Easy Tech TutsHow to Fix Inventory Not Tracked Shopify & Learn to Stop Tracking Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Seeing 'Inventory not tracked' on a Shopify product can be confusing, especially when you're not sure whether it's an error or an intentional setting. This guide explains why Shopify shows that message, how to turn on inventory tracking for products that need stock counts, and how to deliberately stop tracking inventory for items you always want available. It's aimed at store owners who want accurate stock visibility without unexpected sold-out errors.
01Understand why inventory isn't tracked
Shopify shows this status when a product's variant hasn't had inventory tracking turned on, meaning it won't show low-stock or sold-out states.
02Enable inventory tracking for a product
Open the product's inventory settings and turn on tracking so Shopify starts counting stock as orders come in.
03Stop tracking inventory for unlimited items
For products you never want to run out of, such as digital goods or made-to-order items, turn tracking off so they stay available regardless of stock count.
04Fix availability display issues
If a product isn't showing availability correctly, check that its tracking setting matches how you actually manage that item's stock.
05Apply best practices across your store
Review your full product catalog to make sure tracked and untracked items are set intentionally, not left on Shopify's default.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Shopify say a product's inventory isn't tracked?
It means tracking was never turned on for that variant, so Shopify isn't counting stock levels or triggering sold-out states for it.
Should I track inventory for every product?
Not necessarily; physical stock items usually benefit from tracking, while digital products or unlimited-supply items are often better left untracked.
Will turning off inventory tracking let customers order out-of-stock items?
Yes, untracked products stay purchasable regardless of how many you actually have, which is the point for unlimited-availability items.
Can I turn inventory tracking back on after disabling it?
Yes, you can toggle tracking on or off for a product at any time from its inventory settings.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
