A user is unable to install email automation in Shopify, receiving an error stating they need a webshop despite having a functioning Shopify store embedded in their website.
Likely causes identified:
Store may be using Buy Buttons only instead of a full Online Store setup
Online Store sales channel might not be installed or activated
Store could be in Pause & Build mode or missing setup requirements
Domain configuration issues with Shopify-hosted or custom domains
Recommended solutions:
Verify the Online Store sales channel is installed (Admin > Settings > Sales Channels)
Upgrade from Buy Button-only setup to include Online Store if needed
Reinstall the Shopify Email app from the App Store
Confirm domain is properly configured in Admin > Settings > Domains
Check that the store plan allows full online store access
Contact Shopify Support if issues persist, as backend verification may be required
Status: The discussion remains open with troubleshooting steps provided but no confirmed resolution yet.
Summarized with AI on November 1.
AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
I want to install some automated e-mails when customers buy something or leave without buying. But I get the message "Email automation can not be installed because you need a webshop to use Shopify Email.
I have a shopify webshop imbedded in my webpage which works just fine. Can you figure out where the problem is?
I see what you’re running into, and I totally get how frustrating this can be—especially when your Shopify store is already working fine on your website. Let’s break it down and find a solution for you.
What’s Happening?
The error message “you need a webshop to use Shopify Email” usually appears when Shopify doesn’t recognize your store as a fully set-up online store. Even though your shop is embedded in your website and working, Shopify Email requires that your store meets specific criteria before enabling automated emails.
Possible Reasons & Fixes#### 1. Your Store Might Be in a Buy Button-Only Setup- If you’re using Shopify Buy Buttons (instead of a full Shopify online store theme), Shopify doesn’t see this as a complete webshop, so email automation won’t work.
Fix: Upgrade your Shopify plan to include the Online Store sales channel if you haven’t already. You can check this by going to Admin > Settings > Sales Channels and seeing if “Online Store” is listed.
2. Online Store Sales Channel Isn’t Installed- Even if your shop works fine, Shopify Email requires the Online Store sales channel to be active.
Fix:
Go to Shopify Admin > Settings > Sales Channels
If “Online Store” isn’t there, click Add Sales Channel and install it.
3. Shopify Email App Isn’t Installed or Needs Reinstallation- Shopify Email needs to be installed correctly before you can use automations.
Fix:
Go to Shopify Admin > Apps
Search for Shopify Email
If it’s missing, install it from the Shopify App Store
If it’s already there but not working, uninstall it, wait a few minutes, then reinstall it.
4. You Need a Shopify-Hosted Domain or Subdomain- Shopify Email works best when your store is using a Shopify-hosted domain (e.g., yourstore.myshopify.com) or a connected custom domain.
Fix: Go to Admin > Settings > Domains and make sure your domain is properly set up.
5. Check for Any Store Setup Issues- If your store is still in Pause & Build mode or has any setup steps missing, Shopify Email won’t activate.
Fix: Go to Admin > Settings > Plan and make sure your plan allows full online store access.
What to Do Next?1. Check if your store is fully using Shopify’s Online Store, not just Buy Buttons.
Ensure the Online Store sales channel is installed.
Install or reinstall Shopify Email from the Shopify App Store.
Make sure your domain setup is correct.
If none of these work, contact Shopify Support because sometimes this issue requires their backend team to verify your setup.
Let me know if you need extra help. Just let me know asap. Thanks!
Daisy