What are webhooks in Shopify?

Automatic notifications sent by Shopify when events happen — like a new order or product update — to keep apps in sync.

How are webhooks different from polling?

Polling checks constantly; webhooks push notifications when events happen — webhooks are more efficient and real-time.

How do I set up webhooks?

In admin under Settings > Notifications, or via the API — specify the events and the endpoint to receive them.

Yes, if you verify signatures — Shopify signs webhooks so you can confirm they're genuine.

What happens if my webhook endpoint is down?

Shopify retries failed webhooks for a period; if still failing, the event is missed — handle failures with retries or queues.

Glossary Term

W

Webhooks

Automatic notifications when events happen — keeping apps and systems in sync.

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Key Takeaways
Webhooks are automatic notifications when events happen.
They're sent by Shopify the moment an event occurs — real-time.
They're more efficient than polling — no constant checking.
They keep apps and systems in sync with Shopify.
They're the real-time glue between Shopify and integrations.

Overview

Webhooks are automatic notifications sent by Shopify when specific events happen — a new order, a product update, a customer signup. Instead of an app polling Shopify constantly to check for changes, Shopify sends a webhook the moment the event occurs — more efficient and real-time.

Webhooks keep systems in sync. When an order is placed, a webhook can notify your fulfillment system; when inventory changes, a webhook can update your ERP. Webhooks are the real-time glue between Shopify and the apps and systems that integrate with it.

Webhooks pair with API (Application Programming Interface) (how systems talk), integrations (what they enable), and third-party apps (which use them). They're a real-time integration tool.

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Why Webhooks Matter for Shopify Merchants

1
Real-Time Sync
Webhooks sync systems in real time — no delays from polling.
2
Efficiency
Webhooks are efficient — no constant polling, less API usage.
3
Automation
Webhooks enable automation — trigger actions when events happen.
4
Accuracy
Real-time webhooks keep data accurate — no stale information.
5
Integration
Webhooks are how apps integrate with Shopify — essential for the ecosystem.

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Using Webhooks Effectively

1
Use webhooks over polling
Use webhooks instead of polling — more efficient and real-time.
2
Secure your endpoints
Secure webhook endpoints — verify signatures to prevent spoofing.
3
Handle failures
Handle webhook failures — retry or queue missed events.
4
Respond quickly
Respond to webhooks quickly — Shopify expects a fast acknowledgment.
5
Use for critical events
Use webhooks for critical events — orders, inventory, customer changes.