How To Turn Your Shopify Store Into a Mobile App: A 2025 Guide

Running a Shopify store is more competitive than ever. Rising ad costs, lower organic reach, and shrinking customer attention spans make it harder to drive repeat purchases and build long-term loyalty. If you’re relying solely on your website to convert and retain customers, you may already be feeling these challenges.

That’s why more Shopify merchants are turning their stores into mobile apps. A Shopify mobile app helps you increase repeat purchases, improve conversion rates, and stay top-of-mind with customers through push notifications, faster checkout, and a smoother shopping experience. And the best part? You no longer need a massive budget or a custom development team to make it happen.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app in 4 easy steps.

Two ways to convert your Shopify store into a mobile app

Shopify merchants have two main paths for creating a mobile shopping app for their store: Use a Shopify mobile app builder or build a custom mobile app.

The first is to use a Shopify mobile app builder, a no-code or low-code solution (examples include OneMobile, Tapcart, Vajro, Plobal Apps, Shopney, etc.), and the second is to build a custom mobile app from scratch (using Shopify’s Storefront API or a headless commerce setup).

1. Use a Shopify mobile app builder

This involves using a third-party app builder platform to generate a native iOS and Android app that mirrors your Shopify store. It requires little to no coding.

You can easily design your app with drag-and-drop tools, choose from ready-made templates, and use features that already work with Shopify.

The builder handles most of the heavy lifting, like syncing products, building the app framework, and even publishing to app stores in many cases.

2. Build a custom mobile app (DIY approach)

Building a custom mobile app is a do-it-yourself (or hire-a-developer) approach. You build a bespoke mobile app from the ground up, using Shopify’s APIs (Storefront GraphQL API or Mobile Buy SDK) to fetch store data (products, collections, customer accounts, etc.).

You can choose to build a native app (using Swift or Kotlin) for the highest performance on iOS and Android, or use cross-platform frameworks (like React Native or Flutter) to launch on both stores more quickly and easily.

Essentially, Shopify acts as the backend (inventory, orders, payments), and you develop a completely custom frontend (the mobile app) – a form of headless commerce where the storefront is separate from Shopify’s templating system.

>> Suggested reading: How to Create a Shopify Mobile App with React Native

Why using a Shopify mobile app builder the better choice?

Many people believe custom apps offer more flexibility—but for most Shopify eCommerce brands, that simply isn’t true.

Yes, if you’re building a complex product like a gaming app or a standalone software platform, developing a custom app is often the right choice. However, for Shopify store owners, using a mobile app builder is usually the smarter solution. It delivers the best balance of customization, performance, and cost—without the time and expense of building everything from scratch.

In the table below, we compare both options side by side to help you understand why a no-code Shopify mobile app builder is the best choice for most merchants. Let’s take a look.

How to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app with no code?

If you’re in a hurry, have a look at this infographic on the 4 crucial steps to convert your Shopify store into a mobile app:

Step 1: Install a Shopify mobile app builder

Start by choosing a reputable Shopify mobile app builder from the Shopify App Store. Look for an app that includes all the essential features (which we will discuss in detail in the next section).

Popular options include OneMobile, Tapcart, Vajro, Shopney, and Plobal Apps.

Once installed from the Shopify App Store, the builder will ask for permission to connect to your store. After that, it will automatically:

• Import your product catalog
• Sync collections, variants, pricing, and inventory
• Begin pre-configuring navigation and app settings

Most builders offer a guided onboarding flow, so no coding or technical setup is needed.

💡 Tip: You can use a free trial to explore the builder’s features before committing.

Step 2: Customize your app design

After installation, the next phase is customization. This is where your app begins to take shape. You can:

• Select a layout template suited to your brand. Most builders offer mobile-optimized templates tailored for different industries, such as fashion, food, beauty, or fitness – allowing you to start with a layout that feels familiar and effective.
• Customize colors, upload your logo, choose fonts, and organize your homepage with promotional banners, featured products, countdown timers, and more to match your store.
• Build out your pages, such as the home screen, product listing pages, and navigation menu.
• Add visual elements like banners, sliders, countdown timers, or featured collections

Best practice: Keep it clean and scannable. Since mobile users scroll fast, you should focus on key products and promotions up front.

You’ll also want to enable key features at this stage:

• Push notifications
• Loyalty or VIP programs
• Search & filters
• Live chat or chatbot integrations
• App-only discount banners or flash sales

Step 3: Preview your app on iOS and Android devices

Before launching, you should test the user experience on both iOS and Android. Most app builders make this easy with:

• QR code preview links
• In-app preview mode
• TestFlight (Apple) and APK download (Android)

Pay attention to the following elements during your review:

• Navigation menus and product browsing
• Cart and checkout flow (including promo codes, taxes, shipping)
• Account login, sign-up, and order history
• Push notification delivery and display
• Load speed and responsiveness

During the review process, you might uncover common issues such as image sizing inconsistencies, button overlaps on small screens, or checkout bugs (noting that some builders use Shopify’s web checkout while others embed it directly).

