Speed checklist: Shopify store loading in under 2 seconds on 4G

Ricardo Lemos · 2026-10-07

Apps that slow things down and how to measure it

Identify the apps installed in your store. Apps like chatbots, pop-ups, and review systems can be heavy. To measure their impact, use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Temporarily disable the apps and test your speed. If your store loads significantly faster, consider removing them or replacing them with lighter solutions.

Images: webp, size, lazy loading

Use images in WebP format, which are lighter without losing quality. Use tools like TinyPNG to optimize image file sizes. Keep each image under 100 KB if possible. Also, enable lazy loading so images only load when the user scrolls down the page. This reduces initial load time.

Lightweight theme vs. good-looking theme

Choose a theme that’s not only visually appealing but also optimized for speed. Heavy themes can have too many elements that slow down loading. Test themes like "Debut" or "Minimal," which are known for being lightweight. Remember: a good-looking theme that’s too heavy can lead to lost sales.

Pixel and CAPI scripts without slowing things down

Facebook Pixel and Conversions API (CAPI) scripts are essential, but they can affect speed. Use asynchronous loading so these scripts don’t block page rendering. This means they’ll load in the background, allowing your store to open quickly.

Test on pagespeed and on a real phone

After applying the optimizations, test again with Google PageSpeed Insights. Aim for a score above 90. Also, run tests on real devices, since performance can vary. Use tools like TestMySite to check your speed on 4G.

By following these steps, you can make sure your Shopify store loads in under 2 seconds, improving the user experience and, consequently, your conversion rate.

How fast does your store load right now, in seconds?