Why is my theme taking hours to load on my list?

Store Design
1

Hi!

Roughly how long are free Shopify themes supposed to take to add to my list of themes? I was going to try out a couple of other theme options and I’ve been waiting an hour of them to load. I wasn’t sure if that was normal or if there is something I can do.

Thanks!

2

Hi, @GVeltre !

Welcome to Shopify Community.

Downloading a theme from the Shopify Theme Store should only take a few moments, and definitely nowhere close to an hour.

If you find that the load icon is continuously moving, then please hit refresh to force re-load the page. You should see that the theme has successfully downloaded and is now available to edit.

Alternatively if you continue to run into this issue and themes are not downloading, please help us rule out local errors by trying the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Try clearing cache/cookies of current browser
  • Try from a different, up-to-date, browser
  • Try from a different network connection

Please let me know if that resolves the issue so I can offer further support.

I look forward to your reply,

3

Thanks for accepting my reply as a solution, @GVeltre !

I am glad this worked for you - I suppose it was just a local display error. Let me know if you run into any other questions while you customize your theme.

Warm regards,

4

I’m having this problem too. It’s been over an hour for the ‘simple’ theme. Ugh! I’ve even tried a diff internet connection and I’m using Chrome, the only browser I ever use…

5

Hi, Sandy!

Thanks so much for reaching out. Ah, I can definitely appreciate how frustrating it is to wait for your theme to download. Once you step away from the page, and force a refresh are you finding that the theme is visible? Or is it unsuccessful with the download?

Also, for good measure I will have you update to the latest version of Chrome before attempting the download again.

I look forward to your reply,

6

Actually, I’m having the same problem and have been trying to add themes, says adding theme but nothing. Just shows Live Theme. What could it be im doing wrong?

7

Thanks for joining our thread, @yourcoffeemoney !

I have definitely brought some attention to this issue considering the multiple reports of this occurring in our discussion. In order for us to investigate further, are you able to rule out the troubleshooting steps I mentioned above?

To reiterate, let’s make sure you have tried:

  • Latest version of your browser
  • Tested from a different network connection

Also, it’s important for us to understand if the theme does successfully download to your store, or if it remains loading even after forcing a refresh. Any screenshots you can include of your experience would be much appreciated.

Please let me know, as I will be waiting on standby.

Warm regards,

8

I’ve chosen to add the theme Studio to my themes, but I can’t apply it. Shopify has been adding it for a long time. I think it’s because I’m doing the trial/Starter Plan. Could that be why?

9

Thanks for reaching out, @kikajess !

Being on a trial will not impact being able to add a theme to your online store, however, the Starter plan does not include this functionality.

The Starter plan is built for merchants who wish to sell through social media channels and messaging apps without building an online store. Since adding and editing a theme is unique to creating your online store, you will not be able to do so.

To make sure the Starter plan is the right fit for you, let me know what your current business needs are.

I look forward to your reply,

10

Hello to all our future readers,

It has come to my attention that some users experiencing this issue may be on a plan that does not include the online store, such as the Starter Plan.

Please make sure you are on the Basic Plan or above as part of your troubleshooting process to make sure you can add and edit themes.

Warm regards,