Add a WhatsApp button to the Shopify Dawn theme
Dawn and every other Online Store 2.0 theme support app embeds, so you can add a floating WhatsApp button without editing theme code. Install a widget app, switch on its app embed in Theme Editor, and save. The same steps work on Sense, Craft, Refresh and paid 2.0 themes.
By Mousa Alhelo, founder, E-SAFQA · Updated · 4 min read · How we write and test these guides
Steps for Dawn
- Install WhatsApp Pilot and save your country code and WhatsApp number in Settings.
- In Shopify Admin go to Online Store → Themes → Customize on your Dawn theme.
- Click the App embeds icon in the left sidebar, find WhatsApp Pilot and switch it on.
- Press Save in the top right corner. The button now appears on your storefront.
- Back in the app, open Floating Widget to set position, colors, greeting and the pages it shows on.
Positioning tips for Dawn
- Dawn's cart drawer opens from the right, so keep a bottom offset that clears the checkout button, or place the widget on the left.
- If you use Dawn's sticky add-to-cart bar on mobile, raise the vertical offset so the two do not overlap.
- Match the hover color to your Dawn accent color and keep WhatsApp green for the button itself.
Button not showing? Check these
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing appears on any page | The app embed is off, or you saved it on an unpublished theme |
| Shows on the homepage only | The Free plan covers the homepage; Pro adds product, collection, cart and other pages |
| Hidden on mobile or desktop | Check device visibility on the Floating Widget page |
| Appeared, then vanished after a theme change | Enable the app embed again on the new theme |
| Missing on checkout | Expected: Shopify does not allow app embeds on checkout pages |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to edit theme.liquid?
No. App embeds add the button without touching theme code, and uninstalling the app removes it cleanly.
Does it work on vintage themes?
App embeds need an Online Store 2.0 theme. Older themes need a manual wa.me link.
Ready to put WhatsApp to work on your store?
Start with the free widget. Upgrade to Pro for order messages, cart recovery, the smart product button, back-in-stock alerts and Product Demand.