Shopify Inbox is one of the best free live chat apps for e-commerce merchants in 2025. It offers seamless Shopify integration, AI-powered instant answers, and real-time customer insights. The free tool includes automated responses, multimedia support, and valuable customer data to help you convert browsers into buyers while providing excellent customer service.
Free alternatives to Shopify Inbox include Tidio with its live chat and AI chatbot features, and Dondy for WhatsApp marketing. Tidio offers better sales support with chatbot and live chat in one help desk, while Dondy specializes in WhatsApp automations and abandoned cart recovery. Both have free plans but may require additional setup compared to Shopify's native integration.
To set up Shopify Inbox, first install the app from the Shopify App Store. Once installed, you can access your conversations on the web at inbox.shopify.com or download the iOS/Android mobile app. Customers can start conversations from your online store chat, and you can respond from desktop or mobile devices across staff members.
Configure your chat settings and appearance through the Shopify admin by navigating to Inbox settings. You can customize the chat window appearance, set business hours, configure welcome messages, adjust chat buttons, and set up agent avatars. These settings ensure your chat matches your brand and provides a consistent customer experience.
Yes, you can manage Shopify Inbox across multiple stores. On desktop, click the store name in the top left and select the store you want to switch to. On mobile, tap the menu button and select your desired store. You'll receive notifications for each store you're logged into and can easily switch between inboxes to manage customer conversations.
