How to Give a Collaborator Access to Your Shopify Store (Properly)
When to use Collaborator Access
If you’re working with a Shopify developer, designer, or marketing specialist, they’ll often need to log in to your store. But handing over your personal login is a bad idea — it’s insecure, messy, and gives them more access than they really need.
Collaborator Access lets a trusted Shopify Partner log in with their own account, with only the permissions you choose. It’s safer for your store and puts you in full control.
What is Collaborator Access?
Collaborator Access is a special type of account for Shopify Partners. You approve their request, decide what they can see, and remove them when the work is done.
Benefits:
Keep your own login private
Control exactly which areas they can view or edit
Revoke access instantly at any time
Step 1: Allow collaborator requests
In your Shopify admin, go to Settings → Users and permissions.
Scroll down to Collaborators.
Select Only people with a collaborator request code — this keeps random requests out.
Copy the request code.
Step 2: Share the request code
Send your collaborator:
The request code you just generated
Your store’s
.myshopify.comaddress
They’ll use these to send you a request from their Partner Dashboard.
Step 3: Review the request
When the request comes in, you’ll see a banner in your admin and get an email.
Click View request to see:
Who’s requesting access
Which permissions they’re asking for
Adjust permissions if needed. Only give them what’s necessary for their role.
Step 4: Approve the request
Click Accept request. They’ll log in with their own account.
Example permission sets:
Developer: Themes, Online Store, Apps, Files (no Billing)
Marketer: Products, Discounts, Blog/Pages, Navigation
Operations: Orders, Customers, selected Settings
Step 5: Remove access when it’s no longer needed
Go to Settings → Users and permissions.
Find the collaborator’s name.
Click Remove.
They’re instantly locked out.
Best practices for safe collaborator access
Principle of least privilege: Grant the minimum access they need
Keep billing and ownership locked down: Rarely needed by third parties
Enable two-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of security
Quarterly access check: Remove inactive collaborators or staff accounts
Troubleshooting tips
No request showing? Check they used the right code and store URL.
Not a Shopify Partner? Create a staff account instead.
Need more access mid-project? Edit their permissions — don’t give full access by default.
Conclusion
Collaborator Access is the safest and most efficient way to let a Shopify Partner work on your store. You keep control, protect sensitive data, and can end access at any time. With the right permissions in place, you can get expert help without giving away the keys to your business.
Ready to get started?
If you’re looking for expert help with your Shopify store — from design tweaks to full-scale builds — I can work with you via Collaborator Access so your store stays secure and you stay in control.
Get in touch today to start your Shopify project with me.