· DataEase · Tutorials  · 2 min read

Bulk Delete Orders in Shopify

Important: Shopify does not allow deleting real/completed orders in bulk. You can bulk cancel them (which archives the orders). Actual deletion is only possible for Draft Orders.

DataEase provides two workflows: cancel/archive real orders, or permanently delete Draft Orders—both in bulk with validation.

🎯 Goal

Understand what you can and can’t remove in bulk: Shopify does not allow deleting real/completed orders. You can bulk cancel them (which archives the orders). Actual deletion is only possible for Draft Orders.

Option A — “Delete” Effect by Canceling (Archives Orders)

1. Export Orders

In DataEase, go to New Export → Orders. Include at least:

  • id
  • name (order number)
  • Statuses

Use filters (date range, financial/fulfillment status) to target the set.

2. Prepare the File

Open the exported file in Excel or Google Sheets. For the rows you want archived:

  • Add the column action
  • Set it to CANCEL

When done, save the file as .xlsx or .csv.

3. Import & Validate

  1. In DataEase, start New Import → Orders
  2. Upload your edited file
  3. Map columns
  4. Run Validation

Fix any issues in the validation report.

4. Run the Import

After validation passes, click Run Import to cancel the orders in Shopify.

Once complete, confirm the selected orders are now archived (canceled).

Option B — Permanently Delete Draft Orders in Bulk

1. Export Draft Orders

In DataEase, go to New Export → DraftOrders. Include:

  • id
  • name (optional)
  • createdAt

2. Prepare the File

Open the exported file in Excel or Google Sheets:

  • Keep only draft orders you want to remove
  • Set command = DELETE

When done, save the file as .xlsx or .csv.

3. Import & Validate

  1. In DataEase, start New Import → DraftOrders
  2. Upload your edited file
  3. Map columns
  4. Run Validation

4. Run the Import

After validation passes, click Run Import to delete the draft orders from Shopify.

Once complete, verify that the draft orders are gone.

📝 Important Notes

  • Live orders cannot be deleted in Shopify (including via apps/API). Use CANCEL to archive them
  • If you created test orders for QA, delete them individually in the Shopify Admin
  • Consider compliance workflows (refunds, redaction/anonymization) if you’re removing customer data
  • Prefer matching by id for reliability. Always keep a backup export before destructive changes

💡 Minimal CSV Examples

Archive by canceling:

id,action
gid://shopify/Order/123,CANCEL
gid://shopify/Order/456,CANCEL

Delete draft orders:

id,command
gid://shopify/DraftOrder/789,DELETE
gid://shopify/DraftOrder/790,DELETE

🎉 That’s it!

Your orders are now archived or deleted in bulk, depending on which option you chose.
If you run into any issues or have questions, feel free to contact our support team.

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