Additionally, if your builder includes built-in analytics, it is essential to trigger a few test events, such as ‘add to cart’, to ensure they are being tracked correctly.

Step 4: Publish your app to the App Store and Google Play Store

Once you’re satisfied with design and performance, it’s time to go live. Your builder will guide you through the publishing process, and may even do most of it for you.

You have two ways to go about this:

Option 1 – Publish under your own developer accounts:

• Apple Developer Account ($99/year)
• Google Play Developer Account ($25 one-time)

Option 2 – Let the builder publish under their developer account:

• Faster and easier, especially for first-timers
• Some platforms later help you transfer the app to your own account

You’ll need to prepare:

• App icon and splash screen (builder often generates these)
• Screenshots for app store listings
• Description and keywords
• Privacy policy and terms of service

Once everything is ready, the approval process begins. For iOS, Apple’s App Store typically takes between 2 – 5 business days to review and approve an app. On the Android side, Google Play is usually faster, often approving submissions within 1 – 2 days, and sometimes even the same day.

What features to look for in a Shopify mobile app builder?

There are quite a few Shopify mobile app builders out there. That said, to find the best one for your store, remember to identify your must-haves early and eliminate those that don’t meet them.

For instance, when looking for a Shopify mobile app builder, here are some features you should expect:

• No-code, drag-and-drop editor: Visual editor that lets you customize layouts, rearrange sections, and preview changes in real time – all without writing code.
• Suitable for your budget: The builder should offer flexible plans that match your current needs, without forcing you into expensive upgrades just to access basic features.
• Certified ‘Built for Shopify’ badge: This badge means the app builder has been reviewed and approved by Shopify for quality, performance, and integration.
• Built-in push notification functions: Your builder should support scheduled messages, automation (like abandoned cart reminders), segmentation, and deep linking.
• Integration with your essential Shopify apps: Your app should integrate smoothly with tools like loyalty, reviews, subscriptions, and upsells.
• Support for app launch & ongoing updates: App submission can be tricky, but a good builder will guide you through it and provide ongoing support after launch.

Brands that have successfully converted their stores into apps

Many Shopify merchants have already experienced the benefits of going mobile, especially through no-code app builders like OneMobile. Here are three real-world success stories you simply can’t miss.

1. BM Corner

BMCorner is a home-based Vietnamese kitchen on Australia’s Gold Coast, founded by Anna Dao. As orders grew, she noticed mobile users wanted a faster, easier ordering experience.

But the challenge is, her website couldn’t deliver a smooth mobile experience, and she lacked the time or budget for custom app development.

So she decided to use OneMobile to turn her Shopify store into a mobile app within weeks.

Choosing the right app builder as a long-term partner was the turning point that drove her business to new heights:

• 200 app downloads in the first month, now over 1,300+ users.
• $5,000+ in mobile app sales in just 30 days.
• Achieved a 30% customer retention rate.

2. Curly Girl Method Club

Curly Girl Method Club is a haircare brand for people with curly hair. Its founder, Heather, wanted to build stronger, more direct connections with her community. While email and social media helped, they lacked the personal touch she envisioned.

Similar to the previous case, customers were shifting to mobile, but the web store wasn’t converting as well. Engagement felt distant, and building a custom app seemed too complex.

Then she discovered OneMobile and launched a fully branded app without coding. The results:

• 40% of total sales now come from the app.
• AOV is higher on the app than on the website.
• Push notifications made engagement feel personal and immediate.

3. San Benedetto Collections

Another standout success story is about Luis and Camilia Gonzalez, who run San Benedetto Collections, a faith-based brand selling handcrafted Catholic items from Italy. With a growing global customer base, they needed a faster, more intuitive mobile experience.

In the early stages, their website wasn’t mobile-optimized, and managing products and promotions was time-consuming.

After exploring various ways to provide a more convenient shopping experience, they decided to launch a OneMobile-powered app that simplified operations and elevated the shopping journey.

The results were really rewarding:

• 65% increase in app downloads and visits.
• Easier product updates and promo launches.
• More time to focus on curating meaningful, high-quality items.
• Responsive support gave them confidence to scale.

Reflecting on their mobile journey, they shared with pride: “It’s faster, more personal, and lets us focus on what we love most.”

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it worth converting my Shopify store into a mobile app?

For many retailers, yes. Because a mobile app can boost sales, retention, and loyalty.

Statistics show that apps see 3× higher conversion rates and account for 70%+ of mobile sales for brands that have both a site and an app.

And app makes the most sense if:

• You have a lot of repeat customers
• You sell products that are bought frequently (like fashion, beauty, or food)
• You want to build a loyal, high-LTV customer base

So if your store has low traffic or one-off purchases, a PWA might be a smarter first step. But if you’re ready to scale mobile engagement, an app is a strong investment.

2. How much does it cost to build and maintain a Shopify mobile app?

It costs from $124 to $6,000+ per year to operate a mobile shopping app. The cost is divided into two main parts: Platform fees and Store listings fees.

