How to Change the Shopify Subscription / Preorder Buyer Consent Text

(“One or more items in your cart is a deferred or recurring purchase…”)

Overview

When selling subscription/preorder products in Shopify, customers may see a notice in the cart or checkout that says:

This message informs customers that their order includes a subscription/preorder or recurring charge. Shopify automatically adds this consent text for compliance purposes, but you can customize the wording in your theme’s language settings.

This guide explains how to update the subscription/preorder buyer consent text and includes placeholder sections where you can insert screenshots for your help center.

Before You Start

• You must have Admin access to your Shopify store.
• The text is controlled by theme language content, not product settings.
• Changes apply to the published theme only.

Step 1 — Open the Theme Language Editor

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin.
2. Navigate to Online Store → Themes.
3. Locate your active (published) theme.
4. Click the three dots (⋯) button.
5. Select Edit default theme content (or Edit languages).

Step 2 — Search for the Subscription Consent Message

1. Inside the language editor, locate the search bar.
2. Search using keywords such as:

• • subscription
  • recurring
  • deferred
  • purchase
  • consent

3. Look for text similar to: One or more items in your cart is a deferred or recurring purchase…

Step 3 — Edit the Consent Text

1. Update the wording according to your store’s requirements.
2. Ensure the message clearly explains that the purchase includes recurring billing.
3. Click Save.

Step 4 — Verify the Changes on the Storefront

1. Add a subscription / Preorder product to your cart.
2. Open the cart or proceed to checkout.
3. Confirm the updated consent message appears correctly.

![📸 Screenshot Placeholder

(Insert screenshot showing the updated consent message displayed in the cart or checkout page)](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/6/9/b/f69b1402a211d800/image_b75m4j.png)

Example Custom Wording (Optional)

Default Example

Custom Example

Important Notes

• Shopify requires subscription / Preorder disclosure for compliance; avoid removing consent meaning entirely.
• Some subscription apps may override this text with their own messaging.
• Checkout layout customization may be limited depending on your Shopify plan.

Troubleshooting

Text did not update

• Confirm you edited the published theme.
• Clear browser cache and refresh.
• Check additional languages if your store supports multiple languages.

Cannot find the text

• Try broader search keywords such as “purchase” or “agreement”.
• Verify the subscription app is not controlling the message.

FAQs

Q: Can I completely remove the subscription consent message?

A: No. Shopify requires subscription disclosure for compliance and customer transparency. You can customize the wording, but the meaning must remain clear.

Q: Why can’t I find the deferred purchase text in the language editor?

A: The message may be controlled by a subscription app instead of the theme. Check your subscription app settings or try searching broader keywords like purchase or agreement.

Q: Will changing this text affect checkout functionality?

A: No. Editing language content only changes the displayed wording and does not impact checkout logic or subscription billing.

Q: Do I need Shopify Plus to change this text?

A: No. Editing language content is available on all Shopify plans. However, deeper checkout layout customization requires Shopify Plus.

Q: Why does the old message still appear after editing?

A: Try clearing your browser cache, testing in an incognito window, or confirming you edited the published theme and correct store language.

Q: Can I add links (like Terms or Subscription Policy) inside the consent text?

A: Yes. The language editor supports basic links if your theme allows HTML formatting. Always test the checkout afterward to ensure links display correctly.

Updated on: 01/03/2026