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How to fix Shopify cart drops in an Android WebView checkout

Apps that open Shopify checkout in a plain Android WebView often lose the cart after the app goes to the background or the network changes. The fix is to keep the cart on your side and either use Shopify's checkout kit or set the WebView up properly.

At a glance

  1. Use Checkout Sheet KitShopify maintains Checkout Sheet Kit for Android (`com.shopify:checkout-sheet-kit`) for apps that sell through Shopify.
  2. If you keep a WebViewStore the Storefront API cart ID in the app's own storage and fetch `cart { checkoutUrl }` fresh each time the user goes to checkout.
  3. Check it worksAdd items, background the app, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data and reopen it.

Use Checkout Sheet Kit

  • Shopify maintains Checkout Sheet Kit for Android (`com.shopify:checkout-sheet-kit`) for apps that sell through Shopify.
  • Pass it the cart's `checkoutUrl`. It handles the session and redirects, and gives you completed, canceled and failed callbacks.
  • This is the supported path for app-wrapped storefronts.

If you keep a WebView

  • Store the Storefront API cart ID in the app's own storage and fetch `cart { checkoutUrl }` fresh each time the user goes to checkout. Don't reuse an old checkout URL.
  • Turn on third-party cookies (`CookieManager.setAcceptThirdPartyCookies(webView, true)`) and DOM storage.
  • Call `CookieManager.getInstance().flush()` when the app goes to the background, so cookies survive Android ending the process.
  • For signed-in buyers, set `buyerIdentity` on the cart before opening checkout.

Check it works

  • Add items, background the app, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data and reopen it. The cart should reload by its ID with the items intact.

Updated 2026-11-01. General guidance, not advice for your situation; we scope each project in writing before any work starts.

Questions people ask first

Is the cart lost on Shopify's side?

No. The cart lives on Shopify; the app loses its reference to it. Reloading by cart ID brings it back.

Is there an iOS equivalent?

Yes. Checkout Sheet Kit also exists for Swift.

Tell us what you need built.

Tell us the process and the tools involved, or call. We reply with questions or a written scope.

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