Why can't I change the theme of my store on a basic plan?

Topic summary

Main issue: A merchant on a Basic plan says they can’t change their store theme, can’t access the theme library, and don’t see a “Publish” button in the admin.

Guidance offered: One participant advised clicking the “Publish” button in the backend and shared a screenshot link demonstrating where it appears.

Shopify staff input: Staff confirmed themes can be changed on the Basic plan and asked if the merchant can access the theme library (the section where installed themes are managed) and later requested the exact plan details. The merchant replied they cannot access the theme library and cannot publish any theme.

Attachments central to understanding: A link to a screenshot showing the “Publish” button location, and the merchant’s screenshot indicating the button is missing.

Status and next steps: Unresolved. The staff is awaiting confirmation of the merchant’s plan and more details. Possible causes include admin access issues or UI/permission limitations; no concrete fix has been provided yet.

Summarized with AI on January 21. AI used: gpt-5.

hii shopify, why i cant change my store theam ?, while purches a basic plane of shopify

Hey,

Please click on publish button to publish theme in backend.
https://prnt.sc/bcLBZA4__Sth

Thanks

Hi, @apnaabazar12 .

Thank you for reaching out!

You can definitely change your theme. Are you able to access the theme library in your admin?

Please let me know if you have any further questions! I would love to learn more about your business. What type of products do you sell?

Talk soon,

Hii shopify, i cant able to access the theme library in my admin and i also
cant publish any theme

hii, there is no any publish button in my admin.

Hi, @apnaabazar12 .

Thank you for sharing that information with me.

What plan are you currently on?

Talk soon,