Why Is My Online Store Loading Slower After Deleting Unused Apps?

By Tony Ng.
June 29th, 2024

Why Is My Online Store Loading Slower After Deleting Unused Apps?

Introduction

If you've recently noticed that your online store is loading slower after deleting unused apps, you're not alone. Many Shopify users face similar issues when trying to streamline their store by removing apps they no longer use. In this detailed guide, we will explore why this happens, the underlying causes, and actionable steps you can take to resolve the issue and improve your store's performance.

Identifying the Problem

When you delete unused apps from your Shopify store, you expect your site to perform better. However, that's not always the case. Instead, you might experience slower load times, which can affect your customer experience and sales. To fully understand why this happens, we need to identify the main problems and possible causes.

Leftover Code

One of the primary reasons for a slower site is leftover code from the apps you deleted. When an app is uninstalled, the code it added to your theme files often remains. This redundant code can still run in the background, increasing load times and impacting your store's performance.

Theme Customization

Many apps require changes to your theme files to function correctly. These modifications might remain even after the app is uninstalled, leading to slower page loading times.

Render Blocking

JavaScript and CSS files from uninstalled apps might still be loading with your page. These render-blocking resources can significantly delay your site's loading times, frustrating visitors and potentially impacting your search engine rankings.

How to Resolve the Issue

To get your online store back to its optimal loading speed, follow these steps to clean up leftover code, optimize your theme, and improve overall performance.

Step 1: Identify Leftover Code

Check for leftover code by looking through your theme files, especially theme.liquid, header.liquid, and footer.liquid. You might find script tags, third-party libraries, or custom code blocks that were added by the deleted apps.

Step 2: Remove Leftover Code

Delete any redundant code you find. Be cautious and consider backing up your theme files before making any changes. If you're unsure what to remove, consider seeking help from a Shopify expert or using a code editor with version control.

Step 3: Optimize Render Blocking Resources

Using Async and Defer Attributes

For JavaScript files, use async and defer attributes to load them asynchronously. This will prevent them from blocking the rendering of your page.

<script src="example.js" async></script>
<script src="example2.js" defer></script>

Minimize CSS and JavaScript Files

Minify your CSS and JavaScript files to reduce their size and improve load times. Tools like UglifyJS for JavaScript and CSSNano for CSS can help with this.

Step 4: Implement Lazy Loading

Lazy loading defers the loading of non-critical resources, such as images, until they are needed. This can significantly reduce initial load times and improve the user experience.

How to Implement Lazy Loading

Add the loading="lazy" attribute to your images.

<img src="example.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Example Image">

For background images and other non-image resources, consider using JavaScript libraries like lazysizes.

Step 5: Fix Core Web Vitals

Google's Core Web Vitals measure your website's loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas for improvement.

Key Metrics

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures loading performance.
First Input Delay (FID): Measures interactivity.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measures visual stability.

Follow the recommendations provided by these tools to optimize your Core Web Vitals.

Step 6: Optimize for Mobile Devices

Given that a majority of users access websites through mobile devices, it's crucial to ensure your site is mobile-friendly. Use tools like Google's Mobile-Friendly Test to identify and fix any issues.

Step 7: Regularly Audit Your Store

Conduct regular audits of your Shopify store to identify and fix performance issues. Use tools like Shopify's Performance Report and third-party auditing tools to keep your website optimized.

Common Questions and Answers

What Should I Do If I Can't Identify Leftover Code?

If you're unable to identify and remove the leftover code yourself, consider hiring a Shopify expert to do a thorough audit and cleanup of your theme files.

How Can I Avoid This Issue in the Future?

Before uninstalling an app, check if the app provider offers a proper uninstallation guide or service. This can help ensure all related code is removed. Additionally, regularly review and clean your theme files to maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Understanding why your online store is loading slower after deleting unused apps is crucial for maintaining a high-performing website. By identifying leftover code, optimizing render-blocking resources, implementing lazy loading, and addressing Core Web Vitals, you can significantly improve your store's loading speed and user experience. Regular audits and proactive maintenance will help you avoid similar issues in the future, ensuring a smooth and successful eCommerce operation.