Why is the email unsubscribe link missing in Shopify newsletters?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A Shopify Email user reported that the unsubscribe link, previously visible in April newsletters, has disappeared from current emails. This creates a compliance issue, as the user notes that FTC regulations require a clear opt-out method in commercial messages.

Resolution Found:

  • Another user identified the problem: the footer text and link colors matched the background color in certain Shopify email templates
  • This made the unsubscribe link invisible rather than actually missing

Solution:

  • Changing the footer background color revealed the hidden unsubscribe link
  • The original poster confirmed this fix worked for their newsletter

The issue appears to be a template design flaw rather than a missing feature, now resolved through color adjustment.

Summarized with AI on November 25. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I used Shopify Email for a newsletter in April. There was an option at the bottom of the email to unsubscribe.

When I use it now there is no option for subscribers to unsubscribe at the bottom, or anywhere, of the email.

I hope there is some out there that can help remedy this.

Shopify, the service you are offering is illegal. You must include a link to opt-out.

“Federal Trade Commission, states clearly that you must include a clearly obvious way for subscribers to opt out of your commercial messages: Tell recipients how to opt out of receiving future email from you.”

Shopify Plan: Shopify

Shopify Theme: Minimal

1 Like
2

Double-check the text and link colors for the footer. I used one of the Shopify templates, and they were coded so the text/link color for the footer was the same as the background, and even changing it to something that contrasted was not fixing the social media icon colors.

Oddly, the shop name/address/copyright text colors were not affected.

3 Likes
3

Thank you so much, I changed the background color of the footer and the unsubscribe link appeared.