In short. Edit the product URL handle in Search engine listing, save it, and create a redirect from the old address to the new address if one is missing.
Definition: A Shopify product's URL handle identifies the product in its web address. As of 17 October 2026, Shopify documents editing it in the product's Search engine listing section; a URL redirect sends visits from the old address to the new one.
Key facts
- Shopify's product editing guide places the URL handle field behind the pencil icon in Search engine listing and excludes spaces from the address.
- Shopify's Liquid basics documentation says changing a resource's title after creation leaves its handle unchanged.
- Shopify's SEO documentation treats the page title and meta description as search listing text, separate from the product address.
Where is the product URL edited?
Shopify's product editing instructions give this admin workflow:
- The merchant opens Products and selects the product.
- In Search engine listing, the merchant clicks the pencil icon.
- The merchant changes URL handle and clicks Save.
The same editor contains Page title and Meta description. The handle field changes part of the product's web address. Shopify generates a URL and handle when a product is created and advises against frequent handle changes because the product might stop displaying in search results.
How is the old address redirected?
Shopify's redirect guide documents a separate creation workflow. After the handle change, any missing redirect can be added under Content > Menus > View URL Redirects > Create URL redirect. Redirect from takes the old address; Redirect to takes the new address. Save redirect saves the mapping.
For a destination on the primary domain, Shopify specifies a relative URL, meaning a path without the domain. An illustrative mapping for a handle change follows:
Redirect from: /products/old-handle
Redirect to: /products/new-handle
The same guide says redirects work only from broken URLs, such as addresses returning a 404 page, which indicates missing content. An old address that still loads a valid page cannot activate the redirect.
What should be checked after saving?
Shopify's redirect troubleshooting instructions say redirects start working immediately. Testing the old address checks whether it reaches the intended destination. If it fails, the documented checks include typos in both fields and whether the source still serves an active page. Clearing the browser cache or testing on another device is another documented troubleshooting step.
Shopify's handle documentation also instructs merchants to update references that identify a resource by its handle when that handle changes.
Related terms
- How do I edit a Shopify page's search listing?
- How do I create a URL redirect in Shopify?
- Can a Shopify redirect replace a URL that still serves content?
FAQ
Does changing the product title change its URL handle?
No. Shopify's handle documentation says that changing a resource title after creation leaves its handle unchanged. You edit the handle separately.
Can the new handle contain spaces?
No. Shopify's product guide excludes spaces from the product web address.
Can the redirect destination include the full domain?
Shopify's redirect guide specifies a relative URL for destinations within your primary domain and a full URL for destinations outside it.
Sources
- Shopify Help Center, "Adding keywords for SEO to your Shopify store", accessed 18 October 2026
- Shopify Help Center, "Adding and updating products", accessed 18 October 2026
- Shopify Help Center, "Creating and managing URL redirects", accessed 18 October 2026
- Shopify Developers, "Liquid basics", accessed 18 October 2026
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