Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Out-of-Stock Variants in Shopify

If you run a Shopify store, managing products with multiple variants can be a challenge. For example, a T-shirt available in different sizes and colors may have some options that sell out quickly. Displaying out-of-stock variants on your product pages can frustrate customers, reduce conversions, and make your store appear cluttered.

The solution is simple: hide out-of-stock variants. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to shopify hide unavailable variants step by step, so you can improve your customers’ shopping experience and boost sales.

Why Hiding Out-of-Stock Variants Is Essential

Hiding unavailable variants is more than a cosmetic tweak—it directly affects your store’s performance. Here’s why:

1. Enhances Customer Experience

Customers want convenience. Clicking on unavailable options can lead to frustration and cart abandonment. Hiding out-of-stock variants creates a cleaner, more intuitive shopping experience, making it easier for buyers to focus on products they can purchase immediately.

2. Improves Conversion Rates

Every click matters. Displaying only available options ensures customers don’t waste time, which increases the likelihood of completing a purchase. Over time, this small adjustment can significantly improve your sales metrics.

3. Reduces Inventory Confusion

When variants are visible but unavailable, it can make your store appear disorganized. By hiding out-of-stock options, you present a professional and well-maintained storefront that reflects positively on your brand.

4. Streamlines Store Management

For store owners, managing dozens or hundreds of variants can be time-consuming. Automating the hiding of unavailable variants reduces manual work and ensures that your product pages stay up-to-date with real-time stock levels.

How to Hide Out-of-Stock Variants in Shopify

There are two primary methods to hide out-of-stock variants: using Shopify’s native settings or employing third-party apps. Each method has its benefits and limitations, depending on your store size and inventory management needs.

Method 1: Using Shopify Settings

Shopify allows you to manage inventory per variant. By default, it does not automatically hide unavailable variants, but you can adjust your settings manually.

Step 1: Enable Inventory Tracking

Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
Navigate to Products and select the product you want to manage.
Scroll down to Inventory and check the Track quantity.
Make sure to continue selling when out of stock is unchecked.

This ensures Shopify recognizes when a variant is out of stock and prevents it from being purchased.

Step 2: Remove Out-of-Stock Variants Manually

Click on the out-of-stock variant you want to hide.
Set the inventory quantity to zero.
Uncheck “Continue selling when out of stock.”
Save your changes.

While this works for smaller stores or products with few variants, it can become time-consuming for larger inventories or frequently changing stock. This is where third-party apps come in handy.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

Third-party Shopify apps can automate the process of hiding out-of-stock variants, saving time and reducing errors. Using an app allows you to use Shopify and hide unavailable variants across your store without manual intervention.

Benefits of Using an App

Automatically hides out-of-stock variants.
Customizable rules for specific products or collections.
Works seamlessly with multiple product variants.
Reduces manual work and human error.

Step 1: Install the App

Go to the Shopify App Store.
Search for a variant management app such as StarApps Variant Hider.
Click Add App and follow the installation instructions.

Step 2: Configure Settings

Open the app from your Shopify admin panel.
Choose whether you want to hide variants automatically when out of stock.
Set rules for specific products, collections, or store-wide applications.
Some apps also allow you to hide unavailable variants in product filters, enhancing search and navigation.

Step 3: Save and Sync

After configuring the app, click Save or Apply.
The app will automatically hide unavailable variants across your store.
Double-check product pages to ensure everything is working correctly.

Using an app is especially useful for stores with large inventories or frequent stock changes, as it keeps your product pages clean and user-friendly without constant manual adjustments.

Best Practices for Managing Out-of-Stock Variants

Hiding unavailable variants is only part of effective inventory management. Consider these additional strategies:

Use “Notify Me” Buttons: Allow customers to sign up for alerts when a variant is back in stock. This keeps your audience engaged even when items are temporarily unavailable.
Monitor Inventory Levels Regularly:; Track which variants frequently go out of stock and adjust procurement or stocking strategies accordingly.
Offer Pre-Orders for Popular Items: Pre-orders allow you to secure sales even when inventory is low, maintaining customer interest.
Provide Alternative Suggestions: If a customer selects an unavailable variant, suggest similar items or colors to prevent losing the sale.
Analyze Sales Trends: Understanding which variants sell fast helps you predict demand and optimize inventory.

Advantages of Hiding Out-of-Stock Variants

Implementing this feature offers multiple benefits:

Enhanced User Experience: Shoppers see only available options, reducing frustration and confusion.
Higher Conversion Rates: Clean product pages encourage faster purchase decisions.
Lower Bounce Rates: Customers are less likely to abandon your store because of out-of-stock frustration.
Professional Store Appearance: A well-managed inventory increases trust and positions your store as reliable and organized.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with apps, you may face occasional problems. Here’s how to address them:

Variants Still Visible: Verify that the app is synced correctly with your Shopify inventory. Ensure stock quantities are accurate.
Caching Issues: Some themes cache variant displays. Clear your cache or refresh theme settings.
App Conflicts: If multiple apps modify product variants, ensure there is no overlap causing display problems.
Theme Compatibility: Check that your Shopify theme supports variant hiding. Some older or heavily customized themes may require additional adjustments.

The Bottom Line

Managing out-of-stock variants is crucial for any Shopify store with multiple product options. Whether you use Shopify's native settings or leverage a third-party app, the goal is clear: provide a smooth shopping experience and maximize conversions.

By using the right tools to shopify and hide unavailable variants, you can streamline your store management, reduce customer frustration, and create a more professional online shopping experience.