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Review date: 2025-09-02

How to Add a Countdown Timer to Shopify Checkout: Complete Guide for Conversion Optimization

Learn how to add a countdown timer to your Shopify checkout page using Checkout Ninja to create urgency and reduce cart abandonment.

Prerequisites​

  • Shopify Plus store (required for checkout extensibility)
  • Admin access to your Shopify store
  • Checkout Ninja app installed and configured

Video Tutorial​

Step-by-Step Guide​

Step 1: Install the Checkout Ninja App from Shopify App Store​

  1. Search for Checkout Ninja: Go to the Shopify App Store and search for "Checkout Ninja".

Checkout Ninja Search Results

  1. View App Details: Click on "Checkout Ninja - Customizer" to view the app details and features.

Checkout Ninja App Details

  1. Install the App: Click the "Install" button to add Checkout Ninja to your store.

Step 2: Create a New Checkout Timer Block​

  1. Select Create Advanced Blocks: Open the Checkout Ninja app and select "Create Advanced BLock" from the left menu.
  2. Create a New Checkout Block: Click on the "Create Checkout Block" button.

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Step 3: Configure Timer Block Title and Settings​

  1. Enter a Title for Your Block: Enter a title for your block, for example, "Timer Block."

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Step 4: Set Up Countdown Timer Parameters and Display Rules​

  1. Rule Section (Optional):

    • In the rule section, specify the conditions under which the block should be displayed. For example, you can set rules based on cart total, customer tags, etc.

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  2. Block Section:

    • Select Block Type: Choose "Timer" from the block type dropdown menu.
    • Time Text Field: Enter the time in minutes. For example, type "1" for one minute or "10" for ten minutes.
      • The timer field is optional and can be any text. You don't have to follow a strict format or even enter a value; whatever you type will be displayed as entered.
    • Running Timer Content: Enter the content to be displayed while the timer is running. For example: 
      Just a reminder: Your special offer ends in {{time}} . Don’t miss out!
      • {{time}} will dynamically display the time from the time field.
    • Label After Countdown: Enter the message to be displayed after the countdown ends. For example: 
      Time’s up! Your cart has expired.
    • UI Template Field: Try different templates we have pick one of them.
    • Translate Field: Translate field is to translate the minutes and second in your language. Give yes or no, it will automatically translate.

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Step 5: Deploy Timer Block to Shopify Checkout Editor​

  1. Save the Block: After configuring your timer block, save your changes.

  2. Copy the Block ID: Copy the block ID for later use.

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  3. Open Checkout Editor from Settings: Click on Open Checkout Editor button. 4.png

  4. Add App Block: Click on the "Add App Block" button.

  5. Select Custom Block: Choose "Custom Block" from the menu. 6.png

  6. Paste the Block ID: Paste the block ID you copied earlier and save the changes. 7.png

  7. Make the Block Live: Save the changes in the checkout editor page.

Step 6: Test Your Timer​

  1. Test the Timer Block: Go through the checkout process to ensure the timer appears correctly and displays the expected messages.

Tips​

  • Timer Duration: Start with 10-15 minutes for most products
  • Messaging: Use action-oriented language like "Complete your order now"
  • Dynamic Variables: Use {{time}} to display remaining time in your messages
  • Mobile Testing: Always test on mobile devices where most abandonment occurs