Forcing a staff account to log out on Shopify is an essential security measure when managing your store. Whether you need to end a session for inactive staff, remove access for a former employee, or ensure security after a device change, Shopify allows you to remotely log out staff members from their accounts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to force a staff account to log out on Shopify, ensuring your store remains secure and under control.

Four Reasons to Force a Staff Log Out

Forcing a staff member to log out might seem inconvenient, but it’s necessary to maintain a business’s security and efficiency. Why?

• Security breaches or suspicious activity: Prevent further access to sensitive information, avoiding potential threats and protecting company data.
• Changes in staff roles or access levels: When employees change roles or no longer need access to certain systems, logging them out ensures they don’t unintentionally access information beyond their new responsibilities.
• Staff member leaving the company: When someone leaves the company, it’s crucial to log them out of all systems to prevent any accidental or intentional misuse of company accounts or data after their departure.
• Unauthorized access or forgotten logins on shared devices: In environments where devices are shared, staff might forget to log out, leading to unauthorized access. Forcing a log-out protects company data from being exposed to the wrong people.

Steps to Force a Staff Log Out on Shopify

Step 1: Go to the Settings > Users and Permissions

First, log in to your Shopify admin dashboard, click “Settings,” and choose “Users and permissions.” 

Step 2: Select the Staff Member

• In the Users and Permissions section, you will see a list of staff accounts.
• Find the staff member you want to log out (e.g., Cris Lionel). Click on their name to manage their account.

Step 3: Remove the Staff Access

• Scroll down to the Manage staff access section.
• Click on the “Remove [Staff Name]” button (e.g., Remove Cris Lionel).
• Confirm the action to force the staff member to log out from the store.

After Forcing a Log Out, What Should You Do?

After forcing a logout, taking a few more steps is essential to ensure everything is secure and functioning smoothly. Here’s what you should do next:

• Review Access Permissions: Assess whether the staff member’s permissions need adjustment or if their account should be fully deactivated to prevent unauthorized future access.
• Monitor Activity Logs: Check the activity logs to confirm any suspicious actions before the log-out. Shopify’s activity history can provide insights into actions taken by the account.
• Change Passwords if Necessary: If the log-out was triggered by a security issue, reset passwords for critical accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
• Inform Relevant Team Members: Communicate with your team about the log-out and any changes in access levels or security concerns to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.
• Conduct a Security Audit: Perform a security audit to check for other vulnerabilities, reviewing login locations, devices, and IP addresses for any irregularities.

Bottom Line

By following these steps, Shopify store owners can easily force a staff account to log out on Shopify, keeping your shop secure and your team aligned. This proactive approach helps protect your store from unauthorized access and keeps your operations running smoothly.

FAQs

How do I remove staff access from Shopify?

Go to Settings > Users and Permissions, select the staff member, then click Remove next to their name. Confirm the action to remove their access.

What is the difference between a collaborator and a staff account on Shopify?

A staff account is for employees with direct access to your store’s admin, while a collaborator account is typically for external partners (e.g., developers) who need access without using up staff account limits. Collaborators only have access to the sections you allow.

How do I remove someone from my Shopify account?

Go to Settings > Users and Permissions, choose the user you want to remove, then click Remove next to their name. Confirm the removal.

How do I switch between staff in Shopify POS?

On the Shopify POS app, tap the menu button (three horizontal lines), select Switch user, and choose the staff member you want to switch to. Each staff member will have their login and PIN.