How to add an AI chatbot to your Shopify store
Most Shopify support messages are the same five questions: where's my order, can I change it, returns, sizing, and shipping times. An AI agent can answer all five, and actually look up the order, if you install it the right way.
Add an AI chatbot to Shopify either by installing the chatbot's app and switching it on under Online Store → Themes → Customize → App embeds, or by pasting the chatbot's script into your theme's theme.liquid file just before the closing body tag. Then connect it to your Shopify orders so it can answer "where is my order".
Option 1: App embed (recommended)
Chat apps built for Shopify add a theme app embed. In your Shopify admin go to Online Store → Themes → Customize, open App embeds in the left sidebar, switch the chatbot on and save. Nothing in your theme code changes, so theme updates won't break it.
Option 2: Theme snippet
If the chatbot gives you a script instead, go to Online Store → Themes → ⋯ → Edit code, open layout/theme.liquid and paste the script just before </body>. A Fini snippet looks like this:
<script src="https://cdn.fini.ai/widget.js" data-agent="YOUR_AGENT_ID" async></script>Duplicate your theme first so you can roll back.
What a Shopify AI agent should handle
- Order status (WISMO): look up the order by number and email.
- Order changes: address, delivery date or item swaps before fulfilment.
- Returns: check eligibility against your policy and start the return.
- Product questions: sizing, materials, stock and compatibility from product pages.
- Handover: anything unusual goes to your inbox or helpdesk with a summary.
Common mistakes
- Letting the bot promise refunds your policy doesn't allow. Give it the policy page and a clear rule.
- Covering the mobile Add to cart button with the chat bubble.
- Never re-syncing after a sale ends, so the bot quotes old prices.
With Fini.ai
Fini's Shopify install is in early access. You paste your store URL, Fini reads your products and policies, and with order access it can look up and change orders on every plan, including Free. See Fini for e-commerce.
Questions
Does Shopify have a built-in AI chatbot?
Shopify offers Shopify Inbox and its own AI features. Many stores add a dedicated AI support agent for deeper answers and order actions.
Can an AI chatbot track Shopify orders?
Yes, if you grant it read access to orders. It can then answer 'where is my order' with the live status and tracking link.
Will a chatbot slow down my Shopify store?
A well-built widget loads after the page (async) and is small. Check your speed score before and after installing.
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