Platform fees: Using an app builder like OneMobile, Tapcart, or Vajro typically costs between $50 to $500+ per month, depending on your store’s size and the advanced features you need (like automation or premium integrations).

Store listings fees (one-time or annual): To publish your app, you must pay directly to Apple and Google:

• Apple Developer Program: $99/year.
• Google Play Console: $25 (one-time fee).

Maintenance: Most app builders include technical maintenance, OS updates (iOS/Android), and bug fixes in their monthly subscription, so there are usually no hidden maintenance costs.

In short, you can expect an initial investment of around $124 (for store accounts) and a recurring cost starting from $50/month to keep your app running smoothly.

3. What happens to my app if I decide to cancel my subscription?

Your app will be deactivated. It will no longer be available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and existing users will not be able to browse products or make purchases.

Most builders (like OneMobile or Tapcart) keep your app settings and design saved for a certain period. If you decide to come back, you can usually reactivate your app exactly where you left off.

Also, you do not lose your customer data. Since the app is synced with your Shopify backend, all customer accounts, order history, and product information remain safely stored in your Shopify admin.

4. Is the Shopify app marketplace oversaturated?

No. Only a small fraction of Shopify stores have their own app, so there’s still plenty of room to stand out, especially in niche markets.

Also, customers don’t download every app, but they do install ones from brands they trust or that offer perks like app-only deals and faster checkout. In fact, 76% of shoppers prefer using a brand’s app over a mobile site, and app users convert and return more often.

So success depends less on competition and more on whether your app delivers value worth coming back for.

5. Can I track app performance and customer behavior?

Yes. Most mobile app builders include built-in analytics dashboards or let you integrate tools like Firebase or Google Analytics.

You can monitor installs, session duration, user retention, sales from app users, and even specific in-app events like product views or “add to cart.” This data helps you optimize your app experience and measure ROI over time.

6. Will launching a mobile app affect my Shopify store or web sales?

No, your Shopify store continues to function as usual. Your app simply becomes another sales channel that syncs with your existing Shopify backend. Any updates to products, inventory, or pricing reflect in both the web store and the app. In many cases, brands see app users spend more and return more often, without reducing web traffic, because the app enhances, rather than replaces, your online store.

7. How long does it take to launch a Shopify mobile app?

With a no-code app builder: As little as 1–4 weeks. Some merchants go live in under 7 days, depending on how much customization they do and how quickly app store approval happens

With custom development: Typically 3–6 months, possibly longer. Custom builds involve coding, testing, API integrations, and require developer or agency involvement.

So if you need speed and scalability, an app builder is by far the faster route to launch.

8. Which is better for Shopify stores – PWA or native mobile app?

Native apps are better for:

• Stronger customer engagement
• Higher conversions and retention
• Push notifications and offline capabilities
• Being found in the App Store / Google Play

PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) are:

• Easier and cheaper to implement (like a mobile-friendly web upgrade)
• Accessible directly from browsers, no install needed
• Useful as a stepping stone for newer stores with limited budgets

Native apps consistently outperform PWAs in user retention, speed, and functionality for Shopify use cases.

You can start with PWA to test the mobile market, then go native if you’re ready to commit to mobile growth and customer lifetime value.

9. Will my existing Shopify apps (loyalty, reviews, tracking) work inside the mobile app?

Yes. Most premium mobile app builders (like OneMobile, Tapcart, or Vajro) are designed to integrate seamlessly with the most popular apps in the Shopify ecosystem.

However, before committing to a builder, it is vital to check their Integration Library. If your business relies heavily on a specific app (e.g., a complex subscription or a custom product builder), you should ask the support team if that specific app is supported.

10. Can I customize the app design without knowing how to code?

Yes, no coding is needed. If you’re comfortable using the Shopify admin, you’ll find most app builders just as easy. They’re designed for store owners, with drag-and-drop editors and simple visual settings to customize everything from layout to branding.

11. Can I offer app-only discounts or early product access?

Absolutely. Most mobile app builders allow you to create app-exclusive promotions, early access to drops, or VIP discounts that only appear in the app. These incentives not only boost installs but also give customers a reason to keep the app and check it regularly.

12. What kind of support should I expect from an app builder?

Good app builders provide guided onboarding, help with App Store and Google Play submissions, and responsive customer support via chat or email. They also handle technical maintenance like OS updates and Shopify changes behind the scenes.

If you’re launching during a busy season, fast support can be critical, so it’s worth choosing a builder known for reliable, hands-on service.

13. Is the Shop App the same as a Shopify mobile app?

No, it’s not. The Shop App is a consumer app by Shopify that lets shoppers discover products, track orders, and check out from multiple stores using Shop Pay. It’s not your own branded app.

A Shopify mobile app, built with a tool like OneMobile, is fully customized for your store – with your branding, layout, and features like push notifications and loyalty programs. You control the experience; the Shop App is shared across all Shopify stores.

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