Can’t Preview Store on Shopify – Troubleshooting

Understanding the Preview Function in GemPages

GemPages provides a Preview feature that allows you to view your page as it would appear live, without publishing it. This function is essential for checking design and functionality before making your page visible to customers. 

You can access the Preview option from the top bar in the GemPages Editor. ​

Common Reasons Why You Can’t Preview Your Shopify Store

1. Incorrect Product Handle in Preview URL

When using GemPages, clicking the “Preview” button might not display the correct product page due to an incorrect product handle in the URL.​

Solution:

• Navigate to your Shopify Admin > Products > Search engine listing.

• Copy the product handle listed after “/products/”.
• In the GemPages Editor, click the “Preview” button. If the preview page shows the wrong product, replace the incorrect product handle in the URL with the correct one you copied. ​

2. Product Status Not Set to Active or Not Available on Online Store

If your product is not active or not available on the Online Store sales channel, it won’t appear in the preview.​

Solution:

• Go to Shopify Admin > Products.
• Select the product in question.
• Ensure the Product Status is set to “Active“.
• Under Sales channels and apps, confirm that “Online Store” is selected. ​

3. Browser Cache Issues

Sometimes, browser cache can cause conflicts, preventing the preview from appearing.​

Solution:

• Clear your browser cache.
• Completely reboot your browser.
• Try accessing the preview in an incognito/private window. 

4. Theme or App Conflicts

Recent changes to your theme’s code or installing/uninstalling apps can affect the preview functionality.​

Solution:

• Review recent changes made to your theme or apps.
• If necessary, revert changes or disable conflicting apps to identify the cause.​

5. Domain Configuration Issues

If you’ve connected a third-party domain, the preview might redirect to that domain instead of the storefront you’re designing.​

Solution:

• Ensure that your primary domain is set correctly in Shopify Admin > Online Store > Domains.
• If necessary, adjust the primary domain settings to point to your desired storefront.