What are user roles in Shopify?

Permission levels for staff accounts — controlling who can see and do what in your store.

What user roles does Shopify offer?

Owner (full access), Staff (configurable), and Limited (specific tasks). Shopify Plus adds custom roles.

How do I add a staff member?

In admin under Settings > Users, add a staff member and assign a role with appropriate permissions.

Can I create custom roles?

On Shopify Plus, yes — create custom roles with granular permissions tailored to your team.

What's the principle for assigning roles?

Least privilege — give each person the minimum access they need to do their job, no more.

Glossary Term

U

User Roles

Permission levels for staff — controlling who can see and do what in your store.

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Key Takeaways
User Roles are permission levels for staff accounts.
They control who can see and do what in your store.
Shopify offers Owner, Staff, and Limited roles.
Shopify Plus adds custom roles with granular permissions.
Roles limit access to what each person needs — reducing risk.

Overview

User Roles are permission levels assigned to staff accounts in Shopify — controlling who can see and do what in your store. Shopify offers roles like Owner, Staff, and Limited, and on Shopify Plus, custom roles with granular permissions.

User roles protect your store. Not every staff member needs full access — a fulfillment person doesn't need to see customer data; a marketer doesn't need to issue refunds. Roles limit access to what each person needs, reducing the risk of mistakes or misuse.

User roles pair with two-factor authentication (security for staff), security settings (the broader topic), and account settings (where staff are managed). They're a security and operations tool.

1

Why User Roles Matter for Shopify Merchants

1
Security
Roles limit access — staff only see what they need, reducing breach risk.
2
Mistake Prevention
Limited roles prevent mistakes — a staff member can't accidentally delete the store.
3
Accountability
Roles create accountability — each person's access is defined.
4
Compliance
Roles help with compliance — some regulations require access controls.
5
Team Scalability
Roles let you add staff safely — each with the right level of access.

2

Setting Up User Roles Effectively

1
Use least privilege
Give each staff member the minimum access they need — no more.
2
Use Limited roles
For specific tasks (fulfillment, marketing), use Limited roles — not full Staff.
3
Review access periodically
Review who has access — remove access for staff who leave or change roles.
4
Use custom roles on Plus
On Shopify Plus, create custom roles with exactly the permissions you need.
5
Require 2FA
Require two-factor authentication for all staff — security on top of roles.