The complete Shopify mobile app review
In a world where most ecommerce platforms are still desktop-first, Shopify’s mobile app brings real store management to your phone. Here’s what works and what doesn’t.
The Shopify mobile app (iOS and Android) is one of those rare apps that’s genuinely useful, not just a marketing tool. We use it daily and recommend every client install it on launch day.
What you can do from the app
- Order management — view, fulfil, refund and cancel orders
- Push notifications — instant alerts for new orders (with custom sound)
- Product management — add new products, edit prices, update stock
- Customer view — see customer history, add notes, send emails
- Analytics — sales dashboard, today’s revenue, top products
- Reports — sales by channel, product, location
- Shipping labels — print on the go (via Bluetooth printer)
What’s missing
- Limited theme editing — you’ll still need desktop for design work
- No bulk product editing — one product at a time
- Apps installation requires desktop
- Advanced reports limited compared to desktop dashboard
Day-to-day runs on the phone. Setup still needs a desktop.
Shopify mobile app (iOS and Android) compared with the desktop admin.
| Task | In the app | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Orders | View, fulfil, refund, cancel | No |
| New-order alerts | Push notifications, custom sound | No |
| Products | Add, edit prices, update stock, one at a time | Bulk editing |
| Customers | History, notes, emails | No |
| Reports | Dashboard; sales by channel, product, location | Advanced reports |
| Shipping labels | Print via Bluetooth printer | No |
| Theme and design | Limited | Yes |
| Installing apps | Not possible | Yes |
Best use cases
Travelling or away from the desk — the app keeps you in control. Real-time push notifications mean you never miss an order. We’ve had clients fulfil orders from the beach (literally) thanks to this.
We have built 400+ online stores for South African businesses since 2014. Read more about Shopify development in South Africa.
