to Disable
Consider disabling these types of apps on checkout link pages:- Pop-up apps (newsletter sign-ups, exit intent, etc.)
- Chat widgets (live chat, customer support)
How to Disable Apps
Most apps have settings to exclude pages by URL pattern. Look for options like “Page exclusions” or “Where to display” in your app settings, and add:/pages/cl in their URL) from loading that app’s JavaScript, resulting in faster load times.
Check each app’s documentation for specific instructions on excluding pages. Not all apps support URL-based exclusions.
Do not make any changes if you’re not comfortable in the theme editor. Incorrect modifications can break your checkout links’ functionality. When in doubt, reach out to support or consult with a Shopify expert or developer before proceeding.