The best phone system for a Shopify store depends on how many calls you get. A small store taking a handful of calls a day needs a business number that rings the team, takes voicemail and handles texts, without call-centre software. A store with a support team taking hundreds of calls benefits from a helpdesk or call-centre tool that shows Shopify order data during the call. Shopify itself does not include a phone system, so either way you add one.
Key points
- Shopify has no built-in phone line; every option is a separate service.
- Small stores: a business phone service with shared numbers, voicemail transcription and SMS, such as LimePhone from $9 a month.
- Large support teams: a helpdesk or call-centre tool with a native Shopify integration that shows orders in the call screen.
- Whatever you choose, texting matters. Many shoppers prefer an SMS about their order to a call.
What a Shopify store needs from a phone system
- A business number customers can call and text, local or toll-free.
- Ring groups, so a call rings several people at once on web and mobile.
- Business hours and voicemail, with transcription so you can read messages between orders.
- Two-way SMS for delivery questions, returns and order updates.
- A shared inbox, so the team sees who replied to whom.
- Call recording and notes, useful when a dispute or chargeback comes up.
- Integrations with your helpdesk or CRM if you already use one.
The options, by store size
| Option | Best for | Shopify order data on calls | Texting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business phone service (LimePhone) | Stores with 1–5 people answering | No | Yes, two-way SMS |
| Helpdesk with voice (for example Gorgias) | Support teams who live in a helpdesk | Yes | Check the plan |
| Call-centre software (for example Aircall) | High call volume, queues and reporting | Through integrations | Check the plan |
| Your personal mobile | Not recommended | No | Yes, but from your private number |
Where LimePhone fits
LimePhone is built for small and growing teams. Every plan includes a US, UK or Canadian number, unlimited incoming calls and texts, voicemail transcription and a shared inbox, with calling in the browser and the Android app. Starter ($19 a month) adds AI call summaries and three users; Growth ($49 a month) adds an AI voice agent with 100 minutes a month and five users.
LimePhone does not have a native Shopify app, so order details are not shown on the call screen. If your team needs Shopify order data inside the phone tool, look at a helpdesk with a Shopify integration and check its voice features.
How to choose
- Count your calls. Under about 20 a day, a business phone service is enough.
- List who answers. One owner needs mobile apps and voicemail; a team needs ring groups and a shared inbox.
- Check texting. If customers text about orders, make sure the number supports two-way SMS.
- Check where your customers are. Pick a number in your main market, and check international calling rates if you sell abroad.
- Run a free trial and make real test calls before you publish the number.
For the set-up steps, see how to add a phone number to Shopify.
How we checked
LimePhone prices and per-minute rates in this article come from the live LimePhone rate table and plan list, checked on October 24, 2026. Rates change; the current figures are always on the rates page and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Shopify have a phone system?
No. Shopify does not provide phone numbers or calling. You add a separate phone service and show its number in your theme.
What is the best phone system for a small Shopify store?
A business phone service with a shared number, voicemail transcription and SMS, such as LimePhone from $9 a month. Call-centre software is usually more than a small store needs.
Do I need a Shopify integration for my phone system?
Only if many people answer calls and need to see order details during them. Small teams can keep Shopify admin open alongside the phone.
Can I text Shopify customers from a business number?
Yes. LimePhone plans include outbound texts and unlimited incoming texts on the same number. Marketing texts need the customer's SMS consent.
Should a Shopify store use a toll-free number?
A toll-free number suits a national brand; a local number suits a store with a strong local customer base. Either can be shown in your theme.
About the author
Vincent Hawley writes LimePhone's guides to business phone numbers, international calling and calling over the internet.
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