How to Password-Protect Shopify Blog Posts (No Apps, No Expiry Links)

Shopify allows easy previewing of draft blog posts; however, the generated links expire after 48 hours, cannot be customized or styled, and lack password protection. They’re useful for short-term testing — not for long-term sharing or controlled access.

If you need to share a blog post privately — with partners, collaborators, or VIP customers — this guide will walk you through how to create a password-protected post using only native Shopify tools.

The method outlined here is lightweight, SEO-friendly, fully Shopify-native, works with any theme, and can be implemented quickly without relying on third-party apps.

When to Use This Approach

Operating a Shopify store involves continuous testing, launching, and collaboration. This method is beneficial when you need to:

• Soft-launch blog content to a private audience
• Deliver partner-exclusive or affiliate-first resources
• Gate tutorial content without adding new tools
• Preview content without using expiring links

Key Advantages of This Approach

A straightforward, scalable solution for Shopify brands requiring private blog content without additional tools or complexity.

• No reliance on third-party apps or customer logins
• No impact on checkout or customer experience
• Works across any Shopify plan
• Fully reversible and compatible with all themes
• Quick to implement using only Shopify’s native tools

A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

This method uses a custom blog post template, a single metafield, and a lightweight password prompt implemented with JavaScript.

1. Create a Custom Blog Post Template

1. Go to Online Store > Themes > Edit code
2. Under Templates, click Add a new template
   • Type: article
   • Name: password
3. Shopify will generate article.password.liquid

2. Add the Password Gate Code

Paste the following into article.password.liquid:

<div class="page-width" style="padding: 4rem 0;">
  <div id="password-wrapper" class="article-template" style="max-width: 500px; margin: 0 auto; text-align: center;">
    <header class="article-template__header">
      <h2 class="article-template__title">Enter password to view this article</h2>
    </header>

    <form id="password-form" style="display: flex; gap: 1rem; justify-content: center; margin-top: 2rem;">
      <input
        id="blog-password"
        type="password"
        class="field__input"
        placeholder="Enter password"
        style="max-width: 200px;"
      >
      <button type="submit" class="button button--primary">Unlock</button>
    </form>

    <p id="error-msg" style="color: #d72c0d; display: none; margin-top: 1rem;">Incorrect password. Try again.</p>
  </div>

  <div id="protected-content" class="article-template" style="display: none;">
    <div class="page-width">
      <header class="article-template__header">
        <h1 class="article-template__title" itemprop="headline">{{ article.title }}</h1>
        <div class="article-template__meta">
          <span class="circle-divider">{{ article.published_at | date: "%B %d, %Y" }}</span>
          <span itemprop="author">{{ article.author }}</span>
        </div>
      </header>

      {% if article.image %}
        <div class="article-template__image-container">
          <img
            src="{{ article.image | image_url: width: 1200 }}"
            alt="{{ article.image.alt | escape }}"
            class="article-template__image"
            loading="lazy">
        </div>
      {% endif %}

      <div class="article-template__content rte" itemprop="articleBody">
        {{ article.content }}
      </div>

      <footer class="article-template__footer">
        <a href="{{ blog.url }}" class="article-template__link">← Back to blog</a>
      </footer>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

<script>
  document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    const form = document.getElementById('password-form');
    const input = document.getElementById('blog-password');
    const wrapper = document.getElementById('password-wrapper');
    const content = document.getElementById('protected-content');
    const error = document.getElementById('error-msg');
    const required = "{{ article.metafields.custom.password_protect | escape }}";

    form.addEventListener('submit', function(e) {
      e.preventDefault();
      if (input.value.trim() === required) {
        wrapper.style.display = 'none';
        content.style.display = 'block';
      } else {
        error.style.display = 'block';
      }
    });
  });
</script>

This uses your theme’s default input and button styles, ensuring visual consistency.

Note: Theme compatibility matters here.

The password gate code above works on most Shopify themes, but depending on how your theme is structured, it might need small adjustments — especially if the layout or content classes are different.

If you see errors or the layout breaks, don’t worry. Even if you’re not a developer, you can still fix it using ChatGPT. Follow this guide to learn how to customize your Shopify code using ChatGPT — it walks you through exactly how to adapt the code for your store’s theme.

3. Create a Blog Post Metafield

1. Go to Settings > Custom Data > Blog posts
2. Click Add definition
3. Name it Password Protect
4. Set namespace and key to custom.password_protect
5. Type: Single line text
6. Save

4. Add a Password to a Blog Post

1. Go to Content > Blog posts
2. Open the post you want to restrict
3. In the Metafields section, enter a password (e.g., preview2025)
4. Save the post

5. Assign the Template

1. Return to the blog post editor
2. In the Theme Template dropdown, select password
3. Save

The blog post is now gated. Visitors will need to enter the correct password to view it.

Common Questions

Is this secure?

This is a soft gate, suitable for casual protection but not for sensitive data, as the password is exposed in the client-side code.

Can I set different passwords per post?

Yes. Each post has its own metafield value.

Can I use this for product or page templates?

Yes. This method can be adapted to any Shopify template type.

Growth Ideas Keep Piling Up? Let’s Clear Your Bottleneck

If you’re a Shopify brand overwhelmed with growth ideas and limited time to execute them, I can help.

I work with Shopify brands that want to test new growth marketing ideas but don’t have the time or team to execute them. If that’s you — message me on LinkedIn.