Setting up Crawler Access Signature

AI crawlers now visit online stores far more than they used to. To protect stores, Shopify limits automated visits more often, and that can include Link Manager's site scan. When a scan is limited, it can stop early and miss broken links.

A crawler access signature tells Shopify that you allowed Link Manager to scan your store.

Set up your crawler access signature

Step 1: Configure Shopify Settings

From the Shopify Sales Channels → Online Store menu → Crawler Access section:

https://admin.shopify.com/store/ableshoes/online_store/preferences

Click Create signature:

1. In the 'Create new signature' window add:
   • Signature name: enter a name you will recognize, for exampleAblestar Link Manager
   • Domain: keep your primary domain, the one marked "(Primary)"
   • Expires in: specify 90 days
2. Click Create signature to add and save

Copy the created Signature and Signature value, once created and save for the next step:

Step 2: Configure Link Manager Settings

From the Link Manager → Settings menu → Crawler section, copy in the Signature values:

Click Save to apply changes and an Active badge should now appears on your settings, along with an expiration date.

FAQs

What happens when the signature expires?

After 90 days the signature expires, and Link Manager shows Expired. Scans keep running, but without the signature. Create, copy and paste a new signature in Shopify to the Link Manager settings to keep scans reliable.

Is it safe?

Yes. The signature only lets Link Manager view your public store pages, the same pages any visitor sees. It doesn't give access to your admin, orders, customers or checkout.

Link Manager says the signature is not valid. What should I do?

Check that you copied both values from the same signature, used the copy buttons, and picked your primary domain. If it still doesn't work, create a new signature and paste it again.

I changed my primary domain. Do I need a new signature?

Yes. A signature only works on the domain it was created for. Create a new one for your new primary domain.