How to add an age verification popup to your Shopify store

With the GSC Email Marketing, Pop Ups app, you can set up an age verification popup on Shopify in minutes without writing a single line of code. The popup appears as soon as a visitor lands on your store, covering the page until they confirm their age. If they meet the required age, they can proceed. If they don’t, you can redirect them elsewhere.

Here is an example:

The popup functions as a gatekeeper for your store. Its design and text are fully customizable. You can modify the messaging, adjust the age limit, add a checkbox for additional confirmation, and match the popup’s appearance to your store’s branding.

In the tutorial below, we’ll show you how to add an age verification popup to your Shopify store, using the free plan of the GSC app.

How to set up an age gate in Shopify

Adding an age verification popup is straightforward. Just choose a template, customize it, and publish it on your store. Below is a step-by-step walkthrough.

Step 1: Select a template

Visit the template gallery right on the GSC website and click through the templates to preview them in fullscreen mode.

Once you find the right design, select Get this template → to send it to your dashboard.

If you’ve installed the app and signed up by this moment, the selected template will open right in editing mode.

Step 2. Edit the text

All text fields on the popup are editable. If you need to increase the age requirement from 18 to 21, simply click on the text and update it. You can also add additional instructions or disclaimers.

Some businesses include a legal notice to reinforce compliance or a short explanation about why verification is required. This could be particularly useful if your customers may not expect an age restriction.

Step 3. Set up button actions

By default, the popup template includes two buttons: one closes the popup and allows visitors to enter the site; another one redirects underage users elsewhere.

Click on the affirmative button to confirm the action applied to it: Close widget.

The negative button (e.g., “I'M UNDER 21”) is meant to redirect visitors away from your store. To set up the redirection URL, click on the button and select the Open URL action. Then, enter the page where you want to send underage visitors, such as an informational page or an external resource.

If your Shopify store sells a mix of age-restricted and unrestricted products, you can create an alternative experience for underage visitors. Instead of blocking them completely, you might redirect them to a separate collection page featuring products they can purchase legally.

Step 4. Replace the background image

To match the popup to your store’s branding, you can change the background image, colors, and fonts. Click on the background image to upload your own or select a stock image from the built-in stock gallery.

The Theme menu at the top lets you adjust fonts and colors to align your Shopify age gate with the store’s aesthetic.

For mobile optimization, switch to mobile preview mode at the bottom of the editor. This allows you to see how the popup will appear on different screen sizes, and understand whether you need to adjust the text or the background image.

Step 5. Set display conditions

By default, the age verification popup appears as soon as a visitor lands on your website, regardless of the page they land on. However, you can refine when and where it displays based on your store’s requirements. All the targeting settings and display conditions are available under the Targeting tab.

In the Targeting tab, you can:

• Target specific pages: Display the age gate only on certain pages of your store or exclude specific pages.
• Target by location: Create different age gates for visitors from different countries or states (premium feature).
• Target by product tags: Show verification only for specific product categories or vendors (premium feature).
• Set reasonable display frequency: Use the “Stop to display” feature to prevent the popup from appearing repeatedly for customers returning within a short period.

If your Shopify store serves multiple customer segments, you can create different versions of the popup tailored to specific products or regions. For example, you might need one age verification popup for visitors in the U.S. with a 21+ requirement and another for other markets with an 18+ restriction.

Activate your Shopify age verification popup

Once your settings are in place, click Continue → to save the popup and close the editor. Then follow the prompts to activate the popup.

If Getsitecontrol is already connected to your Shopify store, the age gate will go live immediately.

Test the popup to ensure it behaves as expected. You can always return to the dashboard to make adjustments, whether it’s updating the design, changing the age limit, or modifying display conditions.

Your Shopify age verification is live

Setting up an age gate for your Shopify store doesn’t have to be complicated. With the GSC app, you can create a professional-looking age verification popup in just a few clicks – no coding or theme modifications required.

This solution is ideal for Shopify stores selling:

• Alcohol and spirits
• Cannabis and CBD products
• Online gambling services
• Adult content
• Tobacco and vaping products
• Restricted-access communities

Whether you need age verification storewide or only on select pages, GSC provides the flexibility to implement and customize the process seamlessly.

By ensuring that only eligible customers can access certain products, you’re not just staying compliant – you’re also building trust with your audience. A well-implemented age gate reassures customers that you take legal and ethical responsibilities seriously.

Ready to add an age verification popup to your Shopify store? Choose a template, tailor it to your brand, and ensure only age-appropriate visitors can access your content.