Easy Tech TutsHow to Add Barcodes to Shopify Products, Purchase & Generate Barcodes on Shopify Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Barcodes make inventory tracking, checkout, and syncing with POS systems far smoother as your Shopify catalog grows. This guide covers how to add barcodes to existing products, generate them with Shopify's tools, and purchase official barcodes when needed.
01Add a barcode to an existing product
Open a product in your Shopify admin and enter its barcode, such as a UPC, EAN, or ISBN, in the inventory section.
02Generate barcodes with Shopify's tools
Use Shopify's Retail Barcode Labels app or a similar tool to generate printable barcode labels for your products.
03Purchase official barcodes if needed
If your products don't have real UPC or EAN codes yet, purchase official barcodes from a recognized provider before listing them.
04Sync with third-party apps or POS
Once barcodes are assigned, they'll be available for syncing with inventory apps or point-of-sale systems that rely on scanning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need official barcodes to sell on Shopify?
Not necessarily for your own store, but official UPC or EAN codes are typically required if you plan to sell on marketplaces like Amazon or major retailers.
Can I create custom barcodes for internal use only?
Yes, you can assign custom SKU-based barcodes for internal inventory tracking without purchasing official UPC or EAN codes.
Does Shopify POS require barcodes?
Barcodes aren't strictly required for Shopify POS, but they make scanning and checkout significantly faster for physical retail.
Where can I buy legitimate barcodes for my products?
Official barcodes are typically purchased through GS1 or an authorized reseller to ensure they're unique and recognized by retailers.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
