Add a Return Button to the New Shopify Customer Account

Overview

Shopify has deprecated its legacy customer accounts. Because the new Shopify customer accounts do not support Edit code, merchants can no longer use the legacy deep-link method to add a return button. This article explains how the new AfterShip Returns extension integrates with the new Shopify customer account to display a Request return button on the Orders and Order status pages. When a signed-in shopper selects this button, AfterShip Returns redirects them to your branded returns page (hosted on the AfterShip URL).

Note: If you're still using legacy customer accounts, Shopify recommends upgrading to the new customer accounts before setting up this extension. The new customer account supports no-code app customizations (including AfterShip Returns), passwordless sign-in, and built-in self-serve features. You can revert within 30 days of upgrading. See Shopify's Upgrading to customer accounts from legacy customer accounts guide for step-by-step guidance.

Table of Contents

1. Prerequisites
2. Set up the return button
3. Shopper experience

• Orders page
• Order status page
• Return window behavior

4. FAQ

Prerequisites

• Before you set up the extension, make sure AfterShip Returns has the View all orders permission in your Shopify admin. This permission is required for the return button to function correctly.

Go to Shopify admin > Apps > AfterShip Returns > Update data access (will automatically appear) > Update

Set up the return button

1. In your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Checkout.
2. Select Edit to open the Checkout editor.
3. In the topbar, select Apps.
4. Find AfterShip Returns, then add the action to the Orders and Order status pages.
5. Select Save.

Shopper experience

Orders page

A Request return button appears on each order listed on the Orders page.

Order status page

A Request return button appears on the order status page for eligible orders.

When a shopper selects Request return, AfterShip Returns redirects them to your branded returns page (the AfterShip-hosted URL).

Return window behavior

The return button availability depends on your configured return window start date:

FAQ

Why do I see two return buttons on the account?

This happens when both the AfterShip Returns extension and the Shopify native return portal are active at the same time. To resolve this, disable the Shopify native return portal in your Shopify settings.

Can shoppers be redirected to my proxy URL instead of the AfterShip URL?

Not currently. Proxy URL redirect support is on the roadmap. When it becomes available, AfterShip Returns will automatically redirect shoppers to your proxy URL. We'll update this article when the feature ships.

Key takeaways

• Shopify's new customer account removed "Edit code," breaking the legacy return button. This new extension is the fix.
• Works on all AfterShip Returns plans but limited to Shopify users only.
• Signed-in shoppers can start a return directly from their account, no order number or verification needed.
• Requires the View all orders Shopify permission to function.
• Setup takes four clicks in the Shopify Checkout editor, no code or developer needed.
• Return button appears on two pages: the Orders list and the Order status page.
• Return window setting controls button visibility,  Order date shows the button on all orders whereas Fulfillment or Delivery date limits it to fulfilled orders only.
• If the Shopify native return portal is also active, shoppers will see two buttons, merchants must disable the native one.
• Proxy URL redirect is not yet supported. AfterShip's hosted URL is the only destination for now.

Updated on: 15/06/2026